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Tribal tattoos are a very popular style amongst tattoo fans and are an easily identifiable style. They can be the sole element of a design or incorporated to accent a realistically portrayed recognizable object or animal, used to compliment but not the main focus of the design. The tribal tattoo design is a very flexible element.
Origination of the tribal tattooing came from the concept that all members of a particular tribal group were tattooed with the same mark. It was a mandatory part of belonging to the tribe and was not an option. Refusing the ritual and participation could have adverse social issues for that tribal member. Tattoos were a way to identify the tribe the person belonged to.
The tattoo itself was usually administered by a respected highly revered member of the tribe who held a special standing. Some tribes believed that certain symbols had the power to give them protection from evil and keep them safe.
Different cultures have different beliefs and rituals. The ritual of branding a tribe member reaches back many centuries.
The majority of tribal tattoos are done in black only. This probably is based on the age of this style as thousands of years ago, black ink was the only color used in tattoo work.
Narrowing down your selection will probably be the hardest part of selecting your piece of tribal tattoo design. The internet and many magazines and books have a hefty number of tribal designs.
Some of the most popular tribal designs include abstract looking suns, butterflies, and flames. During your search you’ll likely find tribal interpretations of dragons, other lizards or other reptiles, wolves and tigers. Animals are very popular with a tribal design to them. Celtic designs are also popular when created in a tribal style. Plenty of people opt to have a border with the tribal Celtic knots, and then initials or the name of loved ones tattooed are placed inside the border.
For the past decade or so tattoos have become immensely popular and tribal designs are highly requested in all shops. Many individuals will choose a tribal tattoo just because they visually appeal to the person. Although the back and arms are popular locations for tribal tattoos, certain shapes work better on the calf area. The shape of the tattoo should complement the location and can always be discussed with the artist. I highly recommend people discuss the positioning of the tattoo with the person applying it. They have the experience and likely have the artistic instinct to help you make the best choice.
Take your time and make sure the general shape – horizontal or vertical, thick or thin – will fit well with the part of the body that you’re placing it on.
