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Tribal (English tribal) means “tribal”. The name clearly characterizes the style of the tattoo. The drawings seem to have come from ancient stones or sacred patterns of pagan civilizations.

This style is an encrypted message, in the lines of which the owner’s history is hidden.

Distinctive features of the tribal style

Tribal tattoos cannot be confused with other styles. It has a strong identity. The style is characterized by its wildness and pattern. There is a sense of crude symbolism in the lines.

The color of the tattoo is always even or gray. The construction of the drawing is characterized by clear geometry. Sharp lines flow into smooth semicircular shapes.

Standard character set:

  • animals, birds, fish;
  • circles and curls;
  • "ram's horns"*;
  • the Dragon;
  • floristics;
  • Zodiac signs.

Predators from the world are considered iconic: wolf, bear, wild boar, lion, bat. Boa constrictors and cobras are popular among reptiles. Among the birds that are loved by style connoisseurs are:

  • eagle;
  • swan;
  • Firebird;
  • gull;
  • martin.

The world of insects gave the direction the image of a spider and a scorpion.

The dragon in the tribal style occupies a cult place. The mythical creature is performed with open wings, attacking and soaring.

The dragon is as popular as the tribal bear tattoo. Both are symbols of power and crushing power. Of the abstract silhouettes, the top places are occupied by wings and cobwebs.

Ram's horns are an element of eastern ornaments from the period of nomadic peoples. Two curls converge into one center.

Tribal tattoo meaning

The abstract patterns contain encrypted images of the elements. The direction and interweaving of lines allows you to correctly interpret the drawing. Rising lines with sharp ends smoothly flowing into one another are a symbol of fire.

In addition to the fire element, air is encrypted in the drawing. The flame seems to burst into the sky, bubbles and intertwines with air currents.

Smooth lines directed horizontally symbolize the flow of water. The image contains the meaning of a continuous flow vitality, rebirth, life cycle.

Bracelets made of curls located on the hand are a symbol of the earth. Sharp lines turn into curls. They are like a vine, so the second meaning is “nature.” In a tribal tattoo, the meaning depends on the presentation. The image of an object or phenomenon is intuitively guessed from the panoramic picture of the drawing.

Animals, fish or birds are always associated with their natural qualities. The manner of the image reveals what specific properties the owner of the tattoo is referring to.

Tribal tattoo for women

In the 90s and early 2000s they were popular women's tattoos on the lower back in the form of “earth”. Today, among tattoo connoisseurs it is considered unfashionable to follow the canons of the past. The pattern on the sacrum is still in demand, but it is subject to greater elaboration.

In wide circles of tattoo artists, the previous manner of depicting the decoration of the sacrum is considered rude. Clients are recommended detailed drawings of folk ornaments. Sharp and thick lines were replaced by exquisite transitions of floral elements into thin curls.

On the hands are offered thin ones that are not closed on inside. Elm is close to Celtic with expressive sharp edges. Used a large number of floral theme and geometric patterns.

Tribal tattoo for men

In the past, closed bracelets in the area where the forearm meets the shoulder were in demand among men. They were replaced by sleeves with a transition to the chest and neck. The design is built like a labyrinth; the curls contain symbols of flame and earth.

Among the animalistic tattoos in demand:

  • the Dragon;
  • wolf;
  • bear.

The figure shows lines indicating a continuous flow of energy. As a result, we are presented with the image of not only the animal, but also its characteristic qualities intertwined with the soul of the owner.

Where to put a tattoo?

Popular places for tribal on the hand are the entire surface from the joint to the fingertips. The tribal on the shoulder is laid out in rounded lines. The pattern is formed according to the line of the muscle and the shape of the arm.


  • Cross tattoo on shoulder
  • Dragon tattoo on calf

  • fern tattoo, tribal

  • Om tattoo on chest, tribal

  • Twins tattoo on ankle, tribal

  • Shark tattoo on shoulder blade, tribal

  • Shoulder tattoo

  • Bear tattoo on arm
  • Tribal wings tattoo

  • Bull tattoo on shoulder, tribal

  • Tattoo on hand, tribal, photo from: https://www.instagram.com/p/BURv6NAB-Nw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

  • Tattoo on the back, tribal photo from: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs7zhDXlaA6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

  • Forearm tattoo

  • Shoulder tattoo

If the area under the tattoo is located on the forearm, the outer side is selected. The hand is actively hammered, bracelets are laid out on the wrist. If we consider the style of tattoos on the shoulder, men's designs have wide lines, while women's ones are thinner.

