feather tattoo native american

NATIVE AMERICAN TATTOOS: SPIRITS, ARROWS, AND FEATHERS

Native American tattoos have long impacted the tattoo industry, from early traditional American tattoo flashes adorned with indigenous symbols to today’s intricate and realistic designs. These tattoos carry deep meanings and significant symbolism.

If you’re seeking inspiration, check out the designs below. However, we recommend taking some time to explore the history and significance of the symbols you plan to use beforehand. Now, let’s dive in!

TATTOOS IN NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE

Native American tattoos are far from a contemporary trend; they have a deep and enduring history, significant to Native American cultures from Alaska to the southern tip of South America.

The art of tattooing varied among tribes, serving as a sacred ritual with diverse purposes such as protection, healing, and conveying status and achievements.

Before colonialism spread across North America, traditional tattooing and body modification were used by various nations to signify family lineage, clan crests, social rank, territorial connections, and rights related to hunting and fishing, among other aspects.

REVIVAL OF THE NATIVE AMERICAN TATTOOING

Today, individuals with Native American heritage continue to use tattooing to express their personal style and identity through symbols representing their families and tribes.

At one point, this art form nearly disappeared, but the resurgence of tattoos in mainstream culture has helped revive and reintegrate this ancient tradition into Native American life.

Both young indigenous people and those interested in Native American culture are now celebrating and honoring this tradition through beautiful tattoos featuring native symbols.

NATIVE AMERICAN SYMBOLS AND MEANINGS

Indigenous ancestors who adorned themselves with tattoos embraced inclusivity, with both men and women, as well as adults and children, using intricate tattoos to express the values of their tribes.

For instance, chin tattoos among Inupiat women symbolized various life milestones, such as marriage, overcoming trauma, having children, or reaching adulthood.

Tattoos and paint were also applied to the face and body to imbue the wearer with power. For example, symbolic eagle eyes were often tattooed around the eyes of men to give them the perceived vision of an eagle in flight.

When choosing tattoos based on your heritage, it’s important to proceed with caution and thorough research.

Here’s an overview of common Native American tattoo designs:

  • Tribal patterns
  • Portraits of American Indians, such as those wearing headdresses
  • Depictions of animals like eagles, ravens, wolves, spiders, owls, hummingbirds, and bears
  • Thunderbirds (or phoenixes)
  • Arrows, dreamcatchers, and feathers
  • Natural elements such as the moon, sun, wolves, and sunflowers

Unique options might include:

  • Native American scripts from tribes like Cherokee, Cree, and Blackfoot
  • Words in Native American languages
  • Designs inspired by traditional artwork
  • Tribal seals or flags from Native American nations

NATIVE AMERICAN ANIMAL SYMBOLS

Totem animals hold significant importance in Native American culture. In some tribes, individuals are connected to up to nine different animals, such as snakes, which serve as spiritual guides throughout their lives.

These animal or spirit guides, also known as power animals, are dynamic, appearing and disappearing based on the phases of our lives.

Here is a list of the most common Native American animal symbols:

ANIMALSYMBOL
Bearcourage, physical strength and leadership
Beaverdetermination and strong-will
Buffalosacred, life, great strength, abundance and gratitude
Butterflytransformation
Coyotecunning trickster
Deergentleness, grace and survival
Dogloyalty
Dragonflyhappiness, speed and purity
Eagledivine spirit, creation and freedom
Frogcleansing, sensitivity adaptabilityand transformation
Foxanticipation, observation and stealth
Horsemobility, stamina, strength and power
Lizardconservation and self-protection
Opossumdiversion, strategy and deception
Raccooncuriosity, adaptability and resourcefulness
Porcupineinnocence, companionship, and trust
Prairie Dogswiftness and preparedness
Scorpiontransformation, strength and chaos
Serpentchaos, corruption and darkness
Squirrelplanning and the home
Snakehealing and re-birth
Spidercreativity and is the weaverof the fabric of life
Turtlegood health and long life
Wolfdirection and leadership and embodies both protection and destruction

NATIVE AMERICAN TATTOO IDEAS

To assist with your tattoo design research, we scoured Instagram for the best Native American tattoo ideas. Browse the collection below to explore them all:

NATIVE AMERICAN HEADDRESS TATTOOS

TRADITIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN TATTOOS

NATIVE AMERICAN THUNDERBIRD TATTOO

NATIVE AMERICAN SLEEVE TATTOO

NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBAL TATTOO DESIGNS

NATIVE AMERICAN FEATHER TATTOO

NATIVE AMERICAN EAGLE TATTOO

NATIVE AMERICAN ARROWS TATTOO

NATIVE AMERICAN WOLF TATTOO

NATIVE AMERICAN WOMAN TATTOO

NATIVE AMERICAN WARRIOR TATTOO

NATIVE AMERICAN CHIEF TATTOOS

39 WING CHEST TATTOO IDEAS FOR MEN

Wings tattooed on the chest can carry a variety of meanings, depending on the type of wings chosen. For many, eagle wings are a popular choice, symbolizing a connection to nature and a belief in freedom.

