Tribal tattoos have become increasingly popular in modern society. However, many people get tribal tattoos simply because they look cool without understanding their deeper cultural significance. Tribal tattoos originate from ancient tattooing traditions of indigenous cultures across the world. Each tribal tattoo design carried deep symbolic meaning for the tribe.
Origins and History of Tribal Tattoos
Tribal tattoos have their origins in ancient tattooing traditions practiced across many cultures worldwide. Some of the earliest evidence of tribal tattooing has been found in:
- Indigenous cultures across Polynesia, such as Samoan, Hawaiian, Tahitian and Maori tribes.
- Aboriginal tribes in Australia.
- Dayak and Kayan tribes in Borneo.
- Berber tribes in North Africa.
- Yoruba and Hausa tribes in Africa.
- Native American tribes.
In these cultures, tattoos were more than just body art. They held deep cultural, spiritual and symbolic meaning. Tattoos conveyed important information about the bearer – their social status, ranks, achievements, life experiences and more. They commemorated major life events and rites of passage. They were believed to hold magical powers and protect the bearer.
Cultural Meaning of Tribal Tattoos
Here are some of the common symbolic meanings associated with tribal tattoos in different cultures:
Status Symbol
In Polynesian and Native American cultures, tattoos symbolized social status and ranks. More elaborate and extensive tattoos were worn by those of higher status and social rank in the community.
Sign of Adulthood
In many tribal cultures, tattoos were earned through rites of passage into adulthood. They signified a person’s growth into maturity and eligibility for marriage.
Spiritual Protection
Tattoos were believed to hold magical powers and protect the bearer from harm. Certain designs warded off evil spirits or disease. They also represented a connection to spiritual ancestors and gods.
Life Experience
The designs chronicled the wearer’s life, achievements, skills and experiences – such as prowess in hunting and warfare in men, fertility and childbearing history in women.
Cultural Identity
Tattoos affirmed one’s cultural lineage and identity as a member of a tribe or clan. Styles and motifs could identify the particular tribe the wearer belonged to.
Beauty and Sensuality
In some Pacific cultures, tattoos enhanced physical beauty and sexuality. They were considered appealing and attractive to potential mates.
Common Tribal Tattoo Motifs and Meanings
Here are some of the most popular tribal tattoo designs and their symbolic meanings:
| Tattoo | Culture | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Haida Grizzly Bear | Haida | Strength, protection, guidance |
| Polynesian Turtle | Polynesian | Longevity, fertility, family |
| Maori Koru | Maori | New life, growth, strength |
| Celtic Knots | Celtic | Eternity, interconnectedness |
| Native American Arrowheads | Native American | Direction, movement, achievement |
| Polynesian Tiki | Polynesian | Protection, fertility |
| Borneo Scrollwork | Dayak, Iban | Nature, self-identification |
| Native American Eagle | Native American | Leadership, vision |
| Aztec and Mayan Gods | Aztec, Mayan | Deities, underworld |
| Polynesian Shark Teeth | Polynesian | Protection, power, guidance |
How Modern Society Adopted Tribal Tattoos
While tribal tattoos originated as sacred symbols with deep cultural meaning, they have been adopted into mainstream body art and popular culture today. Here is how tribal tattoo styles became popularized globally:
- As European explorers came into contact with indigenous cultures, they brought back tattoo styles and introduced them in Europe.
- European sailors adopted Polynesian and Marquesan tribal tattoos during voyages to the Pacific in the 18th and 19th centuries.
- As tribal artifacts and art disseminated into Western museums and galleries, the broader public became aware of tribal designs.
- Tribal tattoos saw a surge in popularity in the 1990s through the rise of modern primitive body modification culture.
- Celebrities started sporting tribal tattoos, leading to growing mainstream visibility.
- American tattoo artists expanded on tribal tattooing styles and made them widely accessible.
Today, tribal tattoo styles are appreciated for their bold lines, geometric patterns and mystical look. However, their original cultural and spiritual significance has become divorced from the modern adaptation of these designs. Appropriation of tribal tattoos has become an issue of contention.
Cultural Appropriation of Tribal Tattoos
Many argue that the mainstream adoption of tribal tattoos amounts to cultural appropriation. Reasons include:
- The tattoos are removed from their deeply meaningful cultural context and often used purely for decoration.
- Mass commercialization of designs belonging to minority indigenous cultures raises ethical concerns.
- Tattooing traditions are an identifying marker of many tribes. Their use by outsiders can be seen as disrespectful.
- While tribes have been historically oppressed for their cultural practices, their art forms are selectively adopted by the dominant culture.
On the other hand, others believe that cultural exchange and appreciation keeps tribal art alive rather than appropriation. The line is not always clear.
However, here are some tips to avoid appropriation if you are considering a tribal-inspired tattoo:
- Research the specific design to understand its origins and cultural significance.
- Avoid mashing up styles from vastly different cultures haphazardly.
- Consider working with a tattoo artist who belongs to or is trained in the tribe’s tattooing traditions.
- Be respectful and acknowledge the cultural source of the design.
Conclusion
Tribal tattoos form a rich tradition of indigenous body art worldwide. Originating as sacred symbols of identity and belonging, they carried deep cultural meaning. While mainstream modern society has widely adopted tribal tattoo styles, this appropriation often lacks an understanding of their significance. However, with appreciation and respect for their cultural roots, tribal-inspired tattoos can honor the ancient artistry of these communities.