Japanese Tattoo Galleries

Japanese Tattoo Galleries

Japan Tattoos

Japan Tattoos

Tribal Dog Tattoo - Tips on Getting Your New Tattoo!

You are looking for a tribal dog tattoo - which is awesome. Ideally your choice reflects your personal tastes and sense of aesthetics. But now comes the most important part: searching for the perfect image. The time and effort you put in finding the right tattoo will reflect in how much you (and others) love your tattoo, and for how long. So definitely do the hard work, it will be worth it. For my part, I hope I can help with some tips.

First, avoid using Google as your source for images. Google's image search is great for most things, but it doesn't cater to tattoos in specific. More importantly, it is not unique - everyone has access to the same images and options. If you get a tattoo, you want to know that you are the only person who has it - it should be part of who you are.

My suggestion is to try a site that caters specifically to tattoos. The best feature of such sites is that they offer images and resources that are unique and available only to members. For a fee, you can choose images and work personally with a tattoo artist to customize them, so that your tattoo really reflects and satisfies your own unique tastes. On such sites you also find communities of other tattoo lovers, people who have a wealth of enthusiasm and information to share, and can answer your questions, especially if you're a first-timer. On the best sites you will also find reviews of tattoo parlors in your area, which can be a great help when trying to find a place that is highly regarded, reasonably priced, and safe.

So do the right research in finding the perfect tribal dog tattoo for yourself - body art demands no less!

Tattoo Ideas for Girls

Tattoo Ideas for Girls

Abstract Tattoos - Exploring the Great Abstract Designs of Tattoos For You

If until now, choosing the most appropriate tattoo design for you remains a mind-boggling task, then it would be best if you could check out the available websites online that could provide you with thousands and thousands of tattoo designs for your choosing. Should you not have decided on a particular tattoo design yet, all you need to do is go to your nearest local tattoo parlor, or better yet, check out the various tattoo galleries in the Internet. You will be surprised to find out that there are actually boatloads of designs that you can get access to including that of the abstract tattoos. Here are some of the other things you need to know regarding these kinds of tattoos should you not be aware of them until now:

1. Visit Your Local Tattoo Artist

Ask your local tattoo artist for the best choices when it comes to finding the perfect colors and sizes of your abstract tattoos. Also, know that an abstract tattoo can actually be considered as a tribal tattoo. However, you should also be able to tell the difference between an abstract tattoo and a traditional tribal tattoo or those tattoos that became well-known during the earlier times when there were a lot of tribal communities existing. This will avoid confusion when saying you prefer tribal tattoo designs. Because chances are, the artist might put some of those traditional tribal tattoos on you.

2. Modern Abstract Tattoos As Body Art
While the customary abstract tattoos were basically used for identification purposes, or to tell about one's life story, or to emphasize the leadership prowess of an individual, the new and up-to-date abstract tattoos are geared more towards using them as a work of art. They may even vary from being simple works of art to truly advanced masterpieces of body art.

3. Triquetra Abstract Design
Look for a tattoo gallery that is sure to offer you the most excellent supplies designs as well as the finest supplies. Try surfing through the various tattoo art collections you will find in the Internet. You will be surprised to see that there are actually a lot of tattoo galleries that can offer you a wide range of abstract designs. Try looking at the triquetra design which is a symbol that comes with three crisscrossing egg shapes that are combined together to make a triangle.

What is more, the triquetra abstract design is also believed to originate from the Celtic civilization so you can just imagine how far such abstract tattoo designs can be traced back. They were actually found in the premature Germanic currencies as well as the well-known rune stones from Northern Europe. From these alone, you will already know that such kinds of tattoos have already been accepted and well-loved by people of even the earlier times.

4. Religious Emblems As Abstract Designs
Other abstract designs that you can consider include those of the religious emblems that represent a particular religious group's beliefs and principles. They are more often than not, connected to Christianity in which such designs were perceived to be characteristic of the Holy Trinity as well.

Wonderful Star Tattoo Ideas For You

In this modern and high-technology world of today, there are many different possible and very interesting ways of how one can bring back some spark and light to their dull and dark world. One may get new clothes and be more hip and fashionable while some may create music that shows the world how they truly feel as a person. Some more artistic person may draw paintings and works that symbolized their personality while there are others that prefer to use their own skin as a raw form of freedom of expression. And this form of self-expression and art as well is the very well-known and popular art of tattoos!

This form of art has existed and still continuous to flourish in today's time despite being modern because of its long-lasting and virtually permanent "mark" it makes on everyone's lives. Tattoos basically were used millions of years ago as a means of showing the world one's culture, traditions, and even history itself. Traces of early usages were seen in ancient Egyptians, Mayans, and even Native American Indians. Since then, it has evolved to become a form of aesthetic art for the modern people. Nowadays, people not only get tattoos for the sake of having colorful skin but instead, it helps them build more confidence and allure so to speak.

