Tribal Tattoo Ideas

Popular Tribal Tattoo Styles

Tribal tattoos can represent all different cultures and many different meanings. That’s why they are so popular and so versatile at the same time. Depending on the culture you wish to pay tribute to, or the style you want, there are various directions you could take.

Some of the most popular types of tribal tattoos are Polynesian. They often incorporate geometric patterns and flowing lines to tell stories that date back centuries. They are often used to represent nature.

Maori tattoos are also very popular and often have curved patterns and spirals. In many ways, they are meant to represent someone’s own spiritual journey or their genealogy.

African tattoos are also very popular in this category, and they typically feature linear patterns and bold artwork that can represent spiritual power, strength and protection.

Celtic tattoos will incorporate knots, looped patterns and spirals often, and are tied into ancient traditions. They also often make a connection between spiritual and earthly realms.

Best Tribal Tattoo Placements

Tribal tattoos can really be placed anywhere on the body, though there are some common places that people get them.

These tattoos are very popular to get as sleeves, either a half or full. This allows for your artist to follow a continuous design that will wrap around the body part. 

The chest and back are also popular locations for tribal tattoos, especially for those who wish to make a powerful statement. These areas also give a lot of opportunity for larger designs that can integrate patterns and other symbols.

If you are looking for a smaller tribal tattoo, you can opt for the wrist, ankle or hand.

Women’s Tribal Tattoo Ideas

Many women who get tribal tattoos like to emphasize their strength and elegance and/or speak to their personal significance. 

It’s common for women to get floral tattoos that combine flowers with tribal patterns. This could include hibiscus or the lotus flower, which could represent their spiritual growth, beauty and strength.

Tribal armbands are also popular among women. Even though it might seem bold to have these tattoos wrap around their arms, it can be done in a way that’s very feminine.

Men’s Tribal Tattoo Ideas

Men usually go more bold with their tribal tattoos, which is why you’ll often see them place them for full sleeves, on their chest or back. They don’t mind having them be visible, and they want them to stand out.

Maori and Polynesian tattoos are great for this, as they can be designed quite large and span the entire chest. They can use intricate patterns that are meant to represent power, protection and ancestry.

Aztec tattoos are also very popular among men. These can depict generic symbols of resilience and strength, or they can be artwork of specific gods or warriors.

Tribal Tattoo Meaning

Tribal tattoos often have deep personal meaning to those who get them. They are often made to represent one’s own culture or heritage, and pay homage to people and traditions of the past.

They are usually deeply symbolic tattoos that people give a lot of thought to and take a lot of pride in.