Tribal Tattoos - Popularity, History and Meaning

Tribal tattoos have become increasingly popularbest way to learn more about the background
since bursting onto the modern tattoo scene inand history of tribal tattoo designs that you are
the early 1990's. There's something about theirdrawn toward is to study the tattoo styles of the
simple strength and beauty that is compelling,different tattoo-wearing societies. Doing a web
even to people who otherwise may not likesearch on the tattoos of different cultures will
tattoos. The gentle curves and strong angles ofallow you identify which culture's tattoos you are
these black tattoos can be bold strokes acrossdrawn to, and allow you to learn more about the
the skin, or intricate and almost lace-like. Somemeaning behind the tattoos of that society. Some
tribal tattoos incorporate human or animal figures.of the more commonly seen tribal tattoos are
Others are purely symbolic.Celtic, Maori, Samoa, Borneo, the Philippines and
As popular as tribal designs are, very few peopleNative American.
know much about the history and symbolismAlthough many people choose to get tribal
behind these tattoos. This often isn't due to a lacktattoos in order to keep in touch with their own
of trying to learn about them, but because of theculture background, you don't have to carry the
fact that there are so many ancient and tribalbloodline of the culture to get a tribal tattoo.
societies that have used tattoos as part of theirHowever, out of respect for the culture, you
culture. The ancient art of tattoo is in evidence allshould take some time to learn about the history
over the world, from Europe and the Americas toand meaning of tattoos in that society. By doing a
Asia and all over the South Pacific.little bit of research you may find a tribal tattoo
For as many tattoo-wearing cultures as therethat you not only are drawn to artistically, but
have been throughout history, there are just asthat reflects a connection between how you see
many meanings behind the symbols used. Thethe world and the beliefs of the culture that
tattoos of some societies symbolize different lifeoriginated the design.
experiences and expand over the years to tellIf you don't feel connected to the tribal tattoos
the person's life story. Some societies use tattoosof one particular culture, you can take inspiration
as symbols of spiritual protection or for healingfrom several styles. You can work with your
power over a specific ailment. Others usedtattoo artist to create a tribal-inspired tattoo that
tattoos to signify their warrior achievements,means something special to you.
such as how many rival warriors they had killed orWhether your tribal tattoo is drawn directly from
how many heads they had taken. Still othersa specific culture, or your tattoo artist helps you
wear traditional tattoos of their tribe purelycreate a new tribal-inspired tattoo design, a tribal
because the tattoos were considered to maketattoo is a very special and meaningful piece of
them more beautiful.art.
If you are considering getting a tribal tattoo, the