Popular Tribal Tattoo Ideas

Tribal Tattoos, although may appear to be simple at times, are undoubtedly appealing and among the most popular today. This article will help those especially new to the world of tattoos in general and particularly, Tribal Tats. The following walk through history will help shed light on some of the different Tribal Tattoo Ideas used throughout the decades.

The most common Tribal Tats found today dates back to the polynesians who used black, geometric tatau ornaments which appeared to be silhouette-like in many ways. In Europe, sailors were attributed for the earliest Tribal Tat ideas - they originated from Tahiti and were added together with the sailors' own maritime-themed designs. Over the years, they have evolved to become what is known as traditional tattoos.

Over in America, Leo Zulueta and Don Ed Hardy, an innovator, were both responsible for an exciting Tribal Tats boom in 1982 when they started "Tattoo Time", a magazine on tattoos. Featuring native Borneo and Samoan tattoos, it quickly popularized these tattoo ideas as a form of interesting tattoo style and design.

As illustrated from above, these modern day tattoos have strong ties and affiliation with natives and tribes from different parts of the world. It was from there that they slowly evolved into the Tribal Tattoo ideas we have today. Although it has been said that a handful of tattoo parlors and tattoo artists would turn down tribal tattoo designs due to their simplicity, a lot of tattoo enthusiasts begs to differ. Tribal Tats, as a matter of fact, needs articulate skill to be tattooed on the difficult body parts in order for it to look naturally "grown". In addition, it has also been said that the coloring of these tattoos requires a steady hand.

You can find an assortment of tribal tat ideas ranging from tribal armbands, flames, black, crosses, stars, tigers and an assortment of motives and designs that are based on tribal motives. Personally, I have 3 tribal tattoos tattooed on different parts of my hands - one of a tribal flame on my right shoulder, one of a tribal motive which I designed on my left shoulder and another circular tribal design on my right wrist.

My advice to all those who are out to get their own tribal tattoos would be to pick one that you feel connected or feel strongly about. Doing so will bring out the personality and individuality in you.

Tribal Band Tattoo

Tribal Band Tattoo Placement

These type of inked skin art are simply designs that wraps a particular part of one's body and provides a look of a bracelet or a neckband. As remarked earlier, band tattoos, typically refer to armband tatua designs that are carved on the upper arms. But these can additionally be carved to circle around the leg area above the ankles. Some individuals also get these tattoos around the fingers of the hand. Tribal band tattoos for guys are greater in magnitude and appear magnificent on well built biceps. While the tribal band tattoos for females are generally petite and have delicate designs. A tribal band tattoo that circles around the waist line looks very sensuous on women.

Tribal Band Tattoo Designs

When you are planning to have a tribal band tattoo, you have a choice of design alternatives furthermore you can choose the one that you like the most. You can pick a Hawaiian style design or a Celtic designed tattoo. If you desire to move for more unique design, then you can obtain a tribal tattoo in addition to your name in the center and a continuous chain like pattern surrounding it. You can also acquire your name inked on top of the band tattoo. Tribal zodiac tattoos are always in fashion and you include this in your design ideas. Tribal band tattoos with names are also extremely popular. Get your zodiac symbol inked in the midpoint and an appropriate band design carved around it.

Tribal Tattoos

Since thousands of years tribal tattoos are being inked into the skin of human beings. The practice may somewhat differ from what tattooing means now but people still get tribal tattoos done on their skin because of their striking design and appearance. Earlier tattoos were done mainly with the reason of belonging to a tribe. People with the same type of tattoo on their skin belonged to the same tribe. Apart for this reason there were also many other reasons for getting a tattoo.

For some tribes tattooing was a path to social status. The Maori tribe was one among them. The Maoris were a tribe of New Zealand and tribal tattoos let them ride the ladder of social status. Their tattoos were known as Moko designs. But Moko designs were not only used for social status, it was also used for health purposes. They believed that by tattooing Moko designs on their skin they can preserve their youth. That is why women of Maori used to tattoo their lips and chins. An old story says when an old woman started losing her eyesight; she tattooed her hands and face in order to gain back her eyesight.

In Hawaii, the inhabitants had their own tattoo God, temples for tattoo Gods and also tattoo priests. Before starting a tattooing session they used to pray to the tattoo God to make the process less painful, so that the person upon whom the tattoo is done doesn't die and the wounds heal as fast as possible and they also pray for design to be beautiful.

