Tribal Tattoos: Why Are They So Popular?
Tribal Tattoos: Why Are They So Popular?
From ancient times to the modern era, tribal tattoos have remained popular throughout the years. Learn more about why this popular style has stuck around.
Did you know that over 45 million Americans have at least one tattoo?
Some get tattoos as a means of self-expression. For others, tattoos make them feel sexy, rebellious, or daring.
While we can’t say for certain which tattoos are the most common, tribal tattoos definitely rank high on the popularity list.
What makes the tribal tattoo design so popular? How did they get started? What meaning did they have in the past–and what meaning do they hold today?
In this post, we’ll delve into the fascinating history of tribal tattoos. Read on to learn more!
The History of Tribal Tattoos
Long before Samuel O’Reilly invented the tattoo gun in 1891, cultures around the world had embraced the art of the tribal tattoo.
Consider a few examples.
Egypt
Historians have found tattoos on mummies in northern Africa that date back to around 2000 BC. In ancient Egypt, it was common practice for the High Priestesses to decorate their bodies with tattoos, especially on their arms.
Other mummies have been found with tattoos that are thought to relate to fertility, rejuvenation, and sun worship. It was also believed that tattoos could ward off evil spirits and cure certain diseases.
Polynesia
Almost everyone in ancient Polynesian cultures–male and female–was tattooed. Tattoos were used to identify tribe, rank, genealogy, and sexual maturity. Tattoos were also closely linked with warfare and religious rituals.
Tribal tattoos were part of life in many different Polynesian cultures, including Samoa, Tonga, Hawaii, and New Zealand. In fact, the word “tattoo” first entered Europe after explorer James Cook returned from his voyage through Tahiti and New Zealand in 1771.
Britain
Britain may not immediately come to mind when you imagine a tribal tattoo. But the elaborate Celtic knots and crosses date way back to before Christianity ever reached its shores.
The “Picts” were an ancient people whose name literally meant “painted people.” Aside from crosses and knots, common Celtic designs include birds, trees, and other aspects of nature.
Central America
In ancient Aztec society, tattoos were used as symbols of social status and war achievements. Warriors often had tattoos of deities, which were believed to give them divine protection during battle.
Ghosts, demons, and wild animals are other popular tribal tattoo designs throughout central America. The Mayan calendar, which predicted the end of the world would come in 2012, is another popular design.
Southeast Asia
In Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia, you’ll see monks and tourists alike sporting sacred “Sak Yant” tattoos. These eye-catching designs incorporate geometric patterns, animal images, ancient Buddhist prayers, and magical Khmer scripts.
The practice goes back thousands of years to when it was believed these tattoos would protect warriors in battle. The tattoos were created using bamboo–a practice still common in that part of the world today.
Modern Tribal Tattoo Designs & Meanings
As you can see, the art of the tribal tattoo transcends time, culture, and continents. They were used for centuries to identify, protect, and empower those who wore them.
Of course, most of us today don’t believe that tattoos offer magical powers or protection from evil. Most people select tribal tattoos for their aesthetic beauty or to celebrate their cultural heritage.
Still, if you’re considering a tribal tattoo for yourself, it’s interesting to know the origin of the design.
For example, some of the most popular tribal tattoo designs are Samoan in origin. These abstract or geometric designs are generally black and may include animals, sun rays, or ocean swirls.
Tribal tattoo designs on the face are typically Maori. Originating in New Zealand, these striking tattoos are synonymous with rank, prestige, and social status.
Other popular tribal tattoo designs and patterns include:
- Abstract patterns
- Geometric designs
- Swirls
- Crosses
- Vertical masks
- Shields
- Dragons
- Butterflies
- Tigers
- Centipedes
- Spiders
- Phoenix bird
There’s virtually no limit to the design you can create for a tribal tattoo. That’s why it’s essential to find a talented tattoo artist who can create the perfect tattoo for your vision.
Considerations for Your Tribal Tattoo
Before you make any final decisions about your tribal tattoo, here are a few important factors to consider:
Style
Tribal tattoos can be soft, swirling, and looping. They can also be bold and jagged with hard edges.
Which style feels right for you? You might also consider a blend of the two for a more unique look to your tattoo.
Color
Many people associate tribal tattoos with solid black, which they certainly can be.
But have you considered any shading or shadows? What about one or more colors to accent the main parts of your design?
You can also go with full, bold colors to really make your tribal tattoo stand out. There’s no right or wrong answer–it’s whatever what you want it to be.
