Tribal Tattoo Designs

Tribal Tattoo Designs

Today, tribal tattoos are mostly used for their aesthetic appeal, but throughout history they have been worn as a way to signify heritage, spirituality, social status and the coming of age. Although ancient Maori designs are some of the most commonly seen styles, tribal pieces from around the world can be used to create unique and meaningful body art. Symbolism can vary widely and often depends on the tribe and the patterns that are used. As these pieces have strong historical significance, it is important to find an artist that is well versed in tribal art, as the culture of each tribe should be treated with respect.

Some of the most popular styles of tribal tattoos are Maori pieces. These designs have a long history of usage and often consist of simple designs that are made large and elaborate by sheer volume. Traditionally, no Maori design was ever duplicated, but most incorporated sharp spiral patterns that twisted and turned around limbs and over the back, stomach or neck. This is true today; however, many people like to add different patterns, as well as relevant symbols to their Maori tribal pieces. Many of these designs are done in black, but more modern styles may also make use of striking shades of red and blue.

Without realizing it, many people choose tribal tattoos that use designs from the tribes of Borneo and Polynesia. Tribal tattooing in Borneo often consisted of thick, black images that left portions of the skin exposed as a way of allowing the design to show through. These pieces are frequently made up of portrait-like images of animals and plants, and are often symbolic of accomplishments, as well as protection and identity. The Marquesan tribe of the Polynesian Islands created body art that took on distinct geometrical patterns, and often mixed these patterns with symbols and pictures. This mingling of images was, and still is, used to express the individuality of the wearer.

Haida and Celtic tribes also offer stunning tribal tattoos that can easily be adapted to modern body art. Haida pieces often consist of sharp lines that mingle with or make up the image of symbolic creatures, astrological emblems, plants or elements. Bears and eagles, suns and stars are some of the best known of these symbols, and they are often printed onto the skin in black and red ink. Celtic tribal pieces are frequently made up of slender, dark lines that are twisted into elaborate breads. These breads are often made to look like meaningful items like crosses, trees and animals, but are more commonly used to create simple and attractive patterns.

Fairy Tattoo Designs

Fairy Tattoo Designs

The symbolism of fairy tattoos is vast and can mean everything from childlike innocence to spirituality, feminine strength to the forces of nature. In modern times, these dainty, brightly-winged creatures are seen as girlish figures; however, throughout history fairies have appeared in a number of guises – some of them being sweet and pretty, others being dark and brooding.

Most fairy tattoos have a distinctly feminine slant, which often depicts these folkloric creatures as small, sprightly girls that bear large, colorful wings. This particular design is often made to look similar to folk art, and often shows the fairy sitting atop a limb or lounging across the back or stomach of the wearer. Many people prefer to pick a particular color theme for their fairy such as varying shades of blue, red or purple, but a more unique touch would be to show the wings and costume of the fairy in a rainbow pattern. A variation on this would be to make the wings look like stained glass with a bit of sunlight shining through.

Cartoon-like fairy tattoos are another popular option. Although the cartoon fairy may be shown individually or in a traditional manner, many prefer to create larger scenes or show the fairy in a more unusual light. Scenes may show this creature flitting through a mystical forest or whispering into the ear of a peasant child. Unusual depictions may show the fairy as a curvy pin up model, a spunky flapper girl or tough punk rocker chick. Although fairy pieces are frequently worn by women, some men also enjoy the cartoon variety, as this particular style shows the more sensuous side of this creature.

Fairy tattoos may also incorporate other symbols. For instance, the fairy may be seen sleeping nestled in the head of a flower or riding on the back of a butterfly. Since fairies are frequently associated with spirituality, they may be mingled with religious emblems such as crosses, pentagrams or the om symbol. Some items may not be widely significant but may be important to the wearer. For instance, the fairy may be seen sitting astride a musical note, cradling the birthstone of the wearer or flying alongside a beautiful bird.

Skull Tattoo Designs

Skull Tattoo Designs

Though always a popular design amongst fanatics, the popularity of cranium tattoos has risen. Prior to this rise in fame, the symbolism was highly misunderstood as being something profoundly dark, evil & rebellious. However, there's plenty of positive connotations to be had from this design. The cranium is often seen less as a signifier of death, & more as a signifier of life. Or, , the understanding & acceptance of all things that come with living even death.Although there are many positive implications, there are, of course, some negative ones as well. However, some people choose to use these designs as a symbol of toughness or endurance. One of the most recognizable symbols is the skull and crossbones. This symbol is often used to indicate poisonous material.

Skull tattoos have also long been a symbol for bikers and pirates. Biker tattoos usually depict a skull that is flaming, covered in barbed wire, or with red eyes. They may also show a snake coiling in one eye socket and out of the other. Though this symbol can seem tough, it may also be seen in a positive light. For instance, in some cultures the snake is seen as a sign of knowledge, thus indicating that the knowledge and understanding of death may indicate power. Pirate skull tattoos, though, are often very clear about their meaning. They usually represent everything to do with pirate culture; a crossbones style skull with blades instead of bones, a pirate hat and a menacing stare, are all quite common.

Some people also like to balance out the ominous appearance with something a little lighter. For instance, flowers growing around or in the eye sockets of a skull shows a balance of light and dark, life and death. Skull tattoos may also have significance for those in the medical field, or those who have suffered and survived accident or illness. These tattoos may include many features that or important to the wearer and are often very realistic in appearance.

There are many reason to get a skull tattoo, but weather it is a symbol of life or a symbol of death, you will be certain to create a stir with this popular and misunderstood design.