The Tribal Tattoo Trend: 7 Best Ideas To Inspire You Today!

The Tribal tattoo trend has been going around for some time now. If you like your tattoos to reflect some masculinity and meaning, then getting a tribal tattoo sounds like a fun idea. It will add a warrior-like appeal to your personality – plus, these also signify a cultural history and are considered to be the perfect expression of both artistic skill and design. 

There’s no denying that the popularity of tribal art in the world of tattoo design has been perhaps the most long-lasting – people are simply drawn to these designs for their rich cultural history and curving bold lines. It can also be seen as a powerful piece of art binding you to a lineage that goes back in time!

So here we are with many tribal tattoo ideas to inspire you in case you get one in 2024!

The Tribal Tattoo Trend: 7 Best Ideas To Inspire You Today!

Tribal tattoo designs are pretty common to spot. Dwayne Johnson, Jason Momoa, and David Beckham all have tattoos that can be categorized as tribal tattoos. But then again, using the word ‘tribal’ as one of those common catchphrases can spark controversial debates. 

After all, tribes refer to groups linked through bloodlines or just culturally and spiritually. If you belong to any tribe and decide to get a tattoo that expresses the art that originated in your specific tribe, then it’s not cultural appropriation.

But if you do not belong to this particular tribe but are getting the tattoo because you appreciate the tribe, then it’s better to re-examine your motivation to do so. Yes, it might sound upsetting because you thought you were just expressing your appreciation for a particular tribe. But is your appreciation enough?

There are people with their own logical thoughts and beliefs on two sides of the debate. But if you are getting a tattoo inspired by Tribal art, it’s better to re-think your decision since this conversation is bound to come up. 

Having said so much, here are the top seven types of tribal tattoos that might be the inspiration you need!

1. Filipino Tribal Tattoos

Did you know Filipino communities have worshiped tattoos for about 500 years? Historically, a Filipino tribal tattoo has been meant to protect against enemies.

These aesthetically pleasing tattoos are known for their linear strokes and simplistic designs. Plus, these designs are relatively more unique and approachable.

2. African Tribal Tattoos

There’s so much more than what appears on the surface when you get an African tribal tattoo. These tattoo designs reflect hidden meanings and stories of courage and bravery. While several African tribal tattoos are intricately linked to stories and narratives of the past, many just exist for aesthetic reasons.

Most tribal shoulder tattoos depicting Africa are based on various meanings and interpretations of life. Some of the most commonly seen ones are:

• Scenery – A tribal tattoo that shows scenery depicts the beauty of life, full of rich things and experiences.
• Flowers – Flowers are beautiful and represent humans’ health and beauty.
• Elephants – Elephants are giants often used to symbolize strength and power. 
• Masks – Many African tribes worship deities wearing masks. Since ancient times, their symbolic masks have been used to symbolize good harvest and the spirit of one’s actors.

3. Hawaiian Tribal Tattoos

Hawaiian Tribal Tattoos are more on the softer side of the whole tribal tattoo trend! Since so much Hawaiian culture has much to do with the ocean, Hawaiian tattoos also reflect similar aesthetics.

If you get a tribal armband tattoo, then why not opt for something Hawaiian, especially if you are adventurous with a love for the outdoors?

4. Polynesian Tribal Tattoos

Did you know that there are about 1000 islands located in Polynesia? Naturally, you can understand how tribes here experience and celebrate diversity, which in turn has made Polynesian Tribal Tattoos more about creative freedom.

Moreover, the use of negative space blended with the heavy use of black ink makes these visually pleasing.

5. Indian Tribal Tattoos

While getting a tribal wolf tattoo does sound cool, you must check out some Indian tribal tattoos before you can make up your mind about getting a tribal tattoo. From celebrated Indian Gods known for strength and power to groups of simple straight lines, there’s diversity and creative freedom, making these pretty popular amongst tattoo enthusiasts.

6. Native American Tribal Tattoos

Native American tribal tattoo designs often reflect animals – both totem poles and wolves together highlight virtue. Plus, themes associated with dream catchers are also pretty common in these designs – you could also look at these as means of protection as well as something to ward off all evil spirits.

7. Celtic Tribal Tattoos

The moment people hear Celtic tribal tattoo designs, all they think about are flash sheets from different tattoo parlors. Of course, these tattoo designs are perhaps the most popular tribal tattoos known for their simple air-like swirls and finely drawn Celtic symbols. Plus, there’s a lot of creative freedom associated with these tattoos. 

Bonus Section: Tribal Tattoo Ideas That Are Definitely Worth The Hype!

While we have already listed the seven best tribal tattoo ideas above, here are three more we came across that are definitely worth all the hype!

1. Viking Tribal Tattoo

Seeing some of us have roots that stem from Vikings, getting a symbol that represents that is a no-brainer. Viking tattoos are a less popular style, so you will unlikely meet someone with the same tattoo as you. 

With their alphabet characters rarely being seen in modern tattoos, it’s guaranteed that your design will be unique. Plus, you will see pictures of men with big beards or even Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir, which is common amongst Viking tattoos. 

2. Aztec Tribal Tattoo

The Aztec civilization from Mesoamerica is one of the most famous ancient civilizations. This ancient civilization has been studied extensively since it has a rich mythical history and lore. This civilization is also small since only about six million Aztec Mayans exist in present-day Mexico. 

Various Aztec tribal tattoos are popular today. These tribal tattoos for men and women vary greatly, depicting various things. 

The most famous Mayan tattoo depicts the legendary Quetzalcoatl, a super-powerful god about the size of a mountain. In addition, this god symbolizes the entire cycle of birth and death – over which it has control. 

3. Cherokee Tribal Tattoo

The Cherokee Tribal Tattoo is one of the most popular Native American tribal tattoos. Popularly seen amongst the Cherokee tribe, these tribal warriors’ tattoos are pretty popular.

Here, the designs are different since they are all based on animals. Tribal American Indians believe that every person is associated with a spirit animal. Warriors are symbolized as wolves, which is also depicted by their tattoos. 

You might often see skull tattoos since tribals associate skulls with pride, dignity, and passion. Wolves are associated with fearlessness, honor, love, strength, and leadership. 

This is why animals serve as great ideas for tribal sleeve tattoos. Therefore, find out your spirit animal and get it inked on your sleeves to better represent yourself!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):-

Check out the most frequently asked questions related to the tribal tattoo trend! 

And It’s A Wrap!

So here we are at the end of our list of the best tribal tattoo ideas ever. While getting a tribal tattoo is considered to be cool, you have to be careful about hurting tribal sentiments.

There’s a difference between appreciating someone’s culture and appropriating the same – as long as you draw the line on appreciation, you will be fine.

In the meantime, tell us what your thoughts are on getting a tribal tattoo done in 2024 – and don’t forget to share your experiences related to the same in the comments below.

Read Also:

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• The Traditional Tattoo Trend: 7 Best Types To Follow In 2023