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Originally, tribal tattoos were used to identify members of specific tribes, to
represent battles fought and to indicate social status of the tribal people.
Today, tribal tattoos have emerged as a popular body art adopted by city
dwellers as well. It is heartening to find that the tribal tattoo art is on the
revival track. The tribal youth are now sporting tattoos prevalent in their
tribes. This art has traveled to the Western countries as well, where the it has
generated interest among the Westerners. The body art is a way to express
personal freedom and exude a uniqueness in one's self. With its simple appeal,
it reinforces a positive feeling about one's self and connects the person to the
mystic rituals that were prevalent among tribal people.
The designs of tribal tattoos, as the name suggests, are influenced by tribal
art prevalent among tribes, such as the Celtics (tribal people living in
Ireland, Scotland and Wales), the Maoris (tribal people native to New Zealand),
the tribal people of North American, African origin and the indigenous residents
of Borneo. Dragon, butterfly and sun tribal designs are some of the most common
tribal tattoos, which can be put virtually anywhere on the body. Heavy lines and
colors are generally used to create the image. Apart from being an attractive
body art, tribal tattoos can also be a symbol to convey a meaning through the
design you choose. Here in this article, we have discussed about tribal tattoo
art.
Tribal Tattoo Art
Celtic Tattoo Art
An interesting design for tribal tattoo is credited to the Celtic tattoo art.
Loops with no end, symbolizing a never ending cycle of death and rebirth, is the
most common design of Celtic tattoo art. Animal tattoo designs were also
prevalent among the Celtic tribes.
Maoris Tribal Art
As far as the Maoris are concerned, you will find people sporting 'Moko'
designs. Originally, it was their own way to show their prestige and the
transition of one social status to one another. Moko designs are wonderful
tattoos to behold.
North American Tribal Art
You can find different traditions for tribal tattooing in North American tribes.
The tribal tattoos denoted rank within the tribe. It was a common to find
weapons of war being tattooed upon men. Their women counterparts used to receive
tattoos of tools used for labor.
Samoa Tribal Art
The tattoos in the Samoa tribe were carved into the flesh by using a tool made
of a carved boar tusk, sharpened with a piece of coral, secured to a turtle
shell and then attached to a stick. The wound thus created was healed by rubbing
a mixture of candle nut soot and sugar water into the flesh.
African Tribal Tattoo Art
The tribal tattoo art prevalent in Africa was a bit different from others.
Instead of using a pigment for tattooing, the tribes used to cut the skin. The
wound thus formed was healed by rubbing with ash or sand, until the wound rises
up. The scar thus created was their tattoo.
Borneo Tribal Art
The concept of tattooing in the Borneo tribes was different. According to them,
tattooing an object or creature on their body helped them to draw energy from
these spirits, since they believed that spirits are in everything surrounding
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