Tribal style face tattoos are becoming more prevalent as collectors use the previously taboo area for interesting depictions of self-expression. Previously, only the Maori Ta’Moko and traditional cultural designs from Polynesia were employed for facial art with any degree of community acceptance (and even that was minimal). Currently though, the stigma of getting a highly visible ‘jobstopper’ tattoo seems to...
Adding flowers to traditional tribal tattoo themes makes for interesting body art designs. Rather than relying solely on heavily patterned black ink tattoo design, flowers can add color opportunities, stylistic and symbolic differences to a range of positions. Collectors most often look to incorporate their favorite flower - suchas roses, lotus flowers, and hibiscus - with elements of shape and pattern...
Tribal cross tattoo designs have become an interesting form of ink based self-expression. While most are linked with Christianity, tribal cross ideas take on more individual concepts than simple cross tattoos in black ink. There are no specific patterns to a tribal cross; the layout, placement, and style of cross used depends entirely on the preferences of the individual collecting...
Contemporary Celtic tribal tattoo often features complex knotwork concepts, a mix of traditional and Christian symbolism, and fierce animal motifs. The Celtic tribes of the Iron Age brightly dyed their hair and had indigo stained skin from the native Woad plant were prevalent. Tattoos were held over for important rites of passage or for recognition of great valor in battle....
A bear tattoo does more than just show off your animalistic side. They contain a great deal of symbolism in traditional tribal tattoo design. Many ancient cultures have legends that bears were connected to the spiritual world, and they are often tattooed as links to strength, ferocity in battle, healing, and bravery. Norse mythology believed that Odin, the god of...
When most people consider the prospect of a tribal tattoo, the idea of large scale, highly detailed and elaborate body art immediately comes to mind, and for good reason. However, there are a lot of tribal tattoo ideas that factor in simple black ink tattoos, or small-scale designs made to fit contemporary locations like the wrist, hands, and neck. The...
Women’s tribal tattooing functions in a similar way to those of men’s designs. They exemplify rites of passage, personal achievement, tribal status, animal motifs, or kinship and community references. Women’s tribal ink can also signify protection and strength. Many tribal tattoos for women are etched in the same manner of those of the men, with commitment to black ink tattoos...
Polynesian tribal tattoos are most often connected with rites of passage or a significant transformation. Modern designs feature all kinds of unique styles and can often be applied to non-members of the cultural society. The shoulders, arms, and sides are the most popular areas on the body for tribal tattoos. The designs are made to accent or emphasize the shapes...
When most people think of tribal tattoos they think of the large scale, intricate Polynesian pieces or fearsome face tattoos of the NZ Maori. Others think of massive black ink designs popular for all sorts of different people in the early 2000s. The truth is that some of the most symbolic, interesting tribal designs are etched very small but pack...
Tribal influenced rose tattoos have maintained their popularity despite a downturn in other expressions of this design type that were hugely popular in the early part of the century. Tribal rose ink allows the colorful rose design to work against the flowing lines and rich black ink patterns that tribal tattoos most often deploy in their concepts. Others choose to...