Some tribes of Cambodia and far eastern countries used practiced the concept of yantra tattoos amongst themselves. It was done mainly with the purpose of warding off the 'evil eye'. But they definitely had a deeper meaning. Modern day scientists and doctors are looking beyond the tribal people's purpose of doing the yantra tattoo. They have opened up to the concept of treating ailments through the process of acupuncture.

In the earlier days some people used to get tattooed to show their passage from childhood to adulthood. It was believed that if a boy can not tolerate the pain of tattooing then he will not be a good warrior and so he would have chances of being secluded from the tribe. On the other hand it was believed that if a girl can not take the pain of tattooing then she will not be able to tolerate the pain of childbirth.

From 1970s tribal tattoos again came to light. People started wanting tribal tattoos with simple designs and deeper meanings. People started looking for their own origins to make their own unique tribal tattoos. Thus they created a new form of tribal tattoo known as the neo-tribal tattoo.

Tribal Band Tattoo Meanings

Tribal tattoos are most likely the most popular tattoo designs these days. These tattoos among their dark colors plus distinctive patterns create spectacular body artwork intended for both for men and women. These designs are geometrical with aggressive decorative lines that contain toothed sides. They are generally etched in shades of bold colors like black as well as blue. Tribal tattoos are unique in general and the artwork do not depict any explicit object. These patterns are simply curvy creative examples of inked artwork.

Tribal tattoos do not belong any certain culture and have principally originated from various tribes all over the world. Aztec tribal tattoos, Polynesian tribal tattoos Chinese tribal tattoos, Hawaiian tattoos, etc., are a few of the tattoos that fall into under tribal tattoo designs. At the present, let us encourage on to identify the significance of some of the tribal tattoo's meanings.

Tribal Band Tattoo Meanings

At one particular time in man's history it is thought that tribal people had these inked artwork on their bodies to represent the communal or spiritual rank among the tribes. Moreover, it is also thought that since there were so many dissimilar tribes, a tattoo might assist to identify a member belonging to a distinct tribe. Certain say that acquiring tribal ink art aided an person to link up with the same tribe following re-birth. While some believed that these inked skin art had several magical powers that were transferred to the inked artwork owner. Say, if an entity had a dragon tattoo, then it was supposed that the "tatua" bearer possessed the strength of a dragon. These days these translations are less significant and tribal tattoos are considered the same as a beautiful piece of art. Tatua is the Polynesian word for tattoo.

Lower Back Tattoos are So Popular for Women

There are a few places on a women's body that that are considered very sensual. This of course varies some in different cultures but for many cultures the nape of the neck and the lower back are often considered some of the most sensual areas of a women's body. Thus it is obvious to see why lower back tattoo designs have become so popular in the last few years.

Lower back tattoos for women are really one of the most sensual and erotic types of tattoos a women can get. They are the perfect type of tattoo for a women. They can easily be covered up for work and formal occasions and yet easily exposed for informal settings. A friendly pair of low rise jeans or a comfortable pair of sweats can easily expose and show off a lower back tattoo.

Thus easy ability to hide or show the lower back tattoo not only has increased it's popularity but it also increases it's desirability or sensuality. We have all heard the saying " leaving a little to the imagination" well that is exactly what a lower back tattoo design does and it creates a very tantalizing and sensual appeal. Often the lower back tattoo design will be tattooed just around the waist line. So often a lower back tattoo design just peeks over the top of the waist line and yet remains partially hidden. This partially hidden part of the tattoo has an amazing way of peeking a persons curiosity and catches the viewers attention. Along with being sensual and secretive or hidden the lower back tattoo can also be something that is shared between lovers and an intimate secret that is known only to each other.

The shape and designs that are often associate with lower back tattoos of course help enhance the look and appeal of the over all area also. The lower back tattoo design is usually has a shallow curvature to it that fits into the curves of a females back and the natural curves of her hips. The lower back tattoo design is an enhancement of an already incredibly beautiful part of the body and it just accentuates its beauty.

Typically lower back tattoo designs are kind of long and rectangular in nature with a slight upward curvature to them. Organic and natural things like flowers, vines, stars, and so on often make great lower back tattoos. Typically winged creatures also work very well in this area as the wings can kind of stretch out across the lower back. Dragonfly tattoos, angel tattoos and even hummingbird tattoos can all work very well in this area with some vines, flowers or plants to enhance the winged creature. Of course there is also the classic tribal and Celtic tattoos that can often fit into this space very well also. The options are pretty much limitless and up to your imaginations.