The nature of tattooing is borrowed from the cultures of the ancient peoples of Eurasia. Internal surfaces are almost always left unfilled.

This rule does not apply only to the area of ​​the legs; the tattoo on the leg encircles the skin along the entire perimeter. This tattoo is intended to protect the owner’s vital channels of communication with the earth.

It is not uncommon to wear a tattoo on the neck in the form of a compact symbol. It is considered classic to wear a tattoo on the back. The entire plane is highlighted under the drawing, the structure of the lines mirror each other.

Tribal tattoo designs are based on the body structure of the future owner. The same pattern looks different on a thin and pumped up body.

The thickness and number of fragments are adjusted. As a result, the design becomes a harmonious addition to the owner’s body; it can be compared to the interweaving of veins and capillaries.

Tattoo designs for men are more aggressive in nature. Women have more curls and smooth transitions.

The energy of the drawing changes radically depending on the presentation and depth of color. The contours of the tattoo should be clear and the ink filling should be uniform. Only such a tattoo is considered to be of high quality.

Video - wolf in tribal style, photo gallery

The first question to answer is: why Tribal? This word translated as “tribal”, “tribal”, which directly indicates the origins of this style. Initially, the process of applying black and white pointed tattoos was presented in the form of a ritual, accompanied by the prayers of the priests. Since ancient times, body designs have been endowed with a deep spiritual meaning and were designed to reflect the soul of their wearer. Moreover, the original meaning of tribal tattoos is to influence the fate and life of their owner, simultaneously serving as a talisman and talisman.

Equally important, each people and tribe had its own interpretation of tribal tattoos. The Maori people saw in them inner strength and fortitude, because not everyone was able to endure the rather painful process of getting a tattoo. African tribes and the Mayan civilization associated tattoos with mental sensation, the strength of the soul and thoughts.

Tribals also differ in tribal differences. For example, Polynesian ones are characterized by clear and even rough lines. More often you can find combinations of curved lines or waves with repeating geometrically regular patterns. These peoples preferred to depict birds, fern leaves, the silhouette of a shark or a skull as the central figure.

  • Indian tribal tattoos are easily recognized by their wide and incredibly colorful designs, and the image can be in the form of birds or animals.
  • Japanese tattoos are distinguished by very bright contrast; on them, hieroglyphs are intertwined with natural landscapes or fauna.
  • African ones do not act as decoration, but as a talisman or talisman, so any image carries a deep meaning.
  • There is also a special ethnic type of tribal tattoo - Slavic. The images are very reminiscent of traditional cross stitch and carry deep symbolism, protecting against evil spirits.

Style

For the most part, tattoos in the tribal style are presented in the form of pointed patterns and ornaments made in black and white. As this trend developed, the style underwent many changes and ceased to be associated exclusively with monochrome drawings. Today tribal allows the use of the most different colors and patterns, acquiring new shades.

Tribal is the oldest tattoo technique, and therefore it is characterized by simplicity of lines, clarity of contours and an emphasis on perception. At the same time, the image of the tattoo itself is not so significant - the emotions and feelings that it evokes in its wearer and others are much more important.

The modern trible style is characterized by variability. Thus, craftsmen can easily recreate a three-dimensional effect, giving a simple flat pattern significant volume by adding tilt and shadows. Such experiments look very impressive and stylish on the body, while maintaining some restraint.

The expanded color palette allows for the use of contrasting lines, making gray and deep black complementary bright colors. Geometric tribal patterns look equally impressive on any part of the body, be it the back, legs or arms.

The meaning of tribal tattoos

Behind the seemingly simple geometric patterns characteristic of this style lies a deep meaning. These are not just lines and sketches, but a person’s desire to tell about himself through visual symbolism. Through tribalism, people strive to talk about their achievements, social status, worldview, and origin.

