Tribal tattoos have been popular for decades due to their intricate, cool designs. Historically, tribal designs were used as a means to differentiate between local tribes and cultural groups as well as a way to demonstrate fighting ability and social status. Although tribal tattoos are primarily rooted in ancient traditions and cultures, today’s ink most closely identifies with guys wanting that badass look associated with power and strength.
If you’re considering this type of tat, it may be difficult to pick the best tribal tattoo. With so many cool tattoo ideas out there and so many different body parts to get inked, it’s important that you choose the right drawings that represent you. Whether you want a tribal tattoo on your sleeve, shoulder, arm, forearm, chest, back, or leg, you’ll love our collection of pictures below!
Here’s our guide to the top 75 best tribal tattoos for men!
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Tribal Tattoo Meanings
When you get a tribal tattoo, it’s important to understand the symbols and meanings behind them. Tribal tattoos today often blend ancient symbols with modern culture. The interlocking spiral motif is often paired with sharp edges to evoke a more powerful image.
South American Tribal Tattoos
As scary as the Mayan predictions were for some people, their tribal tattoo motifs are equally intriguing for tattoo enthusiasts. The artwork of South American tribal designs is usually more complex than others. You can find numerous references to both good and evil symbols on any given South American tribal tattoo.
Polynesian
Some Hawaiian traditional men’s tribal tattoos depict shark’s teeth on them. It may look like just another use of geometrical figures to outsiders but for those familiar with the Polynesian culture, they have meaning. The shark tooth is said to symbolize protection.
Some tattoos are used to show someone’s status among the tribe. The Rock’s most recognizable tribal tattoo is the mark of a chief-warrior.
Celtic Tribal Designs
Celtic knots are popular and also come with history and meaning behind them. Celtic warriors were often inked in their ancient methods with various tribal designs. Some were meant to show power, wisdom, and union, while others were used almost like charms. There are many Celtic tribal tats for bringing luck and fortune to the ones who wear them.
Best Tribal Tattoo Ideas
As tattoos are becoming less taboo, it’s obvious that there are no more limitations on what part of the body you should or could ink. Instead, let’s have a look at some of the more popular body parts to get a tribal tat.
Cool Tribal Tattoo Designs
In modern day, the Polynesian, Samoan, Maori and Hawaiian cultures have become closely associated with the tribal tattoo, yet other ancient cultures such as the Aztecs, Mayans, Egyptians, Japanese, and Chinese have crafted their own depictions of the body art style. Some of the best tribal tattoos are created by blending elements of several designs into one.
If you’re excited about getting a tribal tattoo for men, then you’ll need plenty of designs and ideas before taking one to your tattooist. Check out these awesome tribal tattoos to find which one you want!