Even though you have a lot of options to choose from to get a tattoo that you will really enjoy for the rest of your life it is important to just not pick something because it is pretty at the time but instead look into the symbolism and meaning of the elements of your design. For example a lotus flower in many cultures celebrates a spiritual journey or awakening of sorts. While winged animals like fairies, butterflies, and even angels tend to represent freedom and happiness. While a lion, panther or tiger is often symbolic of strength and power which might be important for the person. So thinking about the symbolism behind the design elements is important. It is also important to pick symbols that hold value and speak to you.

The traditional way of getting a tattoo has been to go to the local tattoo parlor and pick a tattoo from the available flash designs on the wall or even pay the artist extra and have them create a custom design tattoo for you. However you now have a lot more freedom with the internet where you can post a job for a custom tattoo design and have lot of tattoo artists bid for the work. This of course allow you to get a unique tattoo that was design just for you and something that incorporates the symbols and feelings that you want expressed.

Scorpion Tattoo Designs

 

Scorpions bring about a various array of emotions such as feelings of fear, awe or other strong emotions in people and due to this reason, they are chosen as powerful representations in the form of body tattoos. Being considered by many in a negative and positive light, they make up for controversial yet interesting body tattoos. A scorpion tattoo may be partial, complete, realistic or may have spiritual relations also. So thererfore they are pretty diverse in their applications which is why they are so popularly used in the tattoo business.

Tribal Scorpion: These are normally the popular choices for tattoos. They are represented by curvy lines or sharp points. An interesting feature of theirs is that they are able to represent the scorpion spiritually but refrain from arousing any fear that people normally associate with them.

Scorpion Parts: These sort of tattoos are drawn like a costume or a uniform with the various details of the anatomy of the arachnid tattooed all over the body. It could be the sharp claw drawn on the arm, the exoskeleton of the scorpion on the underbelly or the tail running right up to the back.

Scorpio: These are representative of the astrological importance and meaning of the arachnid. In these the symbol of the scorpion as they are represented in the horoscope can be drawn or it is sometimes also done by fusing the scorpion with the symbol of the Scorpio that is usually the symbol M. The personal traits of the scorpio as well as of the people born under this sign can also be written down in English or some foreign language.

Realistic: Realistic Tattoos are represented as line drawings or shading.The tattoo can also have colour too but it must have a shocking effect taking in consideration its entomological aspects.

Sleeve: This is represented by intricate yet beautiful designs on the arm or forearm where the scorpion is represented as interacting with the other elements one would like to have on their sleeves. The elements could be something related to the individuals or it could just complement the tattoo.It could be the scorpion fighting or standing on these elements.

Kanji Tattoos - How To Pick A Kanji Tattoo

 

In Japan, three writing systems are used. Kanji is the oldest among these and using this script whilst making a tattoo is a popular choice among many who wish to get inked. The thing to keep in mind is that you should be sure about the meaning of the tattoo that you use.

First of all decide on the meaning of your tattoo. Kanji is a foreign language and this should be kept in mind that not all translations carry the same meaning that you intend to send. You may want the name of your loved one, or something that represents something that matters to you like Patience, Serenity, Loyalty, Strength or Love.

Instead of depending on the tattoo designer to interpret the language for you in order to use it as a design on your body, do the research yourself as many of these designers may not use authentic translation books. Therefore consult a true speaker of the language itself to avoid any wrong translation.

Seek the internet for popular phrases or symbols in Kanji that you can use for your tattoos. There are also translation tools on the net so you can search for a word multiple times on different websites in order to find the most accurate.

Books are useful references when it comes to research on Kanji related symbols or words. Using then will enhance your research and will allow you to compare the symbols with the more popular ones that have been used often. The books can be found in the library or at some tattoo shops if they have one.

Refer to someone who knows the language fluently and one who can translate your desired word for you. If you do not know someone, then visit the language department of some college who can assist you with the Kanji language and translate it for you.

One can also pay for the service of translating the words into Kanji. There are many translator services available but they of course require a fee to translate your words. Although such services require money, it is better to be accurate with your tattoo rather than use an incorrectly translated design on your body.

Butterfly Tribal Tattoos

Butterfly tribal tattoos are now famous because it represents beauty, grace, refinement and fragility. There are different sizes and shapes of butterfly tattoo designs that are most loved by men and women. Butterfly tattoos also come in different color schemes that ranges from two-tones to colorful ones. Butterfly tattoos known for its unique, gorgeous and striking colors. Anyone who has a butterfly tattoo can be a head turner. For sure, you have seen or come across people with butterfly tattoos because people are going crazy about it.