Location
A final consideration is where you’re going to place your new tattoo on your body. The upper arm or lower leg are popular choices for tribal tattoos, but they’re not the only ones.
Men might consider a tattoo that stretches across their upper back or creates a sleeve on their forearm. Women can get creative with placement on their lower back, foot, or hand.
Ready for Your Next Tattoo?
Now that you know more about tribal tattoos, how are you feeling? Are you ready to create a tribal design that’s perfect for you?
We invite you to contact us to discuss your ideas with one of our professional tattoo artists. Whether you’re in Las Vegas, Henderson, or Maui, we’ve got you covered.
Wondering what we’re all about? Check out our testimonials page to see what our satisfied customers have to say about our work.
Stop by our Maui Tattoo Shopor Henderson Tattoo Shop
8 Trending Tattoos for Women
Tattoos for Women
Old school never really gets old and new age ideas are all the rage. Trying to find inspiring tattoos for women? Check out these hot new (and old) trends.
The stigma that tattoos are only for men and rebels is a thing of the past. 47% of women under 35 have tattoos. If you’re thinking of getting a tattoo, now is the time to do so.
While tattoo-removal is not as difficult or expensive as it once was. You’ll still want to take your time picking a design. It’s going to stay on you for a long time, after all.
There are a lot of good tattoo ideas to pick from too. Old-school designs never fade from popularity and there are some new trends emerging.
Here’s a look at some cool tattoos for women you might want to consider getting:
Script Tattoos
Lettering has always been a staple for tattoos, regardless if it’s for men or women. A trend that’s grown popular with women is cursive lettering. Script tattoos look clean and sleek.
Another reason they’re trendy is because of their elegance. Scripts look linear and almost geometrical from a distance. People only get to see the true meaning of the words when people look at these tattoos up-close.
They’re also flexible. You can get a simple word tattooed or a whole phrase.
Geometric Tattoos
Geometric tattoos focus on lines, dots, and shape outlines. These are becoming popular tattoos for women because of their flexible meanings and clean design. If you have to hide your tattoos you can get a small triangle or line on your hip or nape.
Three dots can represent three kids or three milestones in life. A triangle can mean nothing or it could represent an alchemy symbol.
Dots and lines are also easier to commit compared to traditional imagery. You may get a line tattoo that represents your work. Later on in life, when that symbolism no longer applies, you can say the line represents something else now.
Tiny Tattoos for Women
Small tattoos have been in style for years and the trend isn’t going away. It’s popular with a lot of famous women too. Some celebrities with tiny tattoos include actress Bella Thorne and singer Ariana Grande.
Many tiny tattoos are basic line art designs. They can be small moons, stars, gender symbols, and more. These tattoos are often on a woman’s hip, wrist, ankle, and nape.
These are the ideal tattoos to get for beginners. They’re easy to hide, they’re less expensive, and the pain isn’t excruciating due to the small size.
Butterfly Tattoos
Butterfly images have always been popular tattoos for women. They rose in popularity during the late 1960s and have since stayed trendy. Their image was part of the hippie movement but has since gone on to represent freedom, resurrection, and change.
You can also approach the colors in a variety of ways. You can ask for the butterfly to sport a watercolor scheme with its colors. You can ask for a pastel look or a traditional color scheme too.
Butterfly tattoos are also good choices if you need to hide your tattoo. While tattoos no longer carry negative views as much as they once did, you might have to hide them when at work.
A butterfly tattoo can be as big or as small as you need. This lets you hide it behind your ear, in your inner arm, hips, or back.
Helix Tattoos
This is a new trend that is catching on with women like wildfire. A helix tattoo is one placed on the outermost part of the ear. Some designs include flowers and vines that wrap around the whole ear.
You should note that the helix is a sensitive part of the ear. Getting a tattoo there can be more painful than getting one behind the ear. You should consult your tattoo artist first before getting this type of tattoo.
Helix tattoos can do wonders when paired with the right jewelry too. Colorful earrings are the most compatible with helix tattoos. The glow of an earring accentuates the colors of a helix tattoo.
Photo-Realistic Tattoos
You can’t go wrong with a photo-realistic tattoo, one of the oldest design trends still popular today. A new twist is hyper-realism. This is a tattoo that looks like a high-definition image grafted on a person’s skin.
Many realistic tattoos for women include images of their children, famous celebrities, and animals. Lions, wolves, and spiders are among the most popular choices.
Do keep in mind that photo-realistic tattoos take more than one session. The artist may have to do a draft first. They’ll then ask you to return so they can continue working on it.
