An overview of Indian style tattoos

Indians are the indigenous people of America. Now their images are associated primarily with independence and fearlessness.... Not only stories about Native Americans are popular, but also Indian-style tattoos.

Many people like ethnic tattoos, stylized as drawings of the ancient Slavs, inhabitants of Polynesia or North America. Tattoos in this theme attract not only those who are interested in the chosen culture, but also ordinary art lovers.

Indian style tattoos have several features. First of all, they are associated with flora and fauna. The ancient Indians felt a special connection with nature. Therefore, they often applied to the body drawings of plants, wild animals and birds. In addition, such tattoos could tell in detail about which tribe a person belongs to and what he believes in.

Initially, only men were tattooed in Indian tribes. Tattoos gave them masculinity and made the appearance of a warrior more terrible in the eyes of his enemies. Nowadays, Indian-style tattoos are popular not only among men, but also among women, who, as a rule, choose more graceful designs than guys. They stuff birds, feathers or images of various animals on the body.

These tattoos are most common in the United States. By choosing sketches in the Indian style, the locals demonstrate their respect for the traditions of their ancestors.

Before getting a tattoo, you should pay attention to the symbols that have been popular among the Indians for a long time.

This is one of the most famous amulets. Dreamcatchers Indians used to weave from branches and strong threads. They decorated the finished products with the feathers of ravens and eagles. Such amulets were usually hung over the bed. It was believed that they are able to protect people from bad dreams and evil spirits that can penetrate the minds of sleeping people.

Modern dream catcher tattoos are also a kind of amulets. Therefore, they are traditionally placed as close to the head as possible. In this case, the dream catcher protects the person from bad thoughts and terrible dreams. Most often, such tattoos are stuffed on the neck, back or shoulders.

This is one of the main gods who patronize the ancient tribes of the American Indians. According to legend, this deity travels the world in the guise of a small man with a flute in his hands. It is believed that Kokopelli is responsible for the changing seasons. It is with his arrival that one season replaces another.

A tattoo of this character signifies positive energy and fun. Body drawings from Kokopelli are suitable for bright creative personalities.

Initially, only tribal leaders had the right to apply such tattoos to the body. Now such tattoos can be filled by everyone.

It is believed that such a drawing is a talisman that can help in love affairs. Therefore, such tattoos are often stuffed by girls or women who want to meet their future spouse. Most often, Indians are depicted in headdresses with feathers. Tattoos made in the style of realism.

Another important symbol that is used when creating thematic sketches is the feather. A tattoo with his image can be either black and white or color.

Native Americans believed that the feather was a symbol of the immortality of the soul. Such tattoos were usually applied to the body by the most respected representatives of the tribe. Now such tattoos are very popular among young girls. They associate them with lightness and freedom.

Tattoos with various animals were also popular among the ancient Indians. Each such drawing had a special meaning. Therefore, people were very responsible for the choice of tattoos.

• Wolf... The meaning of such a tattoo was clear even to Europeans. The wolf is a symbol of loyalty and devotion to his pack. Such tattoos were applied to their bodies by people who were ready to give everything for the well-being of their tribe. In addition, the wolf is a symbol of highly developed intuition. Therefore, earlier tattoos with these predators were popular among shamans and healers.

• Coyote... A coyote tattoo can have several meanings at once. This animal can symbolize both cunning and dexterity, and a craving for darkness. Tattoos were especially popular among the Aztecs.

• Fox... In a number of Indian tribes, the fox was considered a sacred animal. Tattoos with images of foxes were most often applied to their bodies by shamans. Now everyone can get such a tattoo. Fans of Native American culture still consider the fox to be a protective symbol. Tattoos with this nocturnal predator are popular among both women and men.

• Bear... A tattoo depicting this beast is a symbol of courage and strength. Grizzly bear tattoos were of particular value to Native Americans. Only a person who could defeat such a beast himself could fill such a drawing. Unfortunately, very few have succeeded. Most often, hunters simply died in such battles. Nowadays, tattoos with bears are most often tattooed by men. Such wearable designs help to emphasize the strength of a person's character and his self-confidence.

• Eagle... Representatives of the North American tribes especially revered this bird.Very often, eagle feathers were used to create amulets. It was believed that such amulets are capable of protecting from enemies and increasing the courage and strength of warriors. Modern tattoos have the same meaning. They symbolize power, authority and masculine strength.

• Hawk... This is another important symbol of courage. The Indians have always revered hawks. Very often, their feathers were used to create famous headdresses. Modern tattoos depicting this bird are suitable for purposeful, strong and courageous people. Most often, such tattoos are stuffed by men. The image of a bird of prey can be part of the sleeve. It is usually supplemented with other important signs.

• Owl... The image of an owl is one of the main symbols of wisdom and prudence. The American Indians used owl feathers to create masks. They became powerful amulets for representatives of different tribes. Now both guys and girls fill tattoos with this bird. Such a drawing is a symbol of wisdom and craving for knowledge. An owl with spread wings most often personifies the love of freedom.

• Crow... The ancient Indians considered the gloomy black bird a symbol of connection with the other world. Tattoos depicting ravens, as a rule, were stuffed on the body by shamans. Now such tattoos are attracting lovers of mysticism. The images of these dark birds look great on the hands.

When choosing a tattoo in the style of the Indians, it is worth remembering that there is a big difference between Aztec tattoos and drawings of the Mayan tribe.

The former have always been of a religious nature. They were applied to the body before performing various rituals. Aztec tattoos often depict the sun or war god, as well as themed totems. The finished designs are usually decorated with ornate patterns.

Mayan tattoos are dominated by war motives. Previously, such images were applied to their bodies by talented warriors. It was believed that the more tattoos a man has, the stronger he is. Modern guys and girls usually choose simple tattoos, consisting of volumetric patterns and inscriptions.

Having decided on the sketch, it is important to choose the most suitable place for such a tattoo.

• Hands... Most often, such tattoos are stuffed on the hands. Men place them on their shoulders or forearms. Big birds or animals look beautiful there. Small drawings are usually printed on the hand or wrist. There you can place an elegant bracelet, consisting of simple patterns, or a small feather.

• Head... Ancient Indians often got symbolic tattoos on their face or neck. Modern boys and girls rarely take such a step. They most often get small tattoos on the neck or behind the ear.

• Back... A great place to apply volumetric detailed drawings is the back. Both black and white and color tattoos can be placed there. Drawings on the back look very beautiful and do not lose their attractiveness over time. Most often they are located between the shoulder blades or near the shoulders.

• Legs... A little less often, such tattoos are stuffed on the legs. There, as a rule, elongated drawings or small symbols are located. Such tattoos are suitable for courageous and self-confident people who want to emphasize their attractiveness.

For an overview and meanings of Indian style tattoos, see the following video.