The art of tattooing is probably as old as humanity itself and tribal tattoo designs have always been at the forefront of the most favorite tattoo designs throughout the ages. Even though the technology used in tattoos have evolved from the crude ink and needle techniques of yesteryear's to the modern tattoo- making tools and machines that can create colorful, very intricate and very complicated works of art on a human body, the preference for tribal designs never waned.
The following is a short discussion of the various tribal tattoo designs that many people prefer and a look into the meaning behind these designs.
It has been the tradition of many tribes around the world to sport a form or two of tribal-tattoos on their bodies as part of being a member of that particular tribe. Some of the more popular traditional designs that we see today originated from Borneo, the Celts, the Haidas in Southeast Alaska, the Native American Indians, the ancient Chinese, the Aztecs and other South American tribes, and the Polynesian tribes particularly the Maori people.
Tribal tattoo designs and meanings vary from each tribe and it depends on their mythological roots and how each tribe view and interact with there surroundings and with the world. Most of these designs are associated with their beliefs and religions and form part of rituals and rights of passages. These tattoo designs also have significant social meanings ranging from a unique identification system for families or tribes or as a record of the individual's accomplishments and phases in life. Others believe tattoos can bring out magical powers or they can drive off evil spirits.
Tribal tattoos are really great-looking designs that stand out despite their monochromatic characteristics. The modern world and tattoo enthusiasts have combined certain elements of traditional designs and mix it up with modern lines, curves and other elements. These designs can be adapted from traditional paTribal tattoo designs are amongst the widely sought for tattoos. A tribal pattern usually spark interest of an individual because it is usually hard to categorize if the design is simple or intricate because the bold solid lines speak more for itself. A tribal tattoo design is usually worn to symbolize belongingness or other personal reasons.
A tribal tattoo design is selected by individuals for various reasons. Some tribes used these tattoos to signify position and achievements, some for spiritual, magical or marriage rituals. For others, it is used to trace a family lineage and are given to as early as puberty as a mark in welcoming them to the society.
Each tribal may represent a specific heritage and was used differently by tribes and cultures. Native Americans wear them to represent culture and beliefs; Polynesians wear it for tradition, values, or religion; Hawaiians wear a tribal patterns to identify their group from the others within the society or sometimes for protection or even mourning.
A tribal tattoo may be inspired and adorned with animal drawings to symbolize different meanings. The symbolism differs depending on the significance of the animal to a tribe. A bear may mean good luck, a butterfly may indicate immortality of the spirit while an eagle may symbolize spiritual growth.
Having a tribal design is not always for adornment or art. In some cultures, having a tattoo may be a process to determine how the person will be able to handle other circumstances in life. In some tribes for example, women who are unable to tolerate pain during tattooing may indicate her incapacity to handle pain during childbirth.