Quetzalcoatl Tattoo Ideas

Popular Quetzalcoatl Tattoo Styles

The Quetzalcoatl is a deity in Mesoamerican society, and it’s a serpent with feathers on it. It has rich significance to many cultures and represents how nature is a balance, divinity, wisdom and more. As such, there are a lot of different directions you could take a Quetzalcoatl tattoo.

Traditional Aztec designs might include codices and carvings, with black shading and intricate linework to mimic some historical imagery of it. Vibrant colors and dramatic shading could also make it look quite real.

Since the Quetzalcoatl is based in mythology, though, it’s easy to use watercolors and other styles to make your tattoo look dreamy and ethereal at the same time.

Best Quetzalcoatl Tattoo Placements

As the Quetzalcoatl has an elongated form, it’s a good fit for multiple parts of the body. For instance, you could put it on a sleeve, your arm or down your leg and take advantage of the flowing nature of the Quetzalcoatl.

You could focus in on just its head and body, and place a Quetzalcoatl tattoo on your hand, neck or foot. Bold designs tend to gravitate toward bigger placements on the back or chest, where you can integrate the heart into the design to symbolize strength and wisdom.

Women’s Quetzalcoatl Tattoo Ideas

Quetzalcoatl tattoos for women often touch on femininity and have deeper meaning. They often pay tribute to the powerful symbolism of the deity. 

Many women will integrate flowers such as marigolds and lotuses to play to this meaning. They may use simpler designs to go for a powerful design that’s also very subtle.

Women also tend to opt for smaller Quetzalcoatl tattoos that are placed on the wrist, ankle or even the top of the foot. This could go more in the discreet direction for those who desire that.

Men’s Quetzalcoatl Tattoo Ideas

Men often play into the symbolism of power, wisdom and protection that the Quetzalcoatl emits. To that point, their Quetzalcoatl tattoos are often bigger and bolder, emphasizing a design that’s aggressive yet intricate.

Men often place these tattoos on their chest or back so they can integrate other symbols such as warriors or pyramids. They may opt for a full-sleeve Quetzalcoatl tattoo that can wrap around their arm and play into the flowing nature of the deity.

Quetzalcoatl Tattoo Meaning

Quetzalcoatl tattoos symbolize divine power, first and foremost, as the Aztec culture considered it to be the Feathered Serpent God. The Quetzalcoatl is the creator god, so tattoos of it often pay homage to the admiration and respect people gave to it. 

These tattoos can also stand for general knowledge, wisdom and heritage, making them very versatile.