Cosmetic Tattoos
This is a unique tattoo trend due to its medical nature. Cosmetic tattoos are also known as permanent makeup. They’re tattoos that alter a person’s face similar to plastic surgery but on a much smaller scale.
You can get a cosmetic tattoo to get a permanent eyeliner effect. Others get tattoos to thicken their eyebrows. Permanent makeup can also help hide lipstick bleed or fix an uneven lip line.
Anchor Tattoos
Anchors don’t only represent a love for the sea or the military. They can also represent stability and people who keep you grounded in reality. This is why you’ll see someone getting an anchor tattoo that has the word “mom” or something similar.
If you are a sailor, whether military or civilian, then an anchor carries a whole new meaning. It can represent their time at sea and their profession. Women who are fond of classic cartoons, like Betty Boop, will also appreciate an anchor tattoo.
Why Wait? Get a Tattoo Today
Don’t wait. Don’t let the world stop you from getting a tattoo.
There are a lot of great tattoos for women. Any of these ideas could work wonders for you. If these ideas don’t work for you, we can help you discover one that will.
You might want a tattoo to symbolize something important in your life. You might want for the heck of it. You can get one for the artistic beauty.
No matter your reason, you can contact us to help you get started. Stop by our Maui Tattoo Shopor Henderson Tattoo Shop
What Makes a New School Tattoo?
New School Tattoo
What Makes a New School Tattoo?
Characterized by a more cartoon-ish style, the new school tattoo has exploded in popularity starting in the 70s. These traits characterize this unique style.
Tattoos come in a wide variety of styles, ranging in color patterns and overall design features. Many people choose a tattoo based on significant events in their lives, and sometimes just for fun.
Depending on your tattoo style preference, it can be difficult to choose just one. That’s why tattoo artists commonly promote different styles and designs. They are constantly drawing, coloring and practicing their craft to better influence followers.
Don’t get stuck with a tattoo that doesn’t represent you or your tattoo artist at their best. Choose a new school tattoo, instead.
Here, we discuss the different features of a new school tattoo so that you can make an educated decision on your new tattoo design style.
Bright Color
Perhaps the most influential characteristic of a new school tattoo lies in the color schemes. They are bright and undeniably non-traditional.
New school tattoo colors differ from old school tattoos in the use of the color palette and the skin.
Old school tattoos or traditional and neo-traditional tattoos use one part color, one part black or grey, and the other part skin. New school designs borrow from this style, but with bolder and brighter elements.
This type of design generally includes colors like ultra light blue, deep lime green and different shades of purple. They’re extremely colorful no matter what subject you choose.
3-D Shading
Another feature that you will find in a new school tattoo includes the use of 3-D shading. There is a heavy influence in how the shading interacts with the skin that creates the three-dimensional effect.
New school tattoos tend to be more un-realistic overall and this can be found throughout the shading techniques.
Your tattoo artist may use different techniques to create drastic effects that allow the tattoo to stand out and make an impression.
Heavy Outlines
One of the characteristics in a new school design that compares with an old school tattoo is the use of heavy outlines. This influence is important to the design features of a new school tattoo in order to incorporate classic elements of tattoo culture.
The use of heavy outlines adds to the color sensation of these pieces because of the grand contrast.
Two Categories
Because of the use of bright colors, 3-D structure shading and heavy outlines, a new school tattoo looks like or represents cartoons and graffiti art.
Cartoon
One of the ways to easily define a new school tattoo is to recognize any cartoon-like qualities.
Cartoon tattoos are increasingly popular because the demand is growing for basic tattoos that represent more than the art itself. Subjects are often fantastical with novel patterns and include much room for customization.
These designs incorporate color on a grand scheme.
Graffiti
Because this art is exaggerated significantly, it also tends to reflect characteristics of graffiti art. Details within the subject are not realistic and might include jagged edges.
Many graffiti style tattoos have themes from hip-hop culture. They are not restricted to traditional characters or subjects.
Images of this nature are typically more abstract and easy to customize. Popular subjects include aquatic scenes and horror movie characters.
The imagery in graffiti tattoos is a little more restricted in the use of colors, in comparison to cartoon tattoos.
Bubble Letters
Whereas old school tattoo designs use scripted or block lettering, new school tattoos are more inclined to bubble lettering.
Letters are enhanced with the use of the heavy outlining and shading techniques to make your color pop.
Design features using bubble letters creates a lasting effect on your tattoo that will not soon go out of style.