For example, in Tahiti, body patterns in this style, covering the man’s shoulders, indicated the puberty of their wearer. In a number of ancient tribes, the transition of a boy to the status of a man had no direct connection with age: boys who killed a predatory animal with their own hands were considered “mature.” A successful hunt or other feat was rewarded with a tattoo, known today as a tribal tattoo.

Tribal is a style that resonates in the souls of people who value inner strength, impulse, extreme sports and spiritual dominance. If you see beauty in simplicity, then tribal patterns will suit your taste. They will organically complement your image both visually and mentally.

During the Second World War, the seas were plied by "Tribals". This was the name of the type of destroyers that were in service with the navies of Canada, Australia and Great Britain.

In England they were classified as the Royal Navy. But speaking of tribal tattoo, the masters do not mean images of military courts, but drawings in tribal style.

The word “tribal” itself is translated from English as “tribal”. These are paintings of a geometric plan, made in smooth or pointed lines.

The interweaving of the pattern resembles, rather than a realistic image of something. Direction to the most ancient.

Tribal for that reason, they originated among the natives of Africa at the dawn of our era.

Meaning of tribal tattoo

Meaning of tribal tattoo was originally associated with endurance and courage. This is due to the pain that had to be endured in order to make the body pattern.

The natives did not have modern -. The dye was driven under, at best, wooden sticks.

In the worst case scenario, the skin was cut according to the intended sketch. Only the strong-willed and able to endure pain decided to get a tattoo.

The tribes believed that tribal style tattoo help spouses find each other in the next world.

As a rule, husband and wife were given the same patterns. In order not to torment the women, they tried to apply only a part of their lover’s tattoo. A full-scale version of the drawing was made for him.

But, complete absence on a girl’s body was a reason to ignore a woman in society.

Thus, the African aborigines believed that a lady who was unable to endure the pain of a tattoo would not be able to survive the pain of childbirth. Nobody wanted to associate themselves with someone who wouldn’t have it.

In Tahiti tribal tattoo on shoulder for men were puberty. It was not always calculated by year.

In some tribes, for example, they considered him to have matured after killing a crocodile, or. The accomplishment of the feat was encouraged by the wife’s tattoo.

The tradition of applying a pattern after a hunt is associated with the spread among tribal tattoo photo with images of various .

Often, a defeated predator was painted on the body. Its stylized contours were pricked with paint.

Modern options also allow paintings, but this direction is called neo-tribal.

Sometimes, the image of an animal for a drawing was chosen based on the character of the person. Tribal tattoo designs often represent .

This is a symbol spiritual growth and power. – an animal of good-natured and strong.

Most tribes believed in the immortality of the spirit. This type of tattoo was worn mainly by shamans and leaders.

Allowed to impale creative people. Dragon tattoo – tribal, inflicted by the wise and cunning.

Studying tribal meanings complicated by the abundance of lines, and their different interpretations from different tribes.

Each curl and stroke of the drawing is like a written symbol. With the help of patterns, they told about the exploits of a person, his occupation, his position in the community, that is, a classic tribal tattoo, often autobiographical.

Run this in modern society, usually, only masters of small nationalities who know the traditions and symbols of their kind can do it.

But most clients are interested not in content, but in form. They ask for stylized versions of tribals that don’t carry much meaning.

Tribal tattoos for men

Among the representatives of the stronger sex tribal tattoo on arm, torso, are especially popular due to the abundance of sharp corners in the images.

Tribal style creates a feeling of speed, power, and aggression. These qualities are more characteristic of men, so they choose tribal tattoos for themselves. They make up about 30% of all requests among gentlemen.

Men prefer classic tribal designs made in . This pattern is, for example, Eminem.

The artist has tattooed a tribal design on the left. inscribed in the form of , enveloping . For Dmitry Nagiyev, the tribal is located on.

In the zone, Jared Leto also tattooed the generic pattern. The singer asked the master for two triads near .

Ancient symbol- a visual expression of the connection between the life of body, spirit and soul. Some nationalities view the triad as the unity of the past, present and future.

Tribal tattoos for women

If men most often choose tribal tattoo on shoulder, then the ladies rely on tattoos in the area, back, , .

Tribal tattoos or ethnic tattoos are classic traditions that mix ancient folk styles, vivid imagery, symbolism and belligerence. A tribal tattoo is an interweaving of clear patterns or images of sacred animals, where each detail has its own important meaning.

