Tribal tattoos are based on the different indigenous tribes from different countries mostly originated from the natives of America, Europe and Australia. The design for the tribal tattoos have different meaning that would be based on the belief of a specific tribe. During those days, a tattoo would be unique to one man, since the meaning of the tattoo would depend upon the bearer.
Some of the famous tribal tattoos are: Native American, Polynesian, Maori and Hawaiian. Each tribal tattoo design has a different meaning since it came from various cultures around the world.
Native American tribal tattoo designs are based on cultural ideas and expressions. Most of the time, tattoos were given during different rites of passage and blessings. These were given to warriors of the tribe that would protect them while they hunt or prepare for war. Some of the tattoo designs also give you a particular status symbol in the tribe. The Mayans and the Aztecs tribal tattoo are the most common tattoo design in this category.
Polynesian tribal tattoo designs are based on the traditions of a particular tribe. It has deeper roots as it tackles religious values, legends, and mythologies. The design usually centers on particular tribe rituals that are based on their particular religious beliefs and superstitions. Special tattoo designs were given to warriors who have pleased their ancestors. These warriors were also given special status symbols in their tribes because of it.
Maori tribal tattoo designs are mostly done as a part of a celebratory ritual to the tribe. Tattoos were given to tribesmen in different events that unfold in their lives. Some of these tattoos were placed during specific rites of passage for warriors of the tribe whenever they show strength and courage in particular events. Other times, these tattoos were given to the individual that has shown a particular unique trait that he or she can use for the benefit of the tribe, giving him or her a special status within the tribe.
Lastly, the Hawaiian tribal tattoo designs were given to tribesmen as a sign of their identity within the tribe. These tattoos were usually given to members of the tribe after they were given their rite of passage. Tattoos were also given to a tribesman as protection from evil spirits. They put it in specific parts of their bodies so as to be protected properly from the wrath of spirits who seek out trouble within the tribe or a particular family.
Based on the above descriptions, all tribal tattoos have special meaning before any member of the tribe would place it in their bodies. So, before adopting a particular tribal tattoo, make sure to find out the meaning of it.
Tribal tattoos are today some of the most widespread and loved by women and men all around the world. It is probably not wrong to consider the tribal style the original tattoo style. These tattoos take their name from the function they have had for thousands of years in tribes in different part of the world. Tattoos today are usually considered cool designs to show off, but it has not always been that way.
Tattoos are almost as old as mankind itself. Origins of tribal tattoos go back in history for thousands of years. The oldest tattooed body ever, the famous Otzi mummy, belonged to a man died more than 5000 years ago, who apparently had something like 57 tattoos. This mummy has reached such a symbolic importance among tattoo lovers that a Hollywood star like Brad Pitt has got its outline tattooed on his arm.
Other ancient traces of tribal tattoo designs are to be found on Egyptian mummies. But these tattoos were used by several ancient tribes all over the world as symbol of their membership to the tribe. A membership for life, that had to be honoured and defended. Tattoos have often been connected with concepts like pride, honour, courage, victory and even gods and religions. That's because of the peculiarities of tattoos: their beauty, the noble pain you have to endure to get one (many are those who still today choose to get a tattoo in old traditional ways, ascribing a value to the pain they feel during the tattoo session) and the most characteristic one, their permanence.
Tattoos are permanent: Otzi is the proof that tattoo last longer than life itself. This aspect, so often neglected nowadays, has always been of primary importance in any known historical culture.
Probably the best known tribal tattoos in the world are those of the Maori people, who used to engrave their tattoos with chisels onto their faces. This most painful tattoo tradition was accepted with pride from all those "lucky ones" who proved themselves worthy of such an honour.
Today not much is left of the spiritual side of tribal tattoos. Nonetheless, their incredibly long and rich history emphasizes their charm and attracts more and more young men and women.An important aspect for modern tattoo lovers is the versatility of this kind of tattoo.
Tribal tattoos are not really a tattoo genre, like flower tattoos or dragon tattoos. Tribal is more a style. Any kind of standard tattoo design can be translated in tribal style. Women love butterfly tribal tattoos at least as much as men love animal tribal tattoos, like dragon, scorpion and tiger tattoos.
The possibilities are potentially infinite. Should you decide to go for Tribal tattoos, think about their history, the meaning and importance they have had for millions of people from all over the world and wear them with pride.