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Next Luxury • Tattoo Ideas • Top 67 Best Tribal Cross Tattoo Ideas – [2022 Inspiration Guide]

Top 67 Best Tribal Cross Tattoo Ideas – [2022 Inspiration Guide]

Top 67 Best Tribal Cross Tattoo Ideas – [2022 Inspiration Guide]

  • by — Jono Elderton

Cross Tattoos Tribal Tattoos

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 the tattoo.

This allows the subject a greater degree of freedom in style.

Many tribal cultures worldwide, including those of the Polynesian Islands, NZ Maori, and the Celtic/Norse of Europe and Scandinavia, opt to tie in their religious faith with unique elements of their society’s tattoo culture.

The following collection of 67 tribal cross tattoos showcase many different interpretations of the cross that can provide you inspiration for your next design.

1. Tribal Cross Tattoos for the Back

Tribal Cross Back Tattoo artofchee

Source: @artofchee via Instagram

Tribal Cross Back Tattoo chadreisenwebertattooartist

Source: @chadreisenwebertattooartist via Instagram

Tribal Cross Back Tattoo sampique_tatouage

Source: @sampique_tatouage via Instagram

Tribal Cross Back Tattoo stephtattoos99

Source: @stephtattoos99 via Instagram

Tribal Cross Back Tattoo tattoosbythomgreen

Source: @tattoosbythomgreen via Instagram

Tribal Cross Back Tattoo trademarcstudio

Source: @trademarcstudio via Instagram

2. Celtic Themed Tribal Cross Tattoos

Celtic Tribal Cross Tattoo adrianlotattoo

Source: @adrianlotattoo via Instagram

Celtic Tribal Cross Tattoo bar_omeara

Source: @bar_omeara via Instagram

Celtic Tribal Cross Tattoo bikervvitch_tattooer

Source: @bikervvitch_tattooer via Instagram

Celtic Tribal Cross Tattoo carlozart_90

Source: @carlozart_90 via Instagram

Celtic Tribal Cross Tattoo irishjaytattooer

Source: @irishjaytattooer via Instagram

Celtic Tribal Cross Tattoo juan_reyes_tattoos

Source: @juan_reyes_tattoos via Instagram

Celtic Tribal Cross Tattoo kevin_bradleyjr

Source: @kevin_bradleyjr via Instagram

Celtic Tribal Cross Tattoo ohitsmejosh

Source: @ohitsmejosh via Instagram

Celtic Tribal Cross Tattoo robynmarshalltattoo

Source: @robynmarshalltattoo via Instagram

3. Forearm Tribal Cross Tattoo Ideas

Tribal Cross Forearm Tattoo 2braveart

Source: @2braveart via Instagram

Tribal Cross Forearm Tattoo carloaemos

Source: @carloaemos via Instagram

Tribal Cross Forearm Tattoo conartistries111

Source: @conartistries111 via Instagram

Tribal Cross Forearm Tattoo franco.francischastey

Source: @franco.francischastey via Instagram

Tribal Cross Forearm Tattoo ittz_paul

Source: @ittz_paul via Instagram

Tribal Cross Forearm Tattoo jandrade8608

Source: @jandrade8608 via Instagram

Tribal Cross Forearm Tattoo matthewbrowntattoo

Source: @matthewbrowntattoo via Instagram

Tribal Cross Forearm Tattoo omerta_drk_art

Source: @omerta_drk_art via Instagram

Tribal Cross Forearm Tattoo s.raven s

Source: @s.raven.s via Instagram

Tribal Cross Forearm Tattoo saberscribbles

Source: @saberscribbles via Instagram

Tribal Cross Forearm Tattoo tattooist_wolae

Source: @tattooist_wolae via Instagram

Tribal Cross Forearm Tattoo uncensoredvikaskujur

Source: @uncensoredvikaskujur via Instagram

Tribal Cross Forearm Tattoo united_ink2424

Source: @united_ink2424 via Instagram

Tribal Cross Forearm Tattoo whittaker_ant_tattoos

Source: @whittaker_ant_tattoos via Instagram

Tribal Cross Forearm Tattoo followyourdreamstattoo

Source: @followyourdreamstattoo via Instagram

4. Gothic Tribal Cross Tattoos

Gothic Tribal Cross Tattoo daviduelh

Source: @daviduelh via Instagram

Gothic Tribal Cross Tattoo gabriele_doublesoul

Source: @gabriele_doublesoul via Instagram

Gothic Tribal Cross Tattoo garyhessstudios

Source: @garyhessstudios via Instagram

Gothic Tribal Cross Tattoo kononart

Source: @kononart via Instagram

Gothic Tribal Cross Tattoo kumaratattoostudio

Source: @kumaratattoostudio via Instagram

Gothic Tribal Cross Tattoo notis.compungo

Source: @notis.compungo via Instagram

Gothic Tribal Cross Tattoo paperstreetstudiolancs

Source: @paperstreetstudiolancs via Instagram

Gothic Tribal Cross Tattoo tattoojuansanchez

Source: @tattoojuansanchez via Instagram

5. Tribal Cross Leg Tattoos

Tribal Cross Leg Tattoo lele_kurama_tattoo

Source: @lele_kurama_tattoo via Instagram

Tribal Cross Leg Tattoo tattoosby_ak

Source: @tattoosby_ak via Instagram

6. Polynesian Cross Tattoo Ideas

Polynesian Tribal Cross Tattoo chrissamsoni

Source: @chrissamsoni via Instagram

Polynesian Tribal Cross Tattoo dat1sa

Source: @dat1sa via Instagram

Polynesian Tribal Cross Tattoo sefoink

Source: @sefoink via Instagram

Polynesian Tribal Cross Tattoo skinscribe

Source: @skinscribe via Instagram

Polynesian Tribal Cross Tattoo tattoosbytheironrhino

Source: @tattoosbytheironrhino via Instagram

