Tribal Tattoos History and Significance

Tribal tattoos are a popular tattoo choice that can either be abstract or incorporate various elements such as animals, hearts, suns and moons, flames, or religious symbols such as crosses. In popular culture, “tribal” tattoos typically refer to black tattoos of intricate designs that resemble ancient ethnic art.History of tribal tattoosThe practice of tattooing dates as far back as the later part of the Stone Age. For centuries, tribes and cultures in many parts of the world have used the art of tattooing to denote rites of passage, tribal status, religious or spiritual devotion, significant life events or accomplishments, and special skills. Some members of ancient cultures even tattooed acupuncture points onto their bodies.Traditional significanceTraditions involving tribal tattoos can be found in North America, various parts of Europe, Polynesia, Japan, Africa, and the Middle East. In parts of Asia, tattoos were believed to have magical qualities; they were used for protection against evil and to bring luck to the bearer. In North America, many Indian tribes have used tattoos to indicate rank within the tribe, to demonstrate acts of strength or bravery in battle, or to indicate wealth or roles in society. Inuit tribes used tattoos to ward off evil spirits and to cure disease or sickness. The Wichita tribe tattooed dark circles around the eyes of the men for decoration. In Polynesia, tribal tattoos consisting of complex geometric patterns would be applied in a ritualistic ceremony often lasting several days. In New Zealand, the Maori used facial tattoos to designate social status and occupation. Maori tribal tattoos were typically unique to each person so that they could be used as a personal mark or a type of signature. In Hawaii, tribal tattoos were often used to show mourning for a lost loved one, or to mark slaves or human sacrifices. Various cultures such as ancient Rome used tattoos as marks for slaves and criminals. In Borneo, tattoos are used to mark a young man’s passage into adulthood when he makes his first kill hunting alone. Some animist cultures use tattoos as a means of drawing strengths from spirits in nature. Japan is a country with a rich history of tribal tattooing practices, and one of only a few cultures where tattoos were common among women. In ancient Japanese cultures, women would often tattoo themselves to resemble goddesses in order to ward off evil spirits. Young women were also tattooed to mark their place in society and marital status.MethodsMany ancient tattooing methods involved cutting designs into the skin and rubbing pigment into the wound. Various instruments would be used for creating the design, such as stone chisels or carved boar tusks. Other methods involved hand-pricking the skin with sharp objects such as sticks or sharpened animal bones. The pigment used was often created from ashes, berry juice, crushed minerals or bones, or even urine.Modern Tribal TattoosModern-day tribal tattoos often attempt to replicate the look of markings from various ethnic tribes and cultures. These designs often make use of curved lines, swirls, intricate geometric patterns, and knots. Although modern tribal tattoos are sometimes similar in appearance to traditional tribal appearance, they generally have no significant meaning and are usually for decorative purposes only.