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Tribal Tattoos

The tribal tattoo style is one of the most popular styles in the world.

The origin of this tattoo style goes back to tribal communities in countries such as New Zealand, Japan and the UK (and more). They were used as a way to mark an individual’s membership in a specific tribe, social standing and achievements.

Traditionally, this style was primarily drawn in solid black ink with continuous lines. However, today, colours are being incorporated more and more.

The tribal tattoo style is one of the most popular styles in the world.

The origin of this tattoo style goes back to tribal communities in countries such as New Zealand, Japan and the UK (and more). They were used as a way to mark an individual’s membership in a specific tribe, social standing and achievements.

Traditionally, this style was primarily drawn in solid black ink with continuous lines. However, today, colours are being incorporated more and more.

Characteristics of Tribal Tattoos

Characteristics that make up tribal tattoo designs include

  • Large in size
  • Simple patterns
  • Geometric shapes
  • Repetitive figures
  • Bold, black lines

Traditionally, tribal tattoos only used a limited colour palette of black ink. However, with new techniques and technologies, colours are becoming more common in tribal tattoo designs.

Colours like red, blue, green and yellow are now used to enhance elements within the tattoo, such as nature symbols and animals.

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Symbols and Meanings of Tribal Tattoos

Some of the most common symbols of tribal tattoos and their meanings include

If you’d like to get a tribal tattoo to pay homage to your culture, book an appointment at your nearest Celebrity Ink studio to see how we can bring your story to life.

Sun
 The sun is a symbol of life, vitality and energy. It also represents spiritual awakening and enlightenment. 
Moon
The moon symbolises the cyclical nature of life, intuition and femininity. 
Arrows
Arrows symbolise focus, direction and protection. Arrows are typically worn in tribal tattoos to depict one’s ability to overcome challenges.
Spirals
In tribal tattoos, spirals represent eternity, personal growth and life cycles.
Triangles
Triangles symbolise harmony and balance. Due to their three-sidedness, they can also represent the three elements of fire, water and earth.
Crosses
Around the world, crosses are both religious and cultural. Crosses in a tribal tattoo can represent one’s faith or the connection between the earthly and divine realms.
Maori koru
A common symbol in the Maori culture, a koru is a spiral-shaped symbol that represents rebirth, growth and new beginnings. 
Celtic knots
In Celtic tribal tattoos, knots (intricate and interwoven designs) represent interconnectedness, unity and eternal love. 
Animals
In tribal tattoos, animals are often seen as spiritual guides or a way to commemorate the wearer’s bond with their environment. Popular animal designs include bears, eagles, snakes and fish.

If you’d like to get a tribal tattoo to pay homage to your culture, book an appointment at your nearest Celebrity Ink studio to see how we can bring your story to life.

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The Histories of Tribal Tattoos

Tattooing has existed for thousands of years, especially in tribal cultures (Maori, Polynesian, Japanese, Celtic, etc.).

While all tribal tattoos have similar characteristics (bold lines and spiritual motifs), different cultures wear their tribal tattoos to represent various things, including

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Japan
Ainu
The tribal tattoos of the Ainu people are worn around the mouth to identify social status and ward off evil spirits.
UK
Celtic
Originating from one of the ancient tribes in the UK, Celtic tattooing was dedicated to warriors to intimidate their enemies.
Ancient Egyptians
The types of tribal tattoos worn by the ancient Egyptians consisted of intricate geometric patterns and symbols representing one’s social status and religious beliefs. 
New Zealand
Maori
Tribal tattoos worn by the Maori in New Zealand consist of curved lines and spiral motifs to showcase one’s tribal identity and genealogy.
Hawaiian
Much like Polynesian tattoos, ancient Hawaiian tattoos are worn to tell the wearer's life story or used to guard their health or well-being. 
Samoan and Tongan
Polynesian
The tribal tattoos worn by Samoans and Tongans consist of intricate patterns and symbols that usually cover most of the body to depict tribal identity, achievements and genealogy. 
North America
Cherokee
Indigenous to North America, Cherokee tribal tattoos are known for their elaborate and beautifully coloured designs. For this tribe, tattoos were a way to honour their ancestors and connect with nature. 
Mesoamerica
Aztec
The Aztecs wore tribal tattoos that were bold and symmetrical in design, with the inclusion of animals to represent their warrior status and connection with the divine.

Ancient Egyptians

The types of tribal tattoos worn by the ancient Egyptians consisted of intricate geometric patterns and symbols representing one’s social status and religious beliefs.

Maori (New Zealand)

Tribal tattoos worn by the Maori in New Zealand consist of curved lines and spiral motifs to showcase one’s tribal identity and genealogy.

Aztec (Mesoamerica)

The Aztecs wore tribal tattoos that were bold and symmetrical in design, with the inclusion of animals to represent their warrior status and connection with the divine.

Polynesian (Samoan and Tongan)

The tribal tattoos worn by Samoans and Tongans consist of intricate patterns and symbols that usually cover most of the body to depict tribal identity, achievements and genealogy.

Ainu (Japan)

The tribal tattoos of the Ainu people are worn around the mouth to identify social status and ward off evil spirits.

Hawaiian

Much like Polynesian tattoos, ancient Hawaiian tattoos are worn to tell the wearer's life story or used to guard their health or well-being.

Celtic (UK)

Originating from one of the ancient tribes in the UK, Celtic tattooing was dedicated to warriors to intimidate their enemies.

Cherokee (North America)

Indigenous to North America, Cherokee tribal tattoos are known for their elaborate and beautifully coloured designs. For this tribe, tattoos were a way to honour their ancestors and connect with nature.
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