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

29 SMALL SIMPLE TATTOO DESIGNS WITH BIG MEANINGS YOU’LL FALL IN LOVE WITH

Full-body tattoos with intricate details and large, statement-making designs will never go out of style. Small tattoos are gaining popularity for their simplicity and cuteness. These ideas not only draw attention to the inked body part but also evoke a sense of charm. If you are unsure about which tattoo to choose, refer to the 29 tattoo design ideas in this article to find the one that suits you best. Read on!

CRESCENT MOON TATTOO

The crescent moon tattoo symbolizes fertility, motherhood, creativity, growth, and manifestation. It’s often chosen to represent a new phase in life. Whether for its deep meaning or simple love for crescent moons, this versatile tattoo can be done in various styles and looks great on different body parts like the hand, the neck, fingers, wrists, and ankles.

WAVE TATTOO

A wave tattoo symbolizes the soul, subconsciousness, emotion, nature, and much more. It can represent independence, rebelliousness, and love. Whether it’s a simple fine line or a more intricate design, waves are both glorious and powerful. The esthetic appeal of waves, their elegance, and versatility make them popular choices. This tattoo is often placed where it can be easily covered, and you can personalize it with additional elements like the sun, stars, or the moon.

PAPER CRANE

The crane, considered the “bird of peace” or “bird of happiness” in Far East cultures, holds a special place. In Japan, paper cranes symbolize peace and hope, originating as a tradition after World War II. In tattoos, a paper crane represents joy, peace, protection, and prosperity. It’s chosen by those at peace or aspiring to be, symbolizing longevity and good fortune. Whether in fine line or more intricate designs, a paper crane tattoo is a wonderful choice for those seeking positive meanings.

SEMICOLON TATTOO

Semicolon tattoos, small and discreet, can be easily concealed when needed. Like an author choosing not to end a sentence, it symbolizes the resilience and strength of the wearer. The tattoo represents overcoming challenges and choosing to persevere in the book of life. Additionally, semicolon tattoos contribute to changing the stigma surrounding suicide, addiction, and mental health issues. Some embellish the semicolon with wings, creating a butterfly image. 

INFINITY TATTOO

The infinity symbol, widely popular for its representation of timelessness and eternity, allows for personalized symbolism in tattoos. Artists can incorporate unique elements such as birth dates or tributes to lost loved ones. Infinity tattoos can be adorned with flowers, quills, and other relatable images, and for small designs, fine line or dot work is ideal. The versatility of placement on areas like the forearm, wrist, shoulder, or foot adds to the appeal of infinity tattoos.

CAT TATTOO

Celebrate your love for cats with a cat tattoo, a symbol representing luck, mystery, life after death, grace, and quiet intelligence. Cats, known for their mischievous yet graceful nature, embody the idea of having multiple lives. The charm of their cute faces and big eyes is irresistible. Cat tattoos can hold personal significance, serving as a tribute to beloved pets or embracing their symbolic meanings. Combining cat images with hands, moons, flowers, or other symbols creates a unique and meaningful tattoo.

INGUZ RUNE

Viking runes, also known as the runic alphabet, are symbolic letters each representing specific ideas, personality traits, or nouns. For instance, the Inguz rune symbolizes growth, development, and the mindset of “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Shaped like two XXs, it embodies awareness, protection, love, family, and fertility. Many choose to ink the Inguz symbol on their wrists or forearms, but its versatility allows placement anywhere on the body.

YIN YANG TATTOO

The Yin Yang symbol, rooted in Chinese philosophy, embodies the concept of duality, making it a perfect choice for those seeking balance in life. Representing the idea that seemingly opposing forces can be interdependent, Yin and Yang illustrate the complementary nature of contrasting elements. This symbolizes finding darkness within light and a touch of light within darkness, maintaining a delicate equilibrium. Yin and yang tattoos may feature the classic black and white circle or utilize elements like koi fish to depict this harmonious balance.

