Popularity of tattoos in modern world has grown significantly. This is largely due to the emergence of new materials, tools and interesting tattoo designs. But there are tattoos whose history goes back hundreds and thousands of years. These, for example, include tribal tattoos, which make up about a third of all known today.

History of tribal tattoo

The birthplace of this type of tattoo was the Polynesian Samoan archipelago. The word “tribal” itself means “tribal”, “nominal”, “clan”. The Aborigines put great spiritual meaning into their tattoos, showing the inextricable connection between soul and body. The process of tattooing was a sacred ritual accompanied by the prayers of the priests, and the resulting image was considered a talisman and human protection. Local residents perceived these tattoos not just as decoration for their bodies, but also as a way to reveal their potential.

Tattoos came to Europe thanks to sailors who liked these clear and complex patterns. It is unlikely that they thought about the deep meaning of tribal tattoos; most likely they were attracted by the design of the tattoos, which was very different from the simplest “home tattoos” popular in Europe at that time.

Features and differences of style

In the classic version, tattoos in the tribal style look like precise, clear, black and white patterns with highlighted lines and a traced outline. But now, as a tribute to fashion, other options have begun to appear and color solutions this type of tattoo.

Not long ago, tribal tattoos appeared with an interesting 3D effect, where the design is given noticeable volume using a certain inclination and shadow. These tattoos will look bright and interesting on the body, emphasizing the bright individuality of their owners.
Tribal style has one interesting feature– it corrects the perception of your figure by others and makes it more attractive. A well-applied tattoo can visually increase muscle volume or narrow the waist, everything will depend on the chosen pattern and the location of the tattoo.

The meaning of tattoos

Behind the outward simplicity of tribal tattoos there is much more hidden than it initially seems. Behind all these lines and patterns are hidden symbolic images of various animals, plants, etc. For example, a bear is a symbol of good luck, a tiger is a symbol of power, and an eagle is a symbol of power. Such a tattoo is selected very individually, taking into account the personality, character, achievements and goals of a particular person.

Although there is something in common in the interpretation of tribal tattoos, for example, among the Maori people they were symbols of strength and courage, because not everyone could withstand the painful procedure of applying a tattoo.
It must be remembered that a tattoo is not just a drawing that will accompany you throughout your life - it is a reflection of a person’s worldview, philosophy and life experience. Therefore, you should not get a tattoo simply as a tribute to fashion, because it, like some of your views and hobbies, can quickly change. Try to be very deliberate about what your body will broadcast to this world.

Sketches of tattoos in Tribal style

Photos of tattoos in Tribal style

It is plain, usually black or gray, geometric pattern. The Tribal tattoo style originates from sketches of Oceania and the Mayan civilization, from the tribes of Africa. It was a symbol of the connection between the soul and the body. These designs with various curves are widespread in the modern variety of tattoos.

Since the technology is very ancient, it tends to change. Therefore, today, the color scheme allows you to use different drawings with contrasting lines not only of gray and black, but also bright colors. The Tribal style expresses a person’s inner feelings and emotions, rather than focusing on her image and appearance. Such tattoos can be applied to any part of the body: arms, legs, shoulders, back (for example, on the thigh).

The meaning of a tribal tattoo

Looking at a Tribal tattoo, you can see simple patterns, but in fact, they express much more than they initially seem. A symbolic image can tell about the person who wears it. Tribal is not just lines, sometimes it is sketches of animals, flowers, skulls, etc. But they all show the individuality of a certain person, so often when choosing a tattoo, it is drawn for you personally. Basically, it can tell about a person’s exploits and achievements, social status, place of birth, etc.

As it evolved, Tribal evolved into more modern styles such as neo-tribal or otherwise called new tribal. These styles have not moved far from their ancestor. All have a geometric pattern as their main criterion. All depicted figures must have clear, pointed lines, contours and intersections. You can create the appearance of a binding, a ring (a closed circle - space) and add tilt and shadows in order to recreate the 3D effect and give a larger and significant volume to the drawing. Such experiments on your body will look very beautiful and harmonious, emphasizing your individuality, sophistication or playfulness, restraint or, conversely, promiscuity.

If you are a person who likes strength, style, the combination of beauty and power, impulse, extreme, or you just want to be different from others, showing your dominance, then the Tribal tattoo style is created just for you. It will qualitatively, harmoniously and aesthetically fit into the contours of your body, decorating it.

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, tattoos 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

The word tribal is translated into Russian as “tribal”, “clan”. Tribal style tattoos originate in the cultures of ancient peoples inhabiting Africa, Oceania, South America. Many masters begin their careers with this style, because it is simple to perform compared to most others. However, such drawings do not tolerate negligence or imperfections; sloppy execution is very noticeable. Don’t think that a seemingly simple sketch will allow you to do the job carelessly. Tattoos in the tribal style are very impressive only if they are executed with high quality and accuracy.