Females choose butterfly tattoos because it symbolizes magic, metamorphosis, femininity and rebirth. Most women want their butterfly tattoos tattooed on ankles, shoulders, lower back area, upper back area, chest and armbands or just about anywhere. With the huge number of butterfly images available, it can take quite some time to choose the perfect butterfly tattoo design. People who have chosen butterfly tattoos may have gone through a transformative experience in life and want to express it in the form of butterflies.

Butterfly tattoos are so famous that even high profile celebrities are choosing it. Drew Barrymore has a butterfly tattoo under her navel. Britney Spears and Paris Hilton also have butterfly tattoos, which prove that butterfly tattoos are feminine tattoos. Nowadays, more and more women and even men are considering butterfly tattoos.

There are instances and traditions where butterflies are used to signify witches, abundance and divine love. If you wish to have a butterfly tattoo, choose the one that represents your personality. Aside from representing metamorphosis, butterfly tattoos also symbolize life, freedom or life after death. With all the different butterfly tattoo designs, you can absolutely choose one that reflects your personality.

Oftentimes, many people ask about the meaning of the butterfly. In some cultures, butterflies are recognized as a bringer of bad news or bad luck, while most people regard it as a symbol of new life or a new beginning. The earlier cultures believed that caterpillars die to give life to the butterfly, which made them assume that butterflies are bad luck. The latter focused on the rebirth of the caterpillar through the butterfly, which made the significance of the butterfly tattoo popular.

In Japanese culture, butterflies are known as the embodiment of one's soul. In Chinese culture, the butterfly represents young love of a young heart. They believe that it is a symbol of grace and is associated with romanticism.

There are hundreds of tattoo designs such as Hawaiian tribal tattoos, tribal bear tattoos and so much more. However, why do most females prefer butterfly tattoos? Many females choose butterfly tattoo designs for its symbolism and specification while some people choose it because of its appearance, without ever knowing its representation. When you go to a tattoo parlor, you will find pre made designs of butterfly tattoos or you can have it customized. Butterfly tattoo is one of the most popular tattoo designs among females because it helps them to convey their feminine side. They can choose from small to big and bold tribal butterflies and still there are hundreds of designs to choose from.

Butterfly tattoos are often placed on the back. Other women put the butterfly tattoo on their ankles and wrist, or on their chest. However, there are no rules concerning where you want to put a tattoo. You can have it hidden under clothing if you are looking for a job because some companies have restrictions when hiring people with body art. Those who consider tattoo as a fashion trend show off their tattoos and make it visible for others to see. If you want to have a butterfly tattoo, make sure that you choose the best design that reflects your personality. Also, choose the perfect spot so that other people can appreciate it.

Koi Tattoos Symbol of Wisdom and Strength

 

Although koi tattoos designs are popular due to its association with oriental (Japanese and Chinese) myths, it is gaining more attention from the western society due to its symbolical meaning. The koi is basically a symbol that represents perseverance during the time of adversity. It is perceived to be of strength in character and wisdom. It is also a symbol of longevity as koi fishes can live up to thirty years or for some lucky ones, up to 200 years. This character of longevity is further represented as perseverance and its color and form has charmed many artists.

 

Koi is a Japanese word for carp and has been a staple pet in still water ponds. They are very beautiful and their colors and designs are intricate.The koi has long been a symbol of manhood and the strength of masculinity. It leaps and can even turn into a dragon based on legends. For Buddhists, the koi is significant as it represents fearlessness and braveness as it journeys through the ocean. Koi tattoos designs therefore can be a metaphor of a human being's struggle to exist on earth.

Where masculinity is valued, the koi tattoos designs are also popular. A young man can have a koi tattoo on his arm or leg and as he grows into a man, he might get a dragon on his back as a symbol of transformation as when a koi transforms into this mystical creature. The intricate design of the koi entices artists as its form, whiskers, colors, shape of each scale is lovingly tattooed onto a person's skin.

Koi Fish and Their Meaning

Koi is the Japanese word for carp. Carp are common throughout the world and are unremarkable except in their ability to survive and breed. They are a hardy fish and can live in freezing waters. Koi, on the other hand, are ornamental fish known for their striking colors - mainly yellow, gold and orange. They come in a wide variety of patterns and can be extraordinarily beautiful. Koi have been a feature of Japanese life for over two thousand years.