Polynesian Tribal Cross Tattoo tru_manukan

Source: @tru_manukan via Instagram

Polynesian Tribal Cross Tattoo vrodtattoos

Source: @vrodtattoos via Instagram

7. Small Tribal Cross Tattoo Art

Tribal Cross Shoulder Tattoo ferdylawless

Source: @ferdylawless via Instagram

Small Tribal Cross Tattoo bugsy805

Source: @bugsy805 via Instagram

Small Tribal Cross Tattoo denise_tpinto

Source: @denise_tpinto via Instagram

Small Tribal Cross Tattoo gallery55tattoos_rotorua

Source: @gallery55tattoos_rotorua via Instagram

Small Tribal Cross Tattoo michaelabarber66

Source: @michaelabarber66 via Instagram

Small Tribal Cross Tattoo natthetatt

Source: @natthetatt via Instagram

Small Tribal Cross Tattoo shawnohmite

Source: @shawnohmite via Instagram

Small Tribal Cross Tattoo yan_tattooist

Source: @yan_tattooist via Instagram

Small Tribal Cross Tattoo eve.ink.style

Source: @eve.ink.style via Instagram

8. Upper Arm Tribal Cross Tattoo Ideas

Tribal Cross Upperarm Tattoo davemcewanillustratecreate

Source: @davemcewanillustratecreate via Instagram

Tribal Cross Upperarm Tattoo donniemartell

Source: @donniemartell via Instagram

Tribal Cross Upperarm Tattoo ellierosetattoo

Source: @ellierosetattoo via Instagram

Tribal Cross Upperarm Tattoo freeartcoloriribelli

Source: @freeartcoloriribelli via Instagram

Tribal Cross Upperarm Tattoo gamsungpali

Source: @gamsungpali via Instagram

Tribal Cross Upperarm Tattoo inkstattoopune

Source: @inkstattoopune via Instagram

Tribal Cross Upperarm Tattoo lndependentinkbyb

Source: @lndependentinkbyb via Instagram

Tribal Cross Upperarm Tattoo mateobradley66

Source: @mateobradley66 via Instagram

Tribal Cross Upperarm Tattoo smoothinked

Source: @smoothinked via Instagram

Tribal Cross Upperarm Tattoo susantattoo

Source: @susantattoo via Instagram

Tribal Cross Upperarm Tattoo tattoos_by_jim_eastman

Source: @tattoos_by_jim_eastman via Instagram

Tribal Cross Upperarm Tattoo the_light_bearer_

Source: @the_light_bearer_ via Instagram

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Tribal Cross Tattoo FAQs

What does a tribal cross tattoo symbolize?

A cross is primarily known as a symbol for sacrifice, unity and love. It is the universal reference point for Christianity. 

There are varied purposes for getting inked with the cross. It’s often symbolic for both individuals and groups of believers, but also reveals stories of hope, triumph, and joyful celebrations. 

What does a Celtic cross tattoo mean? 

The Celtic Cross is famed in tattoos around the world, but the true meaning behind this ancient symbol is still contested.   

Some believe that the circle on the cross represents the Roman Sun god Invictus, while others say it symbolizes Jesus’ halo when he was nailed to the cross.  

Still others say that it is simply a holdover from pagan religions, arguing that the iconic image is a combination of an armed cross within a circle—a common pagan symbol —and the Christian cross.  

What do Polynesian cross tattoos mean?

Polynesian crosses are the intersection of religious faith and cultural/societal ink. 

Most Polynesian Islanders are followers of God, so like to match their faith with their societal beliefs in tattoo culture, incorporating the cross into storytelling designs and rites of passage. 

Do I have to get a cross tattoo from a specific culture?

No, many tattoo collectors who want a cross tattoo want to create a more individual experience than just inking a simple wooden cross.

By getting a tribal themed tattoo, you can add personal flair, whether it’s with color, patterns and shape, size, or the type of cross tattoo used.

What kind of cross should I use for my tribal style tattoo?

There is an amazing amount of worldly cross designs you can get for your religious/tribal fusion tattoo. Some possibilities include: 

  • A wooden cross 
  • Latin cross 
  • Greek cross 
  • Egyptian Ankh 
  • Tau cross 
  • Maltese cross 

For the lapsed or unbelieving, the Gothic cross or inverted cross may be applied but may create issues with practicing Christians, while the iron cross’ relationship with Nazism and white supremacy make it a definite no no. 

Jono Elderton

Writer

Jono writes about booze and tattoos for Next Luxury, having spent nearly two decades experiencing both in a variety of situations around the globe.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) from the University of Canberra and a Graduate Diploma of Professional Writing from Deakin University.

Jono writes about booze and tattoos for Next Luxury, having spent nearly two decades experiencing both in a variety of situations around the globe.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) from the University of Canberra and a Graduate Diploma of Professional Writing from Deakin University.

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