Tribal Tattoo Design
The tribal tattoo design is a general classification covering many different styles and patterns, and are some of the oldest tattoos ever discovered, dating as far back as 5000 B.C. The application techniques then were crude, with the tribal tattoo designs being permanently etched into the skin using a bone chisel, a pointed piece of flint, or hardwood. Find Thousands of Awesome Tattoo Designs Here Etched is probably too kind a description, as the crude markings were commonly pounded into the flesh with the somewhat sharpened instruments. The early tribal tattoo designs for women were almost exclusively monochrome, black and skin tone, and that theme continues to this day.
The original purpose was for identification, differentiating one tribe from the other, but, as the techniques, pigments, and equipment evolved over time it became an art form of self expression and prestige, noted for its graphic boldness and intricate simplicity. True-to-the-art enthusiasts will say that this route is the only way to go, and if this is you, tribal tattoos may be the one for you. When choosing a tribal tattoo, or any other style for that matter, do your homework. There is a wide variety to select from and even though at first glance they appear cut from the same template, they are anything but the same. The subtle nuance of each curve and line is what separates each tribe, each island, and each continent from another. Choose what appeals to you and best expresses your own unique individuality when going for a tribal design. This design is meant to be an original. No two should be the same. When you find something you like, use it only as a guide line. Add your own personal touch and creativity. Copying another tribal tattoo design is considered an insult to the perpetuators of this age old art form. Tribal Tattoo Case Study
The Maori Tribe of New Zealand is part of the Polynesian heritage, but what sets them apart from the other early tribes is the unique tribal tattoo design on their faces. Legend has it that a young warrior learned the tribal tattoo style from the lord of the underworld, as a reward for winning the heart of the lord's daughter. The tribe uses the tattoos to mark life accomplishments and rites of passage, from puberty to death, often fasting days before a celebration filled with chanting and music, in honor of not only the individual, but the tribe as a whole. The process was extremely painful and time consuming and required a great deal of skill from the tattoo artist, or Tohunga-ta-oko. To speed the recovery, leaves from the Karaka tree were placed on the open wounds. Both men and women were awarded tribal tattoos, although the men received them for acts of courage and strength, and are cause for desirability and attraction to the opposite sex. The more tattoos the warrior has, the higher his status within the tribe. A tribe member without any tribal designs is considered worthless.
The head is considered the most sacred part of the body to the Maori, and the reason for the full coverage of the faces of the men. Women's tribal tattoo designs are less extensive, consisting of small dots to the face, with their lips finely outlined in blue. Today the tribal tattoo design is more commonly found in the form of band around the upper arm of both men and women. Another popular placement for men is the upper chest. Good luck on your search for the perfect tribal tattoo design and thanks for visiting feminine tattoo designs at Angel Heart Tattoo.
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