Tribal Tattoo

Tribal tattoos are generally abstract lines and shape designs, or they can echo the forms of plants or animals. Traditionally tribal tattoos tend to only use one color - black. The symbolism of tribal tattoos tends to revolve around concepts of power, strength, prowess and loyalty, hallmarks of the ideologies of the ancient cultures from whence they originated.

One of the main causes of tribal tattoos increasing appeal to people is the ease of getting them. They are easy to draw, and relatively simple, so they don't hurt a lot! New tattoo artists use this tattoo design as a starting point before moving on to more elaborate tattoo designs. Tribal tattoos, apart from being one of the simplest tattoos to etch, are also fairly symmetrical. They are drawn using circles, swirls, loops, sharp edges and moon-crescents integrated together. If you are considering getting a tribal tattoo, the best way to learn more about the background and history of tribal tattoo designs that you are drawn toward is to study the tattoo styles of the different tattoo-wearing societies. Doing a web search on the tattoos of different cultures will allow you identify which culture's tattoos you are drawn to, and allow you to learn more about the meaning behind the tattoos of that society. Some of the more commonly seen tribal tattoos are Celtic, Maori, Samoa, Borneo, the Philippines and Native American
- Polynesian Tatau. The word "tattoo" derives from the word "tatau" in Polynesian. All of the people living on Marquesan island in Polynesia were tattooed. They regarded the tattooed symbols as a form of language. Usually, the image was inspired by animals: for example, shark teeth represented protection, and shells meant wealth. Other common symbols included turtles, fish hooks, and lizards.
- Maori Moko. The Maori tribe, in New Zealand, had facial tribal tattoos called moko. Each one was unique, and they indicated high social status as well as the person's rank, job, and achievements. Male moko tattoos usually covered the whole face, while female versions usually only covered the area around the mouth and the chin.
- Haida Tattoos. A Native American tribe called the Haida, who live on the Northwest coast of America, is known for their woodcarvings and tattoos of animals. The style of both the carvings and the tattoos are similar, and depict creatures such as beavers, fish, thunderbirds, and bears. The Haida believed that if you had a certain tattoo, you took on some of the strength of that animal.
- Borneo Tattoos. Borneo is a large island in Southeast Asia. Current political boundaries divide it between Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. The traditional tattoos of this region were symbols of protection and proof of achievement. They often depicted flowers, scorpions, spirals, dragons, or dogs in bold colors.

Today, tribal tattoos usually combine the styles of the origin tribes with modern images. While these tattoos once were signs of social status and achievement, now they are statements of individual artistic expression. And although modern designs still suggest some of the ancient or mythical qualities of the originals, the community no longer judges or classifies the tattoo owner by the symbols he or she uses.