Tribal Tattoo

Tribal tattoos or ethnic tattoos are a classic of traditions that mix ancient folk styles, vivid images, symbolism and militancy. A tribal tattoo is an interweaving of clear patterns or images of sacred animals, where every detail has its own importance.

1. Distinctive Features of Tribal Tattoos 2. Meaning 3. Features 4. History of Tribal Tattoos in Europe 5. Varieties of Tribal Tattoos 7. Tribal Tattoos for Women 8. Tribal Tattoos for Men 9. Tattoo Master Tips

Tribal tattoo - Distinctive features of a tribal tattoo

The main characteristic difference between a tribal tattoo and all the others are clear, even, dark contours of the pattern. Tribal tattoo does emphasis on emotions and feelings, which will be called upon seeing such a picture. 

Tribal Tattoo Meaning

At first glance, simple patterns on the body may have an ancient mystical meaning. The symbolism of such tattoos may vary depending on the culture of a particular tribe, as well as on the choice of the symbols themselves and their combinations.

In ancient times, all lines, spirals and circles in the drawing tattoos told about the biography of a person. In tattoo one could find the place of birth, social status, exploits, battles and other important events from his life.

Often tribal tattoos cover the entire body of a person. for special merit before the tribe and / or its clan. This is a kind of ancient passport that tells about the life of a person, his family or tribe, position in society. 

Tribal Tattoo Features Tribal Tattoo

For ancient peoples, the process of applying a tribal tattoo was a sacred ritual. Masters of this art prayed before each application of a tattoo on the body. For them, the tattoo was associated with the soul of a person, his spiritual energy, thoughts and desires.

Magical tribal tattoos were supposed to rule human life, protect the wearer from all troubles and mistakes, add strength and courage to him, as well as relieve fears.

Among the peoples Maori tattoo (Maori tribal tattoo) was an indicator of courage and endurance, after all, not everyone dared to get such a tattoo because of the incredible pain during its application.

The appearance of the tribal tattoo in Europe

ethnic tattoos popular in our time due to its beauty and eccentricity. It is difficult to look away from such a tattoo, as ethnic tattoos fascinate and hypnotize.

The tribal tattoo first appeared in Europe thanks to the sailors who brought the tribal style from Polynesia. The tribal style very quickly gained popularity throughout the European and Asian space, surpassing even traditional European and sailor tattoos.

“Tribal style today is a modern rebirth and continuation of the ancient Polynesian style. "

Raznovydnost tribal tattoo - 6 types of tribal tattoos

On the islands of Polynesia, among different tribes in Africa, in Japan, as well as the tribes of the Celts, tattoos carried a symbolic meaning. They noted the state and status of a person in society, were the decoration of a warrior for valor and exploits.

There are 6 types of tribal tattoos:

Polynesian tribal tattoos

Polynesia tattoo is a beautiful interlacing of lines. They are a rather rough, voluminous and clear ornament. The main elements of the Polynesian tribal tattoo are:

• lines in the form of waves, spirals, geometric curved lines;
• ornaments depicting: skulls, sharks, birds, ferns, sun, moon and flora.

According to tradition, despite the content of similar elements, Polynesian tattoos are unique and have never been repeated in two people. 

Indian tattoos - Tribal Tattoo Haida 

Indian tattoos are associated with Hyde. Haida are an indigenous Indian people living in the United States and Canada. Haida Indian tattoos are not only original, but also incredibly colorful.

Indian tattoos are usually made in two colors: black and red or a combination of black with green or blue. Behind each color, at the same time, a certain meaning is hidden. Blue in Haida tattoo means sky and black in Indian tattoo means earth. Green means plant life, and red means blood.

The main plot of Indian tattoos were animals and birds: bear tattoos, killer whale tattoos, dolphin tattoos, shark tattoos, eagle tattoos and other representatives of the fauna. Wearable drawings have always been amulets for the Haida. With the help of these images, they tried to protect themselves from troubles and dangers. And today, a tattoo made in this style serves as an amulet that makes sure that misfortunes pass by. 

Japanese tribal tattoo Irezumi, Gaman, Kakushi-boro

Japanese tattoos are still at the height of fashion and are distinguished by their brightness and style. Wearable drawings of this ancient culture stand out with special brightness. They depict hieroglyphs, mythological animals, fish, samurai, geishas, ​​as well as entire plots. Japanese tattoos have their own classification:

• iredzumi tattoos - This tattoo was popular among the underworld of Japan. They covered the entire back, chest, arms and thighs.
• Tattoos Gaman (shaman) done by men who wanted to demonstrate their courage, honor и force.
• Tattoos Kakushiboro (Kakushibori) - an unusual type of tattoo, which was most often applied by women. Kakushibori was especially popular among Geishas. Usually, the tattoo was done by filling cuts in the skin with rice flour. The Kakushibori tattoo was practically invisible in daylight, but showed up with an increase in body temperature (at the time of intimacy or taking hot water treatments). 

Celtic tribal tattoo

Celtic tattoos often depicted warriors on their bodies as a talisman. The most popular designs of Celtic tattoos were considered: a cross and a bracelet intertwined in magic knots.  

African tattoos - African tribal tattoos

African tattoos also served as amulets and talismans.

Tattoo form the target talked about leadership and charisma.

Fern leaf means resourcefulness and endurance.

Crocodile indicates high adaptability.

wooden comb - a sign of femininity and purity.

Turned around goose recalls the importance of the lessons of the past.

moon and Star - a sign of fidelity, love and harmony. 

Slavic tattoos - Slavic tattoos

Slavic ethno tattoos (complete selection) are, first of all, an image of a symbol of infinity and rebirth. Also, images of animals and birds, such as wolves and falcons, were revered in Slavic tattoos. The thunder wheel, the star of Rus', were considered Slavic tattoo amulets.

The ancient Slavs tattooed runes on their bodies, symbolizing the masculine principle, fertility, renewal and peace.

Traditional Slavic patterns are predominantly red in color and also inseparable. Slavic tattoos are gaining popularity due to their unusual appearance, which is very much like folk embroidery.  

Tribal tattoo for women

Tribal tattoo for men

Tribal tattoo - Advice from the master

• To create a tribal tattoo you need a skilled and experienced craftsman who can evenly lead the line of the pattern, and also, provide a neat almost continuous pattern.
• If you choose the Slavic sub-style, it is important to know what tored color heals a little longer than others. You should not be afraid of this, but make sure that the selected paint is of the highest quality.
• In a tribal tattoo, every detail has its own importance. The patterns may look the same, while the minimal difference will carry a completely opposite meaning. For example, one pattern might mean strength and courage, while another might mean cowardice or distrust. Pay special attention to this.