There are many varieties of tribal tattoos, including tribal suns and stars, tribal zodiac symbols, tribal religious symbols, and tribal armband tattoos. While they are all creative forms of body art, they can also have meaning behind them, and you should consider these meanings, as well as placement when choosing a tribal tattoo design. In ancient times, tattoos were used to either mark a person as a member of a group, or to express religious, magical or spiritual beliefs. Tribal tattoos are a wonderful way to express yourself; just be sure you believe in the statement you are making.
Suns and Stars
Some of the first tribal tattoos existing thousands of years ago were of suns, honoring the sun gods and the element of fire. Tribal suns and stars tattoos can vary in size and detail, making them a good option for just about any part of your body. The shoulders and back (just below the neck) tend to be the most popular locations for this type of tribal tattoos. A creative twist on the tribal armband tattoos is a “chain” of stars that wraps around the foot, just below the ankle, with a larger sun or star tattoo closing the chain just below the big toe.
Zodiac Symbols
The zodiac is the first known celestial coordinate system, and its use in astrology has been fascinating mankind for thousands of years. The zodiac varies by culture, with the Greek/Roman zodiac being the most popular. When selecting a tribal zodiac symbol tattoo, consider your birth sign under the zodiac you most identify with and believe in. Understanding the meaning behind your birth sign, and the respective common traits and strengths, will all you to express a very personal tattoo.
Religious Symbols
In the case of tribal religious symbol tattoos, you may want to take the time and develop your own design. Studying the symbols of tribal and shamanic religions, including Native American, African, Samoan, Maori, Ancient European will help you find a symbol that is meaningful to you. Then use your creativity, or pay a professional tattoo artist to design a unique tattoo.
Armband Tattoos
The armband is probably the most popular type of tribal tattoo, but yours can still be very unique and personal. While armband tattoos typically incorporate flames, barbed wire or knot work, you can use any of the aforementioned tribal tattoo types as well to create your own design. You can also modify your preferred design into a wristband.