Story

Archaeologists claim that this style of tattoo is one of the most ancient in the world. Fragments of similar patterns have been found more than once on the skin of ancient mummies. The clothes and household items of ancient people were also painted with similar patterns. In those days, it was believed that such ornaments protected from the evil eye.

In those days, the process of applying a tattoo looked completely different than it does now. The master worked with a sharpened fish bone, a wooden skewer, and a metal needle. Juices and powders from dried plants or soot mixed with fat were used as paint. Of course, there was no talk of any anesthesia or disinfection. Decoctions were used for healing medicinal herbs and animal fat.

This style penetrated into modern times quite a long time ago. And today’s artists say that tattoos in the tribal style are chosen by at least a third of all clients.

Peculiarities

This direction is characterized by interweaving of laconic dark lines, geometric patterns, and simplicity of forms.

Often we can also see strange animals and birds drawn with thick black lines. Abstract patterns are the most common feature of this trend.

Localization on the body

Stylish, laconic ornaments look great on almost any part of the body. The most desperate fans even apply tribal tattoos to their faces.

Men often choose such designs to decorate their back, hips, chest, and arms. Some tattoos cover huge areas, starting, for example, on the back and going down the arm to the hand. Graphic tattoos on legs look great.

Women love “tribal” tattoos. They decorate the collarbones, ankles, elbows, back of the neck, and shoulder blades with designs.

Colors

The most common are black and dark blue tattoos in the tribal style. Photos allow you to see this clearly. The point here is not at all about saving more money), rather, it is a tribute to tradition. After all, the ancient tribes were limited in the choice of colors.

In rare cases, you can find colored tattoos in the tribal style. Their sketches have the same contrast as the black and blue ones.

A new direction in the art of tattooing has affected even such classics as tribal. It's about o They look very unusual and expressive.

Elements

This style of tattoo, such as tribal, has its own ornaments and patterns. Often we see solar symbols, stars. Images of animals and birds are common: dogs, snakes, crocodiles, turtles, eagles, frogs, monkeys. Grinning masks, which, according to ancient beliefs, scare away evil spirits and all sorts of everyday troubles, are terrifying, but no less impressive.

The lines of the ornament are similar to forest paths, river bends, raging waves, flames, and writhing tree roots. They intertwine with each other, creating all sorts of intricate patterns.

If you decide to get a tattoo in this style, carefully choose a design and listen to the recommendations of the artist. This guarantees that you will get exactly the result you dreamed of.

Most experts agree that tribalism has its origins in the culture of the Samoan tribes. An interesting fact is that representatives of this ethnic group are convinced that a tattoo is a special connection between the spiritual and material embodiment of a person. Samoan tribes believe that a tattoo can reveal in a person his special abilities and talents, help him to know himself and form his own special philosophy of life.

Modern tribal is an evolved Polynesian style of tattooing. There is an opinion that every third tattoo in the world is tribal, which may be close to the truth. The name itself, which translates as “nominal”, “tribal”, says a lot about this genre. Such a tattoo often serves as a personal symbol or talisman, which explains its popularity even among those who are selective about body painting.

Most printed tribal patterns are complex, pointed patterns that represent the interweaving and intersection of sweeping lines. As a rule, tribal is performed in one color. But the genre is actively evolving and mixing with other trends, and today it is quite common to see multi-colored tribal music in an extraordinary stylistic performance.

Philosophy

To get a taste of the tribal idea, you need to turn to the tradition of Polynesian tattooing. Let us note that for local peoples the process of applying a tattoo represents a special ritual. Before applying the tattoo, the priests perform long prayers and ask for blessings. A tattoo is considered as a spiritual part of a person, resonating with his energy, desires and thoughts.

In the traditions of the Polynesians, they treat a tattoo as a magical design that should control the life of its wearer. The patterns depicted on the body were intended to rid a person of fears and help him on his life’s path.

The smooth, swift contours of a traditional tribal tattoo are a visual reflection of your inner worldview. The essence of a tattoo made in this genre lies not so much in the image embedded in the pattern, but in the emotions that a person experiences while observing this pattern. We will not deny that in tribal as a direction of tattoo culture, the aesthetic component of tattooing has priority importance.

Guys and girls

In modern body painting there is no clear division between male and female tribal. It all depends on the creative content of the individual who wants to get such a tattoo. Let us only note that the rough large-scale tribal on the elegant female body It doesn’t look as impressive as on a man’s. Therefore, we can conclude that it is better for girls to give preference to elegant works with fine lines.

Celebrities

Among the fans of the Polynesian “tribal” style the following were noticed:

• Colin Farrell;
• Dwayne Johnson;
• Mike Tyson.