Symbol of longevity and loyalty

Koi live from 15-20 years but one female fish was said to live for over two hundred years. This means they can live through generations in a family and become very much part of a child's day-to-day life. The fish in the pond become part of the family. They are always there so are seen as loyal members of the family. In fact it has become a symbol for the family in Japan where family members each carry a koi flag on Children's Day. A koi tattoo represents this longevity and loyalty.

Sign of courage and perserverence

Many stories and myths have grown around the koi over a very long time. There is one legend that tells of the koi making its way over long distances against all odds to finally swim up a waterfall, which is Dragon Gate, on the Yellow River. The fish gather in the pool at the base of the falls in huge numbers in late spring. Any fish that can make it up the falls will change into a dragon. It is regarded as a great feat of courage and perseverance. A koi tattoo is a symbol of this courage and determination. In both Japan and China these are seen as masculine qualities. A young man will have a koi tattoo as a sign of his masculinity.

Works of art and beauty

Koi tattoos can be stunning in the colors and designs - works of art and beauty. The fish are often drawn with a flow of water - to represent its battle against the waterfall.The Japanese give the koi qualities of wisdom, knowledge, and longevity. Its image can represent all these. A koi tattoo can be a stunning, colorful work of art or a simple black and white drawing. It can remind the wearer of the courage and determination shown by the fish to beat all odds to survive. It can remind a person of childhood days when one of these beautiful fish might have been part of their lives. Maybe they have memories of sitting by the pond and taking in some of the peace and serenity the koi seemed to have. Maybe it just makes them feel happy.

Popular Angel Tattoos

  

It's easy to see understand why angel tattoos are popular. After all, most societies and cultures have archetypes of guardians and supernatural beings that transcend above normal existence. Whether you're from sub-Saharan Africa, Midwest North America or aborigine Australia, almost everyone recognizes angelic forms as positive and protective forces that guide the human race.

While angels have universal positivity, different faiths and cultures have varying agreements on what angels look like. Some cultures also have more specific ideals of what angels specifically do. Even for atheists, angels represent the ethereal supernatural forces that give humanity a higher calling. Whether you're in the West or East, anyone can recognize the benevolent context of angels and angel tattoos.

Angel tattoos are popular reminders of good verses evil, powerful verses weak. Angel tattoos are also powerful symbols of faith, hope and love in a world that's lost to war, financial distress and crime. With such universal context, where did the idea of angels begin?

The most complex religion known to mankind began in ancient Egypt, where gods and demi-gods vied for heavenly power. Some of the demi-gods were the first archetypes for angels. These demi-gods didn't have the omniscience of a full god, but they still had great power for good. The Egyptian demi-gods gave ancient Egyptians a sense of connectedness to the greater gods they worshipped.

Angels of ancient Egypt are usually portrayed as animals. A fun angel tattoo could be an Egyptian cat or dog, with hieroglyphics and Egyptian styling. This angel tattoo could also have a lot of tribal elements to simplify the message. Egyptian angel tattoos are very unique and are strong symbols for single qualities. They're not complicated like the angels of Christianity or more modern religions.

The most well known angel concept is rooted in Judaism and Christianity. Angels of Judaism and Christianity are divine messengers that interact between God and humanity. They are also divine agents of God's will that help shape humanity into what God wants. Angels of Judaic and Christian tradition lack free will, but have strong personalities and traits. For example, in an ancient Biblical story, an angel stopped a man from killing his only son because it would drastically alter the path of Biblical history. Angel tattoos rooted in Judaic or Christian tradition represent following one's destiny and having the faith to follow the voice of God. Angel tattoos of this tradition also represent guardianship and protective forces.

In Zoroastrianism, angels are animals that are sent to protect the vitality and life of creation. Angel tattoos rooted in Zoroastrianism represent a strong connection to the Earth, and a strong hope in the future. Angel tattoos of Zoroastrianism have strong roots in destiny. Another ancient religion of the Etruscans believed that angels were winged guardians sent to protect humans. An Etruscan inspired design would look Roman, and would represent that you have someone looking after you!

Hinduism believes there are different classes and ranks of angels. Angels are worshiped for their good deeds and protection of mankind. As a result, there can be hundreds of angels watching over a single person to guide them through their Karma. Hindu angels are beings surrounded by light. Hindu angel tattoos represent hope, thankfulness, and the acknowledgment of a guardian. Hindu angel tattoos also represent a belief in reincarnation and fate.

Angels are used in so many different religions that you're certain to find a design that inspires you. Angel tattoos offer hope and a reminder in things greater than ourselves.