Tribal Tatoos

The origins of the many distinctively different tribal tatoos and designs provide a fascinating look into the different cultures and beliefs held by all different people of the world throughout history.  Here is a look at the cultural significance of some of the tribal tatoos to help you choose that is meaningful to you.

Many tribal tatoos are very old, coming from the great tribes like those from Borneo, North America, the Celtic culture, the Maori and the variations of the Polynesian tribes, and the Haida.  Similarly, each of the designs that originate from these tribes are all symbols of mythological tales and religions.  Therefore, it is easy to find images of gods, or how they felt that they world flow from each of the tribal tatoos.

Like the modern fashions and customs of today, tribal tatoos were also important in the culture within the day-to-day lives of the tribe.  For instance, many tribal tatoos were used as sources of identification—sort of like a drivers’ license.   The tatoo would say through imagery who the person was and what their social status was within the context of the tribe.  Also, tribal tatoos were signifiers of change—used to symbolize when either a boy or girl has earned the right to enter in adulthood.  And, last but certainly not least, tribal tatoos were associated with the power magical healing as well as spiritual protection.

In many cultures, especially in some of the Native American tribes, a boy was given a totem, or a an animal spirit that imbued with its own unique powers.  Therefore, in having the image tattooed on the boy’s body during his rite of passage into adulthood, he would also inherit the powers of that animal.

Now, if you’re interested in one of these tribal tatoos, you can certainly find a tattoo artist that will paint it on for you using the conventional and sterile machine equipment.  However, if you really want to experience the traditional methods of applying the tattoo ink, which can involve the use of animal and plant dyes being drilled into the skin with organic bone needles, you might need to find a specialist in order to achieve this.  Be warned, however, for there is an increased chance of infection.

Irregardless, if you’re looking for a tattoo design that is a little out of the ordinary of today’s modern tattoos, you can find some beautiful variations when researching all of the different tribal tatoos!