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Hand Tattoo — 366 Ideas

#HandTattoo

Hidden Meanings of Hand Tattoos

The human hand, with its intricate network of lines and curves, has fascinated artists for centuries. Yet few are aware that tattoos on this body part can carry a host of obscure meanings. For instance, in the underworld circles like Yakuza or Russian criminal gangs, specific hand tattoo designs such as spider webs or crowns have served as coded language to signify rank or accomplishments.

In sailor folklore from the 17th century onwards, pig and rooster tattoos were etched onto sailors' hands as symbols of protection against drowning - an unusual belief grounded in the fact that these animals were often among the only survivors after shipwrecks. In some tribal cultures such as Maori tribes of New Zealand, intricately designed 'ta moko' (hand tribal tattoos) signified one's social status within their community.

From veiled connotations in subcultures to arcane cultural practices across history and geography - each hand tattoo tells a story far more complex than what meets the eye. Delve deeper into these fascinating narratives by exploring our gallery below.

Hidden Meanings of Hand Tattoos

The human hand, with its intricate network of lines and curves, has fascinated artists for centuries. Yet few are aware that tattoos on this body part can carry a host of obscure meanings. For instance, in the underworld circles like Yakuza or Russian criminal gangs, specific hand tattoo designs such as spider webs or crowns have served as coded language to signify rank or accomplishments.

In sailor folklore from the 17th century onwards, pig and rooster tattoos were etched onto sailors' hands as symbols of protection against drowning - an unusual belief grounded in the fact that these animals were often among the only survivors after shipwrecks. In some tribal cultures such as Maori tribes of New Zealand, intricately designed 'ta moko' (hand tribal tattoos) signified one's social status within their community.

From veiled connotations in subcultures to arcane cultural practices across history and geography - each hand tattoo tells a story far more complex than what meets the eye. Delve deeper into these fascinating narratives by exploring our gallery below.

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