Tribal Tattoos

Genesis of Tribal Tattoos

Instantly recognizable by their dramatic use of dark lines in jagged symmetrical shapes, tribal tattoos are by far one of the most sought after varieties of body art around the world. While these designs are typically done in stark black outlines, they can also be infused with color to brighten the overall outcome. Tribal tattoos are different from other tattoo styles in that generic body art usually represent a specific object whereas tribal art forms place a greater significance on the ‘feel’ of the tattoo rather than what it looks like.

Origins of Tribal Tattoos

While tribal tattoos are today flaunted just to make a style statement, the cultures that originally created these dramatic designs did not do so simply because they looked cool. They were in fact worn because of the power these symbols bestowed upon them.

First and foremost, this style of body art was originally used as a means for specific groups or clans to easily recognize one another and to also identify their distant relatives or family members. On a spiritual level many tribes and clans believed that these tattoos would also allow them to easily find their family members and clan members in the afterlife. In addition, specific tribes created certain characteristic art forms for different reasons.

Tribal Tattoos Today

In current day society tribal tattoos are acquired for various reasons. Many groups of men and women such as fraternity brothers, sorority sisters or military men and women, will acquire the same design as a rite of passage. This allows them to easily recognize their brothers and sisters who are also part of the same order. Tattoos acquired for these reasons allows these groups to feel connected and allows them to form a bond with the significant symbols that they get inked on their bodies.

There is also a darker side to this form of body art. Street gangs and organized crime groups throughout the world have used these symbols as a means to distinguish the individuals in their group and to also allow them to easily discover if someone is a friend or foe. Some crime groups will use multiple symbols order to declare the rank and order of their members. Due to these reasons of use the popularity of these types of tattoos had at one time declined. However, in recent years, these symbols and designs have seen a resurgence in popularity among the general populace and no longer represent crime or gang use.

Another reason why tribal tattoos have increased in popularity throughout the years is due to their unique and compelling designs. You can walk into just about any tattoo parlor and can find literally thousands of designs to choose from. Many tattoo artists are also more than happy to design a unique and one of a kind Tribal tattoo for you or your organization.

Is the Tribal Tattoo Right for You?

If you are fascinated by the idea of acquiring a tribal tattoo but are not entirely sure whether it would suit you, your best option would be to choose a design and get a temporary tattoo done. Get the permanent tattoo done only when you are satisfied that this is something you’d like to flaunt for the rest of your life!