Over three million people, according to Google, search for Tribal Tattoos online every month. These truly unique tattoos are one of the most sought-after of all tattoo ideas, and are highly prized by people from all over the world.
As the name suggests, Tribal Tattoos originated within certain groups or clans. Some of the most common of these are still worn by American Indians, Polynesians, Native Hawaiians and the Maori of New Zealand. They have deep significance for those who wear them, and they are one of the most recognizable of all tattoo designs. The bold & beautiful lines and inter-weavings represent many different things, including family or clan membership, rank or peerage within a tribe, attainment of feats of strength or endurance, or association with battles (both modern and ancient).
In the modern era, with so much emphasis now on the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of all peoples in the world, these tattoos are being proudly worn by those who claim association with their traditional tribes. Long gone are the days when conquerors and religious zealots tried to assimilate these cultures and wipe out their long-held traditions, and this is one of the main reasons that Tribal Tattoos have become so increasingly popular.
These tattoos are very well-known to most of us due to the fact that they are commonly displayed on areas of the skin that are exposed in public. This includes the face, arms (in the form of armbands or sleeves), shoulder and legs. With the changing of attitudes in recent times about wearing tattoos, it is now quite common to see people proudly displaying their own unique designs, whether it be on the sporting arena or in a corporate boardroom!
Because of their intricate designs and bold message, these tattoos have broad appeal to just about everyone who is into tattoos. Specific unique design themes are often 'adopted' by certain groups to signify allegiance to a goal or ideal, and this art will sometimes incorporate lettering to make the association even more obvious. These tattoos were used traditionally not only for internal significance, but also to instill fear into the hearts of their enemies, and anyone sporting a well-inked tribal tattoo is guaranteed to get their fair share of attention!
Tribal Tattoos are also one of the most frequently 'blended' tattoo designs. This means that skilled artists are able to mix genres, producing an almost limitless variety of truly unique tattoo designs. Some of the more common ones are Tribal Celtic Crosses, Tribal Chinese Dragons, and even tribal insect designs, such as dragonflies. These masterpieces can take years to complete, and are truly breath-taking mosaics to anyone lucky enough to come across them!
There is a small note of caution when it comes to getting a Tribal Tattoo. Remember that there are specific designs and themes which have significance to certain groups, and wearing them without the required authority or association can cause offence. Make sure you either design your own unique tattoo, or ensure that an existing image that you like is not culturally significant.
When it comes to finding your own tribal tattoo, one of the best ideas is to join an online site. These resources have thousands of designs from all genres, plus the tools to create your own truly unique design. They will also have lists of the best studios & parlors to get your tattoo applied!