OHM TATTOO

An Ohm tattoo is a powerful example of how a small symbol can encapsulate profound meanings. Often associated with the first sound of the Universe, Ohm, or Om, signifies the sum of all sounds. This tiny ink piece can convey diverse concepts, including silence, oneness, creation, totality, and evolution. Additionally, the Ohm tattoo symbolizes divine expression and the indestructible truth.

lotus flower tattoo designs

The lotus flower is a favored option for floral tattoos, and its popularity is well justified. Despite flourishing in conditions that might prove fatal for other flowers, the lotus thrives and captivates with its beauty. A lotus flower tattoo carries various meanings. In Hinduism, it symbolizes purity and divine beauty, while in Egyptian culture, it represents rebirth and the origin of life. In Chinese culture, the lotus embodies marital bliss and feminine beauty, and in Western cultures, it symbolizes the quest for the true meaning of life.

SEASHELL TATTOO

A seashell tattoo is often linked to a feminine vibe and conveys ideas of fertility and rebirth. Bivalved mollusks symbolize the womb and fertility, while seashells can also represent resurrection and good fortune. Beyond the symbolism, the tattoo captures the resilience and toughness of the protective covering of a seashell, symbolizing the shielding quality of love and the protection of life. Aside from its rich symbolism, a seashell tattoo is a great choice for those who have a genuine love for seashells.

 ARROW TATTOO

An arrow tattoo symbolizes achieving goals and reaching targets, reflecting strength during specific life phases and providing direction in finding one’s way. Beyond the representation of goals, the arrow signifies the challenges and fights one must overcome on the path to success. For some, the arrow tattoo is also a symbol of protection and defense against evil.

DIAMOND TATTOO

Diamond tattoos, often considered a symbol of purity and strength, hold diverse meanings based on the wearer’s beliefs. Some see diamonds as representations of love and faithfulness, while others associate them with power, luxury, beauty, glamour, and wealth. The enduring nature of diamonds also symbolizes resilience and strength to overcome hardships. Small diamond tattoos are typically executed using a fine line technique, and skilled artists can create a realistic and appealing design.

HEART TATTOO

Heart tattoos, widely popular due to their versatile meanings, commonly symbolize love and desire. Beyond romantic connections, they can also represent passion, friendship, and serve as tributes to lost loved ones. Heart tattoos are ideal for matching tattoos among friends. Whether in standard black fine line or colored variations like red, they offer a range of expressive choices.

PAPER AIRPLANE TATTOO

A paper airplane tattoo, though delicate, carries profound meaning as a symbol of letting go. Serving as a reminder to release emotions or memories holding one back, this tattoo signifies courage and embracing new experiences. Combining a paper plane with a tiny heart conveys openness to love. For those with a carefree approach or a goal to worry less and enjoy more, a paper airplane tattoo is a fitting choice. Tiny dots behind the plane artistically depict its flight, making it a meaningful work of art.

butterfly tattoos

Butterfly tattoos are highly favored among women due to their symbolism of transformation, nature, and freedom. With their beautiful and feminine appearance, butterflies are a versatile choice that can be rendered in color or black ink. Despite their small size, these winged insects make a striking and meaningful tattoo.

SMALL SUNFLOWER TATTOOS

Sunflower tattoos are a popular choice for inking designs. With their vibrant yellow color, they stand out even in a small size. Sunflowers have a rich history and meaning, representing longevity, adoration, and religious faith as they turn to follow the sun. For many, they symbolize warmth, happiness, and joy, making them ideal for those with a sunny personality.

CROSS TATTOOS

The cross holds deep significance in Christianity, symbolizing the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. For devout followers, a cross tattoo serves as a declaration of their unwavering commitment to their faith. It doesn’t need to be large or elaborate to carry profound meaning. Many women opt for a small cross tattoo, allowing versatility in placement on almost any part of the body. 

SMALL ANGEL WINGS TATTOOS

Angel wings can be equally stunning in a small tattoo as they are in larger designs. For some women, this symbol represents their virtuous and angelic nature. It can also signify a yearning for freedom or a desire to break free from constraints. Others may see the wings as a constant reminder of their “guardian angel” who watches over them unfailingly.

