Tattoo • ology

Tribal tattoos have now come out of the closet of what could be called ‘ancient body art’. These designs concepts have now entered the modern tattoo parlors and have become popular as never before. The logic of tattooing have remained the same from time immemorial: either we wish to establish a separate identity for our selves or we wish to tell the world what we believe in.

Tribal tattoo art is very easily identifiable. They are usually made with bold strokes of dark lines and shapes that are extremely symmetrical with jagged edges. The colors are usually a mixture of black and skin tones. These days, people highlight tribal tattoo designs to accentuate its overall look and appeal.

The differences of tribal tattoos compared to other tattoo designs are that, while other tattoos talk about a specific object and carry its specific meanings, the tribal tattoo would be talking more about a concept like bravery, courage, etc. These designs are very straightforward – with pure symbols depicting a particular concept.

While traditional tribal tattoos are seeped in history and culture – different tribes from different parts of the world carry their own tales. For instance, the Polynesian or Tahitian tribal tattoos were very critical to that particular culture. The social status, family honor and rank held in the tribe were the most important messages carried through the tattoo designs.

Tools used were bone fixed to a handle which carried the needles. The ink used were made from water, oil and candlenut soot. The skin was then pierced at the chosen location, usually the back and the ink was injected. The noise which emanated from this process was ‘tatau’ and later the word ‘tattoo’ was born from this idea.

The Celtic civilization, rich in history and culture, as we know them in Europe, conveyed a lot through their tattoo art. These typical tribal Celtic tattoo art were usually in the form of intricate knots, interlacing designs, spirals and animals. These symbols usually carried deep spiritual significance and most of the designs symbolized continuity – a never ending cycle of life and events.

Maori tribal tattoos are another type of tribal tattoo which originated in New Zealand. “Ta Moko, was the name of the process” and “Moko” was the name of the final product. The origin of Maori tribal tattoo goes back to a relationship between a man (Mataora) and an underworld princess called Niwareka.

The man mistakenly abuses the princess who flies to her underworld for respite. Mataora, deeply regretting his heinous act, pursues his lover and enters the unknown underworld. Apparently, his lover’s father taught him the art of tattooing which he then brought to his own people. To declare the male rights of passage and to depict social status, the Maori tribal tattoo was later followed by Polynesian tribal groups too.

© 2008 Tattooology.com
Do NOT Copy