Different Types Of Cultural Tattoos Available

When you get a tattoo or you decide to finally get one - hopefully you want one that will represent something other than a cute little bunny or a thorny red rose. If you do decide that you want something with a deeper meaning such as an Army, or a warrior tattoo you might get to thinking as to what else is available to you out there. Not surprising - you have a ton of choices available to you. Not only can you depict an entire story, history, meaning or culture on your body with a tattoo but you also can choose from the below-mentioned styles of tats.

After doing some research on the thousands of different styles, I felt like my head was spinning. There are more than enough choices available out there! The symbolism and encroachment of tattoos varies in different places and cultures. Tattoos may show how a person feels about a relative (commonly mother/father or daughter/son) or about an unconnected individual.

In the period of early contact between the Mori and Europeans, Mori chiefs oftentimes drew their moko (facial tattoo) on documents in place of a signature. Whatever your reason may be - if it's a ethnic thing you may be interested in checking out the following options available to you:

Aztec & Mexican Tattoos -
Mexican tattoos are some of the most striking new patterns around. They take their themes from those of ancient Mayan, Inca and Aztec art, a very distinctive look that's different from most other types of tattoo designs, yet instantly recognizable. The bold, geometric patterns of Mexican tattoos make them very well suited to tattoo art.

Family Coat of Arms -
Getting a coat of arms tattoo or a family crest - isn't something you should take lightly. Many tattoos are designed with different symbols and images and most people that get these styles of tattoos, get them because of a deeper reasoning. You should be aware that there may be more than one family crest for the same name. For example, the Irish name O'Connor has dozens.

Many non-Gaelic names were brought into the country especially during the seventeenth century. At that time it was very much a disadvantage to have a Gaelic or Irish-sounding name so many of the native names were 'anglicized' into a similar sounding Anglo or Scottish name.

Tribal -
The tribal styles we see today originate from various old tribes like those from Borneo, the Haida, the Native Americans, the Celtic tribes, the Maori and other Polynesian tribes. The shapes and motifs of these tribal tattoos are deeply rooted in the tribe's mythology and view of the world.

The traditional tattoo artist aims to reflect the social and religious values of the tribe in his tattoo designs. Recurring themes are the rituals of the tribe, the ancestors, the origins of the world and the relationship with the gods.

Egyptian -
Like many other tattoo designs from mythology or ancient cultures, are growing in popularity. It's all a part of the modern conception of tattoos - no longer limited to gang members, sailors or members of an underworld subculture, tattoos are going mainstream. They are tasteful, socially acceptable, and a great way of exploring and utilizing art imagery from all over the world. Egyptian tattoos are beautiful and striking images from the ancient past.

Hawaiian Tattoos -
Hawaiian tattoos and body art have a history of thousands of years and experience a renewed popularity since the 90s, together with other tribal tattoo styles. Aloha! There's more to Hawaii than flowers and leis, after all - the Hawaiian islands are a part of a larger chain, the Polynesian Islands, which include other island cultures such as the Maori and the Samoan, tribal communities with a rich tattoo tradition.

Celtic -
Celtic tattoos and body art (as well as other tribal tattoos) have been very popular for the past decade or so. Put it down to the graceful, timeless beauty of these designs which seem to lend themselves particularly well to tattoo art. Think of Celtic knots, crosses or spirals - or, more often than not, an intricate combination of several of these elements, which are often seen as black armband tattoos or as a sleeve tattoo.

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Comments

Wed, 1 Apr 2009 at 1:22 PM, by sandy
Thanks for the good read. I am looking for a traditional Maori tattoo design. The problem is it is hard to find a Maori tattoo artist in my country who knows the true meanings.

Some Ive talked to say they know but it is obvious they have read what was on the internet.

So im going to have to do some more research.
ive managed to get some good info by using
google with the search words maori arts and
maori tattoo..

So far the best info comes from a Tiki obrien.

any help will be great.

sammy

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 at 1:17 AM, by tok
Hey Sam

Yes you are correct Tiki is the only person who really knows the kaupapa about Maori design.

There are some well known Tohunga Ta Moko but were taught in the main stream schools and not in Whare Pukenga.

I understand as a child Tiki was initiated into the Whare Pukenga schools of lore in Tainui and was taught as a child the lost esoteric meanings behind the Maori symbols and elements.

I think this is why his work is sought after
around the world.

Good luck if you manage to contact him. Ive been trying to get him for years.

tok

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