SMALL LION TATTOOS

Lions symbolize strength, self-confidence, and courage, making them an ideal tattoo design for strong and bold women. Many ladies also opt for the lion tattoo to represent their zodiac sign of Leo. Known for their optimism, passion, and spontaneity, those born under this sign love to be the center of attention. The recognizability of the lion symbol means you don’t necessarily need a large tattoo to make a powerful impact, making them well-suited for smaller inkings.

SMALL QUOTE TATTOOS

Quote tattoos are commonly situated on the forearm or wrist due to their legibility in these areas. However, if you wish to enhance readability or make the message visible in certain situations, you can opt for other body parts. Whether it’s a meaningful line from a favorite movie, book, or song, or words of wisdom, the impact of your tattoo remains significant regardless of its size.

COMPASS TATTOOS

The compass tattoo, with its nautical theme, signifies remaining true to oneself and staying on the right path. Often, individuals, both women and men, opt to pair this tattoo with other symbolic motifs. A common choice is a pair of crossed arrows, symbolizing an unbreakable friendship or bond, making it an ideal option for a matching tattoo with a best friend. Due to its simplicity, the compass design looks equally appealing whether large or small.

DRAGONFLY TATTOOS

The dragonfly stands out as an exceptionally positive tattoo design, symbolizing transformation, change, bravery, strength, and joy. Due to its nonlinear flight, the dragonfly is often associated with having a free spirit. In certain Native American cultures, it signifies purity and rebirth, while in Japan, it holds a symbolic place in art as a representation of victory, never flying backward or retreating.

SKULL TATTOOS FOR WOMEN

Skull tattoos, widely favored for their versatility, carry various meanings. In certain cultures, skulls symbolize rebellion and rebirth, while others use them as a poignant reminder to embrace each day as if it were the last. For a more feminine approach to the skull design, consider opting for a smaller tattoo or combining it with roses, symbolizing love that transcends death.

DREAMCATCHER TATTOOS

In certain Native American cultures, dream catchers are traditionally hung over the beds and cradles of babies and children to ward off nightmares. Crafted by mothers and grandmothers, these symbolic items may explain why many women feel a connection to the symbol. When transformed into body art, the dream catcher represents safety and protection from harm. For those with Native American ancestry, a dream catcher tattoo can serve as a way to honor their heritage.

SNAKE TATTOOS

Snakes are favored tattoos for women due to their sinuous forms, making them suitable for placement anywhere on the body. Whether large or small, a snake tattoo can look fantastic, especially when positioned, for instance, under the boob. The shedding of their skin associates snakes with new beginnings. Additionally, they can symbolize temptation, as seen in the biblical story of Adam and Eve, along with themes of sexuality, fertility, and protection. The beauty of a snake tattoo lies in its adaptability to personal meanings.

STAR TATTOOS

Star tattoos are among the most favored choices for women, embodying the idea of finding light in the darkness, resulting in a poignant and beautiful design for body art. Perfect for small and delicate tattoos, a string of stars often signifies a personal journey taken by the wearer. Additionally, star tattoos can hold religious significance, particularly for Christians, as the Bible references people being ‘guided’ by stars.

TRIBAL TATTOOS

If you appreciate the aesthetic of tribal tattoos but prefer a more discreet design, consider opting for a smaller version. The tribal art style is versatile and can be adapted to various inspirations, such as natural symbols like the sun, animals, or abstract motifs. Common placements for small tribal tattoos include the upper arm, wrist, ankle, or back.

ROSE TATTOOS

Delicate rose tattoos are currently trending, and their popularity is well-deserved. The minimalist and subtle interpretation of the timeless floral design is perfect for individuals with a modern and sophisticated style. A small and elegant rose tattoo can be positioned on various body parts, including the forearm, fingers, wrist, or hip.

CONCLUSION

In summary, small and simple tattoo designs offer a multitude of possibilities for self-expression. These delicate yet powerful works of art have become incredibly popular, providing individuals with a way to convey meaningful messages or showcase their personal style. Whether expressing love and spirituality or symbolizing resilience and freedom, these small inkings create a lasting impact. Hopefully, you will find small and charming designs that perfectly suit your style.