Unlike the jagged edges found in graffiti tattoos, bubble letters fit well with cartoon art or word-only phrases and words.
Artists
Many tattoo artists are becoming more open about their art in contrast to past decades when these same artists were more secretive with their work for fear of competition.
These days, more artists are sharing their techniques and different ideas with a more relaxed form. This art has created a more diverse selection of artistry among those that are collaborating and designing new school tattoo designs.
Some artists are becoming increasingly popular, showcasing their creative energy and artistic execution in styles that recognize your skin as the ever-changing, beautiful canvas that it is.
Free Style
This tattoo design doesn’t just cater to your artistic side. It also relates to your creative energy and ability to think outside the box. There are a lot of different concepts and mediums involved in this tattoo style. It only depends on what you can think up.
Some fans of this style focus strictly on cartoon characters while others might use club affiliated designs or straight graffiti art. The whole idea is to be as bold as possible.
Many tattoo artists appreciate the freedom of subject and technique that comes with this style of tattoo art. They are also better able to serve their customer’s ideas in true form.
Getting Your New School Tattoo
Getting a new tattoo is not for the faint of heart. Choosing a design takes time and finding the right artist to help you isn’t always easy.
Select a favorite cartoon character and have your artist incorporate a selectively graffiti-like shading structure. Or let the artist decide for you!
If you’re interested in a new school tattoo, get on board and give us a call. We have specialized artists and years of experience. You can pop by our Las Vegas Tattoo Shop, Henderson Tattoo Shop or Maui Tattoo Shop for more information and meet our artists.
Stop by our Maui Tattoo Shop or Henderson Tattoo Shop
Perfect Tattoo Ideas For Excited New Dads
Tattoo Ideas For Excited New Dads – Are you a new dad that wants to celebrate your child’s birth with a gorgeous tattoo? There are many great ideas from which you can choose, so make sure to carefully examine each of these before deciding. These are just a small sample of the possible styles, so don’t be afraid to get imaginative!
Baby Name
The simplest tattoo you can get to celebrate your new baby is their name tattooed on your body. For example, their name across your lower arm can showcase your love and excitement for their birth. You can also integrate images of them on the tattoo to make it more personal and memorable.
Symbolic Item
Have you and your wife already chosen items that are meaningful and which represent aspects of your baby’s life? You could always get these tattooed on your body in a way that will make them impossible to forget. For example, a rendering of your baby’s favorite teddy bear on your upper arm will always remind of when they were young and so precious.
Potential Life Of The Baby
All fathers have a basic idea of what they would like their child to do with their life. Success in a specific field is something you can celebrate with a large back tattoo. Create a basic timeline of your baby’s life, including images of them at various points of their life.
While this tattoo is likely to be inaccurate later on in their life, it can showcase to your child what kind of success you expected from them. This can increase their self-esteem and drive them to succeed in ways that will make you proud.
If you’re ready to get a tattoo to celebrate your new child, please contact us today to make an appointment.
Tattoo Ideas For Excited New Dads by the Skin Factory Tattoo shop in Las Vegas & Henderson.
Classy First Tattoo Ideas For Women Over 40
Tattoo Ideas For Women Over 40. Are you a woman over 40 who has finally decided that she wants to try out a tattoo? Obviously, you’re not going to want some kind of cheesy or immature tattoo. You deserve one that is classy as you.
Delicate Flower Designs
What is more beautiful and feminine than flowers? Try to integrate some detailed and lovely flower designs on your body. Make sure that the flower tattoo design wraps around parts of your body, such as your hips, breasts, and arms. This creates a well-integrated look that is fashionable and fun.
Tats For Your Kids
If you’re a proud mother, a tattoo is a great way to celebrate your successful children. Get their names tattooed, a nice rendition of their face, and create a saying or message for each of them. Make sure these are in an easy-to-see spot (such as on your arms or on your upper back) to ensure people see your meaningful celebration.
Gorgeous Lattice Work
Although some will tell you that lattice work is a little overdone, we have to disagree. We think it is used so often because it looks great and offers a variety of possibilities. Focus on your favorite animals or spiritual aspects. Make sure that you see the tattoo artists drawing skills first before getting one.
If any of these tattoo ideas sound perfect to you, please contact us today. The Skin Factory Tattoo & Body Piercing shop has locations in Maui, Las Vegas and Henderson. Their talented Tattoo Artists and friendly environment makes them the best tattoo shop in the Vegas area. We can sit down with you and talk about the demands that a first tattoo can have on the body of a woman over 40.
Tattoo Ideas For Women Over 40
