Tribal tattoos depict a lot of symbols and are deeply rooted in history. In some instances they represent cultural expressions of spirits, blessings and status. Others could also mean protection and the relationship of earth to the cycle of life. Considered as one of the first tattoos imprinted by accident, they were first used by primitives by playing around with fire. Perhaps it started when someone got poked with a burnt or charred stick and realized this left a permanent mark upon the body.
It has also been said that the very first tribal tattoo pictures were of the sun or flames in honor of the sun god. These tattoos were actually believed by people to be a symbol and instrument that would foster a closer relationship to god.
Tribal tattoo pictures possess three unique characteristics that made them be considered as a form of art. That is pain, permanence and blood. As a form of art, tribal tattoos cover amazing array of designs and is in fact the most common of tattoo designs. These pictures actually depict native and aboriginal cultures of the past, as well as the up to date graphic designs.
As the name says, they were used to identify tribes, clans and families. It is not only used as an identification of an individual but it was believed that tattoos would allow someone to find his tribe and rejoin with it again in the afterlife. At present, we may not have tribes to identify ourselves with but there are the contemporary forms of tribal groups such as fraternal gangs, and other organizations that make use of designed tattoos.
There are different kinds of tribal tattoo pictures; a Maori tattoo is done with the use of chisels and was considered sacred. It is also a long and painful process. Maori tattoos signify the celebration of life's important events. It represents courage and strength as well; these tribal tattoo designs consist mainly of distinctive curved shapes and spirals.
There are also a kind of tattoo that uses a fine tooth combed out of a hippopotamus tusk, which is called moli. It is a native Hawaiian tattoo that like any others, offers personal identification. It also signifies protection and a representation of mourning as compared to other pictures that are plainly body adornments. Another form is the Polynesian type. In contrast to others, Polynesian tattoos are based on traditions, social and religious values, tribe rituals and tribal ancestors.
In general, tribal tattoo pictures are designed in solid black. Although contemporary artists are now starting to break trends and make use several of colors to make designs more attractive and further enhance the artistic values of tribal tattoos.
By Richard Galli
