Scythian tattoos: meaning and sketches

The article describes the tattoos of the Scythians, sorted out the meanings of the images of animals, as well as their features. Examples of sketches and an overview of places for applying these compositions are given.

The Scythians are an ancient steppe people, wild and original. Scythian tribes fought, engaged in agriculture and raised livestock. At that time, there was no writing in the nomadic tribes, but the art was well developed: the Scythians forged, carved, minted images of animals from precious metals, which served as a kind of amulets. Decorated things, clothes, weapons and floral ornaments, and patterns.

The animal style of the images had a certain meaning. Stylized images of real or mystical animals, according to scientists, served not only as amulets, but also meant any achievements or events in the life of the person wearing them, indicated his status and belonging to a particular tribe or society, and also talked about the qualities of the bearer's character ... An amazing fact is that although the body drawings of animals found on the mummies of people living at different times are similar in motive, each tattoo is original and unique.

Often found in the images are not just images of animals, but pictures of hunting, in which the predator digs in its teeth and gnaws at a horse or other similar animal. It is believed that these drawings represent a picture of the world for this people. For example, an eagle or another bird of prey symbolizes the heavenly world, a beast of prey personifies the underground world, and an ungulate animal is the world of people, the world of mortals.Nowadays, tattoos of predatory animals denote strength and power, and herbivores most often symbolize those qualities that are inherent in a real beast. For example, a mountain ram or goat tattoo means perseverance, perseverance and wayward character.

A deer with bent legs was very common in the drawings of the ancient Scythians. This totem animal was considered a guide to the afterlife. The modern interpretation of the deer is masculine strength and nobility, renewal and rebirth. Also, this animal can be considered a guide along the path of life, a source of light, purity and wisdom.

A bear tattoo on the body also meant strength, but also power and courage. Predators such as the tiger, lion (although the lion had a dual meaning) or the eagle have been symbols of power since ancient times. No wonder the Scythians used these animals to decorate their bodies, since the Scythian wars were famous for their strength and bravery.

Now the Scythian is called a tattoo similar to the ancient style. Unlike, for example, realism, Scythian tattoos have a symbolic image. Besides, such tattoos have straight, clear lines, often contain an ornament, in most cases floral, interweaving of figures, thick outlines. A feature of the tattoo is an enlarged image of smaller symbols or animals, an abundance of additional elements, animals in the image with inverted bodies and huge heads. There are a lot of sketches of works on this topic; modern masters can combine several directions of Scythian tattooing in their image.

Often there are schematic tattoos in the form of fish and other aquatic life.

A stylized image of a deer or an elk, made in color, looks beautiful, depending on whether the tattoo is rough or smoother, it can be either male or female.

The depiction of birds of prey or animals in black repeats ancient designs, and the ethnic style is always popular.

A laconic tattoo in the form of an elephant or a tiger in the style of a Scythian tattoo looks masculine and beautiful.

A Scythian pattern with many waves, shapes and lines is perfect for a man's tattoo.

For a large tattoo, you can choose an image of a shield or armor, this pattern can cover the entire shoulder or back.

Thanks to new technologies, it is possible to repeat on the skin an image that was once worn by ancient warriors (the study of mummies and the remains of buried Scythians makes it possible to obtain sketches of such centuries-old tattoos), and reproduce it with phenomenal accuracy. This will allow you to become a bearer of history and touch the past.

The Scythians themselves applied tattoos on the calves, on the shoulders, and even on the fingers. Archaeologists who excavated the remains of Scythian warriors believe that by the number and location of tattoos, one can find out what position this person occupied in society. For example, it is generally accepted that among the leaders and other noble Scythians, drawings on the body went along the hand from the shoulder to the fingers.

Modern tattoos of this theme are placed on different parts of the body.... Such tattoos look great both on the shoulder and on the entire back, especially a large image of one or more animals. Ornaments and patterns can be large or small. Depending on this, the place of application is chosen. A tattoo stuffed on the thumb, according to the Scythians' beliefs, will protect against troubles and the influence of evil forces.A variety of shapes and lines, the presence of many decorative elements allow you to create a complex and standout tattoo, even on a limited area of ​​the skin or when using one motive, plot.

Most of all, such images are suitable for men (domineering, strong animals will demonstrate strength and masculine energy), but women can also choose a thematic tattoo in the Scythian style, which will emphasize their uniqueness and taste.