@elvinuka.tattoo / Instagram
More than any single style, tribal tattoos draw upon traditional tattoo elements from various cultures and Indigenous groups worldwide. Maori tattoos, Aztec designs, and the swirling lines and patterns that developed in America in the 1980s/90s are known simply as “tribal” and all fall under the umbrella of tribal tattoos.
The placement of these designs depends a lot on the tradition from which they draw inspiration. The shoulder, thighs, chest, and face are all canvases used in tribal tattooing. It depends on the design and your personal preference when choosing the placement for your tattoo ideas.
Showcasing work from several different traditions and cultures, the tribal tattoos in this collection will give you plenty of ammunition to bring to your favorite artist when it’s ᴛι̇ɱe to sit for your next session.
1. Tribal Wolf Tattoo
Wolves have been powerful symbols of strength and loyalty for centuries and hold massive potential in terms of design and composition. For both of these reasons, wolf tattoos are an excellent choice for someone looking to add the ulᴛι̇ɱate canine to their collection of ink.
@romulomaltztattoo / Instagram
2. Filipino Tribal Tattoo
Among some peoples of the Philippine islands, traditional tattoos are known as burik. Created using layered patterns and motifs drawn from the natural environments of the islands, the Filipino tribal tattoos are potent symbols of the cultural heritage.
@jalayahay.ink / Instagram
3. Dragon Tribal Tattoo
With the powerful symbolism associated with these mythic creatures and their complex shapes and anatomy, it isn’t surprising that dragon tattoos are popular designs for the western tribal tattoo style.
@annygoth_ink / Instagram
4. Tribal Sun Tattoo
Another design that lends itself to the layered patterns and swirling lines of the western style, tribal sun tattoos, gained popularity in the 90s and continues to this day. Primarily tattooed on the arms and chest, this tattoo is perfect for keeping small, making it easy to hide while you’re at your 9 to 5.
@illusiveink / Instagram
5. Tribal Lion Tattoo
The lion, an apex predator, is associated with power, strength, and vitality. It is the perfect way to continue this legacy of meaningful designs, making tribal lion tattoos an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fierce addition to their collection of ink.
@jeffquintano / Instagram
6. Tribal Turtle Tattoo
The turtle represents perseverance, strength, and patience, making tribal turtle tattoos a visually striking way to embody these traits and pay homage to these vibrant island cultures.
@dantzat2 / Instagram
7. Hawaiian Tribal Tattoo
Hawaiian tribal tattoos are powerful symbols of cultural heritage and national pride. The designs are as meaningful as visually striking for someone who wants to demonstrate their respect for the Hawaiian islands and the people who call them home.
@kealoha_designs / Instagram
8. Aztec Tribal Tattoo
Hosting a plethora of fierce gods and intricate patterns, the art and designs of this Mesoamerican culture are striking and deeply meaningful. For someone looking to dedicate a portion of their skin to this culture and its people, Aztec tattoos are an excellent choice.
@fer703 / Instagram
9. Tribal Scorpion Tattoo
The aggressive shape of these predatory arachnids makes them the perfect subject for the swirling lines and sharp edges. Scorpion tattoos also represent the zodiac house, Scorpio, ideal for anyone born between October 23rd and November 21st.
@claudio.benve / Instagram
10. Polynesian Tribal Tattoo
Similar to traditional art from other island cultures, Polynesian tribal tattoos use layered patterns and intricate line work to create art that draw inspiration from the sea, forest, and mountains of these beautiful natural environments.
@nikutatau / Instagram
11. Tribal Shark Tattoo
Sharks are powerful symbols of independence, strength, and the mystery of the sea. When applied in a motif that draws on indigenous cultures of the Pacific, tribal shark tattoos can become unique commemorations of the apex predators.
@sad.boy.tattoo / Instagram
12. Tribal Phoenix Tattoo
When applied in the bold black and sharp edges of western tribal designs, tribal phoenix tattoos can make for some eye-catching designs, despite a lack of color.
@roɱaпordtattoo / Instagram
13. Samoan Tribal Tattoo
A small group of islands smack dab in the middle of the South Pacific, Samoa is the home of a culture that is equally fierce and family-oriented; and retains the honor and pride of its history. As powerful symbols of the people, Samoan tribal tattoos are essential aspects of the island culture and continue to hold deep meaning to those that wear them.
@kealoha_designs / Instagram
14. Tribal Cross Tattoo
The blending of different approaches and motifs in tattoos is a natural development that leads to new styles. Combining Christian imagery with this modern take on tribal designs, tribal cross tattoos are great examples of this synergy.
@taza_of_ink / Instagram
15. Taino Tribal Tattoo
The Indigenous inhabitants of Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands, the Taino, continue to use the art and stories of their heritage for perɱaпent body art. Incorporating design elements inspired by the islands’ natural environment, Taino tribal tattoos often use lizards, snakes, and turtles to represent survival, strength, and cultural pride.
@kiti_ta_tatau / Instagram
16. Viking Tribal Tattoo
Viking tribal tattoos are a popular choice for people with roots in the Norse ethnic tradition. Often featuring scenes and characters from Norse mythology, Odin, Thor and Loki are all popular subjects for these designs.
@delaestrellatattoo / Instagram
17. Mexican Tribal Tattoo
Given the cultural overlap, Mexican tribal tattoos often feature characters and designs from Aztec art and culture, making for some fierce commemorations to this ancient and vital tradition.
@sun.yata / Instagram
18. Tribal Flower Tattoo
Using the sharp lines and bold black ink of western tribal designs may seem like a strange choice for such a vibrant subject, but tribal flower tattoos can be surprisingly appealing in the hands of a talented artist.
@byzart / Instagram
19. Tribal Rose Tattoo
More than most other flowers, tribal rose tattoos are well suited for this style, thanks to the natural swirls and sharp thorns on these classic blossoms.
@tejashua / Instagram
20. Tribal Tiger Tattoo
The unmistakable stripes of this Asian predator are ideally suited for tribal designs, making tribal tiger tattoos an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fierce tattoo that doesn’t rely on bright colors to turn heads.