Tribal Tattoo Designs: Ideas for tribal tattoos for Men and Women

The tribal tattoo is more popular among men then women, but they are designs for both male and female. The definition of tribal tattoos have been stretched over the years, so you have to go back many decades for a prime definition. Tribal tattoos are commonly affiliated with solid black ink formed in continuous lines or design that forms an artistic design. Although the origins of the tribal tattoo were of black ink only, colors can be added to the design.

Many tattoo artist have their own perception of tribal art, but truth be told, there are many varieties of tribal design. The origins of the tattoo date back when the tribal design was to mark a certain tribe or a person's affiliation with that tribe. Needles were not around during these times, so the skin was cut and filled with soot or ash. This would later add the design and color to the image. The Maori culture would be one society that used this method.

Although tribal designs were used in cultures and tribes, it has become a popular design in men and now women are beginning to pick up on the design.

Although tribal tattoos usually form another image, they are also used as full length arm tattoos that cover the entire distance from the shoulder to the wrist in most cases. Some can have small width on the design or others can have large width. This design is mostly for men, although women do get them from time to time. You can see this design on the photo to the right. This pattern has no specific design. These are great designs for men that have a strong physical build in the arms. Keep in mind, they do not have to go from shoulder to wrist. You can get them to cut off at the wrist or in the middle of your wrist and elbow. You could also exclude it from the arm itself and have it run from your shoulder to the chest and side of your chest. These tattoos are mainly seen on physical built men who have good muscle tone and size on the chest and stomach as well.

Most people think of tribal tattoos as being solid black ink, but that is not true. You can see how good the orange looks in the two tattoos on the right. There are many colors that go good with black. Yellow, pink, silver, and turquoise are 4 colors that look good next to black. Other colors work also, but I suggest to you to use a lighter form of that color, especially in green and purple.

Just because it is a tribal tattoo doesn't mean you have to use black anyway. Many different artist have a range of variety when it comes to their own personal definition of tribal artwork and designs. Although black is the preference choice on tribal designs, you can see the colors that have been added in through the images below.

Now a days, there are very few artist that would turn someone down because of someone wanting to add color on tribal tattoos or because they are not a tribal member of a certain society. I would still say for certain that there are a few out there, but most will draw whatever you want them too.

The tribal design can also be mixed with the Celtic design as seen in the picture on the right. Some people consider this to be disrespectful, while others believe the two designs work hand in hand. It just shows how different designs can be uniformed into one overall image, basically the definition of tribal design. The Celtic design is in the middle and the tribal design surrounds the outside.

As most of you all may already know, butterflies are very popular among women. Some of the images on this page show how they are done in tribal art. Tribal designs are really not popular among women, not including women or culture or tribal connections of course. Recently though, there has been an increase in attention and they may begin one of the latest tattoo trends.

Another popular design among tribal art is the cross. Many people get them for religious purposes. They can also be used as a remembrance tattoo or a dedication design. For whatever reason you choose, the cross image provides some interesting and good looking tattoos. The Angel wings on the right can also be serving the same purpose and shows how the continued lines form one overall piece or image.

Many women choose to get tribal designs in a variety of different places on the body. They can be used on the lower stomach, shoulders, lower back, and on the side of the chest and stomach. Either way, they can be a real eye catcher.

Another design that is mixed with the tribal is the Pacific design, Tropical flowers and tribal design images are used together in a few of the tattoos below, including the full back tattoo of the woman below. The flowers are from the Pacific design and the tribal art is seen through the center. Is is just another idea that you may want to consider when getting your tattoo.

I have also seen tribal art surrounding landscape tattoos, almost in a captured photo or framed photo sense. It can be used as a boundary marker in the landscape tattoo. I have no images of this tattoo, but it may be something that you may want to consider.

There is a lot of thinking and research that should be done when you are considering a tattoo. You never want to rush into the process because in the end, you will get a tattoo that you will regret for the rest of your life. Many people take months and even years before they eventually choose a tattoo. There are many different tattoo designs and categories to choose from. As you may have learned today, they can also be mixed into one another to form one solid tattoo. Technology has came a long way, but even so, not all tattoos can be removed. Just make sure you explore all possible design and routes before you make your decision. Always keep in mind of what the public may think. I only say this because tattoos can be very judgemental. They can cause you problems, especially looking for employment. You may want to choose a location that can be covered if needed. By all means, do as you wish. You can choose any tattoo as you wish. And remember, be creative. If you know an artist, perhaps that can make your own personal design and you can take it to a tattoo artist. Just make sure it is really what you want.