Tribal Tattoos, although may appear to be simple at times, are undoubtedly appealing and among the most popular today. This article will help those especially new to the world of tattoos in general and particularly, Tribal Tats. The following walk through history will help shed light on some of the different Tribal Tattoo Ideas used throughout the decades.
The most common Tribal Tats found today dates back to the polynesians who used black, geometric tatau ornaments which appeared to be silhouette-like in many ways. In Europe, sailors were attributed for the earliest Tribal Tat ideas - they originated from Tahiti and were added together with the sailors' own maritime-themed designs. Over the years, they have evolved to become what is known as traditional tattoos.
Over in America, Leo Zulueta and Don Ed Hardy, an innovator, were both responsible for an exciting Tribal Tats boom in 1982 when they started "Tattoo Time", a magazine on tattoos. Featuring native Borneo and Samoan tattoos, it quickly popularized these tattoo ideas as a form of interesting tattoo style and design.
As illustrated from above, these modern day tattoos have strong ties and affiliation with natives and tribes from different parts of the world. It was from there that they slowly evolved into the Tribal Tattoo ideas we have today. Although it has been said that a handful of tattoo parlors and tattoo artists would turn down tribal tattoo designs due to their simplicity, a lot of tattoo enthusiasts begs to differ. Tribal Tats, as a matter of fact, needs articulate skill to be tattooed on the difficult body parts in order for it to look naturally "grown". In addition, it has also been said that the coloring of these tattoos requires a steady hand.
You can find an assortment of tribal tat ideas ranging from tribal armbands, flames, black, crosses, stars, tigers and an assortment of motives and designs that are based on tribal motives. Personally, I have 3 tribal tattoos tattooed on different parts of my hands - one of a tribal flame on my right shoulder, one of a tribal motive which I designed on my left shoulder and another circular tribal design on my right wrist.
My advice to all those who are out to get their own tribal tattoos would be to pick one that you feel connected or feel strongly about. Doing so will bring out the personality and individuality in you.
Before you get a tattoo make sure you have gone to at least one of the following three places to research your tattoo design:
Library or Bookstore.
Look up tattoo books. Not just new books, but old school books especially. Before tattooing was considered mainstream, there were a lot of underground type books that showed some great old school designs. This can inspire you to consider more old school type ink work, or provide you ideas with a new kind of design with an older and more classic feel to it.
Magazine Rack.
With the amount of tattoo magazines out there, you should definitely be skimming through a handful to at least see what is available. You never know, it could lead you to a whole new design style, or inspire you to get something different inked on. In any event, tattoo magazines are so abundant that you may as well drop in on a magazine rack and flip through a few. If you find some cool tattoo designs, it's probably worth buying the magazine, bringing it home and thinking more on that particular design or style.
Online Tattoo Gallery.
This is a huge spot for many reasons. It's incredibly convenient (you don't have to leave your house if you have computer/internet access), the variety is better than you will see anywhere else, and the quality is top notch. An online tattoo gallery is a no brainer for someone serious about researching the best tattoo design possible. If you only go to only one of the three tattoo places to find designs, make it on online tattoo gallery.
Definitely browse through the many categories available. You may surprise yourself and find out that you like a certain style you didn't think would be for you. There's so much selection here, give yourself at least a week to casually browse through and find the best tattoo for you.