Tribal tattoo - Distinctive features of Tribal tattoo

The main characteristic difference between tribal tattoos and all others is clear, even, dark contours of the picture. Tribal tattoo makes 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 can have 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 a drawing tattoos told about a person’s biography. In a tattoo it was possible to find the place of birth, social status, exploits, battles and others important events from his life.

Tribal tattoos often cover the entire body of a person.for special meritsbefore the tribe and/or its clan. This is a kind of ancient passport that tells about a person’s life, his family or tribe, and position in society.

Tribal tattoo - Features of Tribal tattoo

For ancient peoples, the process of applying a tribal tattoo was a sacred ritual. The masters of this art prayed before each tattoo was applied to the body. For them, a tattoo was associated with a person’s soul, his spiritual energy, thoughts and desires.

Magical tribal tattooswere supposed to rule human life,protect the wearer from all troubles and mistakes, add strength and courage to him, and also relieve him of fears.

U peoples Maori tattoo (Maori tribal tattoo) was an indicator of courage and endurance, after all, not everyone decided to get such a tattoo because of the incredible pain when applying it.

The emergence of tribal tattoos in Europe

Ethnic tattoos They are still popular today due to their beauty and originality. It is difficult to take your eyes off such a tattoo, as ethnic tattoos fascinate and hypnotize.

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

“Tribal style today is a modern rebirth and continuation of the ancientPolynesian style. «

Varietytribal tattoo - 6 types of tribal tattoos

On the islands of Polynesia, among various tribes in Africa, in Japan, as well as among the Celtic tribes, tattoos carried a symbolic meaning. They marked the condition and status of a person in society, and were an adornment for a warrior for his valor and exploits.

There are 6 types of tribal tattoos:

Polynesian tribal tattoos

Polynesia tattoo - This is a beautiful interweaving 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 vegetable world.

By tradition, despite containing similar elements, Polynesian tattoos are unique and have never been repeated between two people.




Native American Tattoos – Tribal Haida Tattoo

Indian tattoos are associated withHaida. Haidaare 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 and green or blue. Each color, however, hides a specific meaning. Blue in a Haida tattoo means sky and black in a Native American tattoo means earth. Green color means the plant world, and red means blood.

The main subject of Indian tattoos were animals and birds: tattoo the Bears , killer whale tattoo, tattoo dolphins, shark tattoos, eagles tattoo and other representatives of fauna. Body 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 peak of fashion today and are distinguished by their brightness and style. Body drawings of this ancient culture stand out with special brightness. They depict hieroglyphs, mythological animals, fish, samurai, geisha, as well as entire scenes. Japanese tattoos have their own classification:

  • Irezumi Tattoos – this tattoo was popular among the Japanese underworld. They covered the entire back, chest, arms and thighs.
  • Tattoos Gaman (shaman) done by men who wanted to demonstrate theircourage, honor And force.
  • Tattoos Kakushi-boro (Kakushibori) - an unusual type of tattoo, which was most often applied by women. Kakushibori was especially popular among Geisha. Usually tattooing was done by filling cuts in the skin rice flour. The Kakushibori tattoo was practically invisible in daylight, but appeared when the body temperature increased (at the time of intimacy or taking hot water treatments).




Celtic Tribal Tattoo

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




African Tattoos – African Tribal Tattoos

African tattoos also served amulets and talismans.

Tattoos targetstalked about leadership and charisma.

fern leafmeans resourcefulness and endurance.

Crocodilespeaks of high adaptability.

Wooden comb- a sign of femininity and purity.

Turned aroundgoosereminds us of the importance of the lessons of the past.

Moon andstars- a sign of fidelity, love and harmony.



Slavic tattoos – Tattoos of the Slavs

Slavic tattoos ethno () is, first of all, an image of the symbol of infinity and rebirth. Also, in Slavic tattoos, images of animals and birds, for example, wolves and falcons, were revered. The thunder wheel and the star of Rus' were considered Slavic tattoo amulets.

The ancient Slavs tattooed runes on their bodies, symbolizing masculinity, fertility, renewal and peace.

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



Tribal tattoo for women