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:
| ANIMAL | SYMBOL |
| Bear | courage, physical strength and leadership |
| Beaver | determination and strong-will |
| Buffalo | sacred, life, great strength, abundance and gratitude |
| Butterfly | transformation |
| Coyote | cunning trickster |
| Deer | gentleness, grace and survival |
| Dog | loyalty |
| Dragonfly | happiness, speed and purity |
| Eagle | divine spirit, creation and freedom |
| Frog | cleansing, sensitivity adaptabilityand transformation |
| Fox | anticipation, observation and stealth |
| Horse | mobility, stamina, strength and power |
| Lizard | conservation and self-protection |
| Opossum | diversion, strategy and deception |
| Raccoon | curiosity, adaptability and resourcefulness |
| Porcupine | innocence, companionship, and trust |
| Prairie Dog | swiftness and preparedness |
| Scorpion | transformation, strength and chaos |
| Serpent | chaos, corruption and darkness |
| Squirrel | planning and the home |
| Snake | healing and re-birth |
| Spider | creativity and is the weaverof the fabric of life |
| Turtle | good health and long life |
| Wolf | direction 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
