Tribal Tattoos

Tribal tattoos have been in vogue for quite a while now – for more than a decade, actually – and it’s easy to see why. Tribal tattoos have a bold visual appeal: their thick, black curving lines lend themselves well to many of the standard tattoo locations, such as the upper arm (in the form of a tribal armband) or the lower back.

Tribal tattoos are not, generally speaking, strongly associated with any particular tribe, though their general appearance certainly shows a certain Polynesian/ Maori influence. Rather, they are ‘tribal’ for a number of reasons – not only do tribal tattoos call to mind the traditional tattooing of some tribal groups, but they also lend a bold, slightly fearsome look to those who have them (especially if they have several!) that is in keeping with the tribal function of tattoos.

Tribal Tattoo Designs

To a certain extent, tribal tattoos speak for themselves. It is a special feature of a tribal tattoo that even a relatively simple or unformed line or curve tends to look good, even just on its own. Tribal tattoo designs come in numerous different forms. A popular choice, for example, is the tribal sun tattoo and the tattoo of a tribal star, both of which present these elements of nature in a very striking, stylized way. There are many versions of the tribal sun, some of which represent the center of the sun as a spiral. In the case of both the tribal sun and star, it is the decoration surrounding the central element that marks them as tribal. Once you have seen these characteristic curved and pointy formations, you will easily be able to identify tribal art tattoos and tribal tattoo designs in general.

 

Feminine Tribal Tattoos

Generally speaking, tribal tattoos have a masculine energy about them, given their bold, thick lines. At the same time, they are versatile and they tend to look very good on women as well – even small, feminine looking women. Maybe it’s the appeal of the contrast.

 

Over the past few years though, some tribal tattoo designs have evolved that are characteristically feminine in nature. They have the same recognizable tribal patterns, but they tend to be smaller and more self contained. A good example might be the tribal butterfly tattoo, a popular choice for an ankle or shoulder tattoo. A larger version of the tribal butterfly can also look good on the lower back. Tribal rose tattoos are
also popular in many of the same locations.

Other Tribal Designs

Tribal tattoos, as mentioned before, can be very impactful even if they don’t represent anything in particular, but here are some other tribal designs that have emerged in recent years. The tribal bear tattoo (sometimes depicting a whole bear, but often just a paw print) is reminiscent of some Native American tattoos. It gives the impression of an animal totem or protective animal spirit. On the other hand, black tribal dragon tattoos are sort of a cross between tribal and gothic; the tribal scorpion tattoo falls into this category as well. All of these tribal tattoos have somewhat more of an aggressive edge to them, but their intricate lines can make them very beautiful as well. They are often worn on the arm or chest, and some people keep adding to them and end up with tribal sleeve tattoos, covering the whole arm.