![Top 67 Best Tribal Cross Tattoo Ideas – [2022 Inspiration Guide]](https://nextluxury.com/wp-content/uploads/Small-Tribal-Cross-Tattoo-shawnohmite-1.jpg)
Top 67 Best Tribal Cross Tattoo Ideas – [2022 Inspiration Guide]
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
Source: @artofchee via Instagram
Source: @chadreisenwebertattooartist via Instagram
Source: @sampique_tatouage via Instagram
Source: @stephtattoos99 via Instagram
Source: @tattoosbythomgreen via Instagram
Source: @trademarcstudio via Instagram
2. Celtic Themed Tribal Cross Tattoos
Source: @adrianlotattoo via Instagram
Source: @bar_omeara via Instagram
Source: @bikervvitch_tattooer via Instagram
Source: @carlozart_90 via Instagram
Source: @irishjaytattooer via Instagram
Source: @juan_reyes_tattoos via Instagram
Source: @kevin_bradleyjr via Instagram
Source: @ohitsmejosh via Instagram
Source: @robynmarshalltattoo via Instagram
3. Forearm Tribal Cross Tattoo Ideas
Source: @2braveart via Instagram
Source: @carloaemos via Instagram
Source: @conartistries111 via Instagram
Source: @franco.francischastey via Instagram
Source: @ittz_paul via Instagram
Source: @jandrade8608 via Instagram
Source: @matthewbrowntattoo via Instagram
Source: @omerta_drk_art via Instagram
Source: @s.raven.s via Instagram
Source: @saberscribbles via Instagram
Source: @tattooist_wolae via Instagram
Source: @uncensoredvikaskujur via Instagram
Source: @united_ink2424 via Instagram
Source: @whittaker_ant_tattoos via Instagram
Source: @followyourdreamstattoo via Instagram
4. Gothic Tribal Cross Tattoos
Source: @daviduelh via Instagram
Source: @gabriele_doublesoul via Instagram
Source: @garyhessstudios via Instagram
Source: @kononart via Instagram
Source: @kumaratattoostudio via Instagram
Source: @notis.compungo via Instagram
Source: @paperstreetstudiolancs via Instagram
Source: @tattoojuansanchez via Instagram
5. Tribal Cross Leg Tattoos
Source: @lele_kurama_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @tattoosby_ak via Instagram
6. Polynesian Cross Tattoo Ideas
Source: @chrissamsoni via Instagram
Source: @dat1sa via Instagram
Source: @sefoink via Instagram
Source: @skinscribe via Instagram
Source: @tattoosbytheironrhino via Instagram
Source: @tru_manukan via Instagram
Source: @vrodtattoos via Instagram
7. Small Tribal Cross Tattoo Art
Source: @ferdylawless via Instagram
Source: @bugsy805 via Instagram
Source: @denise_tpinto via Instagram
Source: @gallery55tattoos_rotorua via Instagram
Source: @michaelabarber66 via Instagram
Source: @natthetatt via Instagram
Source: @shawnohmite via Instagram
Source: @yan_tattooist via Instagram
Source: @eve.ink.style via Instagram
8. Upper Arm Tribal Cross Tattoo Ideas
Source: @davemcewanillustratecreate via Instagram
Source: @donniemartell via Instagram
Source: @ellierosetattoo via Instagram
Source: @freeartcoloriribelli via Instagram
Source: @gamsungpali via Instagram
Source: @inkstattoopune via Instagram
Source: @lndependentinkbyb via Instagram
Source: @mateobradley66 via Instagram
Source: @smoothinked via Instagram
Source: @susantattoo via Instagram
Source: @tattoos_by_jim_eastman via Instagram
Source: @the_light_bearer_ via Instagram
Tribal Cross Tattoo FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