Alternatively, some opt for more mythical wings, like those of a phoenix. This choice often signifies a commitment to honesty and truth, with the phoenix also representing themes of rebirth and reincarnation.

On a darker note, some individuals choose wings reminiscent of dragons or demons. These designs typically convey a readiness to confront life’s darker aspects and a determination to rise above adversity.

Another common chest tattoo design features angel wings, which often carry religious connotations. This choice may reflect a sense of closeness to angels, a role as a guardian or protector, or a desire to express one’s inherent innocence.

Religious, Mythological or Animal Chest Wing Ink

The desire for wings probably dates back to early humans like Ug and Grug, who watched birds soar and wished they could fly too. This fascination with flight is so ancient that wings have appeared in stories from cultures around the world. Wing chest tattoos offer a great way to explore this deep-rooted theme. Popular designs include mythological creatures, winged lions, or the Virgin Mary in prayer, all of which pair beautifully with wing tattoos.

Central Eye Chest Wing Tattoos 

The All Seeing Eye, or Eye of Providence, is a well-known symbol, even appearing on the US dollar bill. This symbol, representing God’s watchful eye over humanity, signifies divine guidance and protection. As a powerful Christian icon, it’s no surprise that many choose to feature it as the centerpiece of their wing chest tattoo, symbolizing the loving and protective eye of God upheld by the wings of angels.

Hourglass Centerpiece Chest Wing Tattoos 

The hourglass has long symbolized the fleeting nature of life, reminding us that time is precious and limited. It encourages us to value every moment because they pass quickly.

In the 1700s, pirates gave the hourglass a darker twist by adding it to the jolly roger flag with skull and crossbones, making it a symbol of time running out.

On a practical level, the hourglass design offers plenty of room for creativity. Its symmetrical shape pairs perfectly with the symmetry of wing tattoos, allowing for a balanced and visually appealing design.

Heart Centerpiece Chest Wing Tattoos

Like the skull, the heart is a timeless symbol in tattoo art. When featured in wing chest tattoos, the heart brings a blend of softness and somberness. Unlike the more menacing imagery of skulls, lions, or mythical creatures, the heart conveys a different kind of emotion.

Hearts often symbolize love and vulnerability, but when paired with wings, they can represent mortality. Angel wings are often associated with those who have crossed into eternal life. The human heart, with its finite beats, contrasts with the eternal nature of angel wings, reminding us that while the heart may stop, love endures even after death. A heart makes a meaningful centerpiece in a wing chest tattoo, especially as a tribute to a loved one who has passed away.

Skull Centerpiece Chest Wing Tattoos 

Skull tattoos are a key part of American Traditional designs, along with roses and hearts. While wings aren’t typically part of this classic trio, tattoos are about personal expression, not strict rules. Tradition is important, but adding a modern twist can make your ink unique. Chest wing tattoos offer a great chance to create your own style—it’s your skin, after all!

Wings are an ideal framing element, adding depth, shape, and a striking presence to the chest. They’re often beautiful on their own, but if you want to add more meaning, a skull centerpiece can connect this design to a more traditional, darker theme.

Chest Tattoos Featuring Two Single Wings Either Side 

Two wings spread across the chest with an open space in the middle create a minimalist and balanced look. The symbolism is strong, as the wings naturally seem to be part of something larger, even if nothing fills the center—leaving it to your imagination.

Though the design may not be biomechanical or anatomically realistic, it can still feel like the wings are an integral part of you. While there’s room to explore different techniques, it’s ultimately the open space and symmetry that make this wing chest tattoo so striking.

Single Wing Chest Tattoo Ideas

A full wing chest tattoo requires a significant commitment of time and space. Opting for a single wing is a great alternative, as it leaves room for other body art while still allowing you to express your style. Choosing a smaller tattoo opens up a wide range of style options, with fine line designs and black-and-grey or subtle, low-saturation color schemes being popular choices. A realistic depiction of an eagle’s wing is an excellent option for a single wing chest tattoo, offering both simplicity and impact.

Alternative Chest Wing Centerpieces

Using the front shoulder and upper chest for wing tattoos provides plenty of space and a natural frame for creativity. American traditional elements like roses, banners, and various symbols can be seamlessly incorporated, often opting for black and grey over bold colors. Geometric shapes also work well with the symmetry of wings, especially in fine line designs. With such a large area to work with, you have the freedom to mix styles and get as creative as you like.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the world of chest tattoos is vast and diverse, offering countless options for men who seek to express their individuality and style. The 39 wing chest tattoo ideas presented in this guide are just a glimpse of the possibilities available.