Tribal Tattoo — 82 Designs

The name of the style refers to its origin: these tattoos were applied by the aborigines of the Samoan archipelago to bind body and soul, as well as protect against spirits.

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The name of the style refers to its origin: these tattoos were applied by the aborigines of the Samoan archipelago to bind body and soul, as well as protect against spirits.

Subjects and combinations of tribal tattoos

To select suitable sketches you need to decide on the plot, meaning and composition of the composition.

The main essence of tribal patterns is in the patterns. However, depending on the origin, the style may vary slightly, but all tattoos show a significant connection to nature. Tribal tattoos often use images of local animals, which were attributed spiritual significance at the time.

Distinctive features of the style

Most often, tribal tattoos are characterized by pointed patterns in black and white. However, in a modern interpretation, the direction has also received color variants; you can find tattoos in gray shades.

A geometric pattern can sometimes be covered not with a thick black outline, but with bright colored ones. The peculiarity of the style is that all elements of the tattoo are connected: the patterns are intertwined and closed.

Often the catalog of sketches contains a tribal tattoo with a 3D effect, this allows you to give the image volume and make it stand out from the general background.

The meaning of common tattoos

Polynesian patterns have various images and motifs that can be seen in the tattoo:

1. Shark – symbolizes perseverance, endurance, resilience and strength. In the Polynesian culture, this sea animal was considered sacred and such a tattoo was supposed to protect against harm and threats.
2. Tiki is a tattoo in the form of a mask that was made to warriors for spiritual protection. Therefore, the pattern diverges in all directions, symbolizing comprehensive protection.
3. Turtle - means longevity, harmony with the spirit of the body, protection and priority of family safety. The importance of this symbol in Polynesian culture is explained by the fact that shields were made from turtle shells.
4. The moon is a symbol of fertility, sometimes a crescent moon is also depicted.
5. The dragon is a symbol of supernatural forces and power. Many images of dragons in modern tribal tattoos are not traditional.
6. Wolf - symbolizes strength, loyalty and devotion, fearlessness and family values.

It is important that in the Polynesian tattoo there was a division into images suitable for men and those suitable for women. Among the common women's tattoos are the moon or crescent. Originally masculine - tiki (mask), shark, dragon.

Where to place a tribal tattoo

The style allows you to scale the image as you wish. It can easily be placed almost anywhere (on the shoulder, forearm, wrist, legs and face) at your own discretion. Thanks to the wide variability in size, a tribal tattoo is perfect for those who want to get their first tattoo - it is a classic that can be done in a small format without filling the entire sleeve and without distorting the meaning of the composition.

Tribal tattoos, like many styles, have received many new directions over time; this provides a huge selection of designs and the opportunity to put personal meaning into the tattoo.

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