| Tribal tattoo art is becoming more prominent | | | | depict nature as movements of rhythmic and |
| every day. These unique designs which have a | | | | cyclic patterns. |
| symbolic meaning for many tribes are worn today | | | | - Hawaiian - These tattoos have been around for |
| for decorative body art. Tribal tattooing began | | | | thousands of years and are usually very large and |
| many years ago with countless traditional tribes. | | | | bold geometric designs. Some common shapes |
| These tribes had tattoos for many reasons | | | | and symbols used are fish, birds, turtles, sharks, |
| including spiritual, to identify families and clans, | | | | waves, rain and the sun. Hawaiian tattoos have |
| marriage, rites of passage, as totem animal | | | | meanings such as tribe membership, celebration, |
| guardians and for love spells and charms. Below is | | | | self expression and some are done simply for |
| a few of the popular tribes that we admire and | | | | adornment. |
| wear their style of tattooing. | | | | - Native American - Tattoos for the Native |
| - Polynesian - There are many different styles of | | | | American people have more of a spiritual |
| Polynesian tattooing such as Maori, Hawaiian, | | | | significance and represent a connection with the |
| Samoan, Tahitian and Marquesan. Every island has | | | | earth. Popular tattoos are animal tattoos such as |
| its own style but the similar characteristics of | | | | the eagle which carries a great religious |
| them all are the bold black abstracts and | | | | significance. The wolf is also a sacred tattoo |
| figurative designs. Some popular Polynesian | | | | design that is a symbol of loyalty and success. |
| symbols include the shark, turtle, dolphin, manta | | | | Some more Native American animal tattoos are: |
| ray, gecko and tiki. The meanings of these | | | | bears, coyotes, horses, owls, fox, deer, turtle and |
| tattoos include traditions, tribal ancestors, tribe | | | | frogs. Another favored design is the kokopelli |
| rituals, legends, proverbs, mythologies, social and | | | | which is regarded as a symbol of fertility. Other |
| religious values. | | | | Native American tattoos are designs that depict |
| - Maori - Traditional Maori tattoos are known as | | | | elements of nature such as fire, wind and water. |
| Ta moko and they consist of bold intricate | | | | Tribal tattoo art is not only decorative and unique, |
| patterns in distinctive curved shapes and spirals. | | | | but it represents the symbolism of traditional |
| The meanings of these tribal tattoos would | | | | tribes and their cultures. These tattoos have been |
| celebrate important events throughout life and | | | | proudly worn for many years and they continue |
| represent strength, courage and status. They | | | | to grow in popularity every day. |