Considered by many to be one of the cutest and most dazzling tattoo designs to date are the ones we call star tattoos. There are dozens of wonderful star tattoo ideas that will most definitely fit you, your personality, and your lifestyle. Most tattoo enthusiasts may go for the usual pointed-five star design because of its simplicity and elegance while some more "outgoing" people might prefer stars with different laces or intricate swagger such as stars with vines wrapped around its sides or stars attached with a pair of beautifully tattooed wings. Virtually any fun and exciting combinations can be done with just a single star design. That is why it is very much popular among all tattoo enthusiasts most especially seen in young females.

Most people may create their very own and personalized star tattoo ideas. This helps them feel more unique and represented rather than going for a pre-designed tattoo. This is a good idea as it will help sharpen your mind and creativity as well as make your tattoo almost a 100% unique and you. Do take note that if ever you are going to get a tattoo, please be reminded to choose a well-mannered, careful, and professional tattoo artist to do the job. After all, you would not want to get pricked multiple times over and over again just to get the ink to each its final destination. A good and competitive tattoo artist not only cares about making money but also cares for their clients. He or she must be able to do the tattoo design beautifully but must also carefully get to know their clients as well as to be able to build a stable relationship that will last for life just like a tattoo.

Find a Unique Libra Tattoo

Finding a unique Libra tattoo can be a daunting task. Just an ordinary search will provide tremendous results of different tattoo designs. However, a simple search will provide designs that others have used and will continue to use. This is not very unique. So, where do you find a unique tattoo?

The first option may be to check out an online database of tattoo designs. These have tattoos from artists and there will surely be a Libra design that you would love to get. Almost all of these will have a fee. There will either be a fee for each tattoo design or a fee for a month of access to all the tattoos. Unfortunately, these are open to the public so there may be others with that tattoo. However, it will be far fewer than just a standalone search.

If the option is available, you might want to ask one of your artistically gifted friends or family. This way, you know that your design will be 100% unique. Plus, the design will most likely be free. The only problem you might run into is that they won't capture the essence of a Libra.

You could try hiring a designer. This will most likely not be a cheap option but the results should prove to be worth the price. However, the design may just be a standard design so you will have to make sure to let them know this will be for a tattoo as there are certain aspects that need to be completed.

Your best option will probably be just to go with your tattoo artist for the design. They may want to charge a little bit extra but you will be getting a tattoo design from an experienced professional. They know all the ins and outs. Plus, they have tattooed for plenty of people and should have no problem creating a Libra design to fit you and your description.

In the end, there are a lot of choices for getting a unique Libra tattoo design. All have their perks along with their pitfalls. However, it will be a lot easier for you to now find a unique tattoo as will you will know where to look. What are you waiting for? Find that Libra design!

Music Tattoos - Another Form of Artistic Expression

Rebellion Or Personal Expression?

Tattoos have been regarded as a form of rebellion, and were even forbidden in parts of Europe due to a rise in Christianity during the early periods. Even today some regard body art as an undesirable practice and associate tattoos with gangs and unlawful behavior. Those with music tattoos are not above consideration in this respect. Some feel those with body art are discriminated against, and often are when attempting to secure employment.

Those who sport a tattoo will tell you it is a form of self expression. Musicians have been associated with the boldest forms of this artwork. Music tattoos often commemorate a particular genre or instrument one plays and they are often placed strategically on the body for visual appeal when performing on stage.

As we all know, some performers are quite famous for stage apparel, or the lack thereof and often choose their costumes specifically for the reason of showing body art. After all, not every tattoo is the same, and for this reason they wear them proudly. Custom tattoos with intricate, delicate designs are considered works of art in themselves.

Some music tattoos are recognizable trademarks for some performers. One such famous artist that comes to mind is Ozzy Osbourne and his famous woman vampire adorned with a bat atop her head. Of course, not every artist chooses such a dark expression. Jon Bon Jovi shows off his simple superman logo.

Tattoos are a very unique way to express emotion and personal interest. As a fellow canvas holder sporting a basic music tattoo consisting of a bass note sprouting a blue rose on one arm and a whimsical unicorn on the other, one can plainly see I am both a musician and hold an interest in mythology as well.

Tattoos are a way to announce a position in society. Just as in ancient times, a tattoo can identify a persons special skill or occupation. Certain union logos can be seen. A highly skilled carpenter may adorn himself with a hammer and nail. I have seen nurses with small medical emblems tattooed on the ankle.

Popular themes, poetry, beloved pets and even loved ones are being immortalized as body art to remain forever as a visual memory of devotion and love. Yet the stigma surrounding them remains.

Musicians are among those excused from refute. Being in the musical industry, it is both expected and accepted as part of a persona. If you are in a band, body art is a normal part of your costume. You have total freedom and can expand your canvas whichever way you choose.

For those living in other cultural societies, body art is often a tradition and even a requirement. Young boys reaching a certain age are often marked to show the passage into manhood. Young females may be tattooed with the mark of their mate.

Top 4 Lower Back Tattoo Designs Revealed

In your search for lower back tattoo designs, finding the one that suites you can be tough. Recent statistics show that 1 in 5 women who have a tattoo have it on their lower back which supports a rise in ink in this location. With a few places on a woman's body being considered sensual, it's not hard to see why their becoming more popular.

Of the two most attractive locations on a female's body to get a tat, the lower back and neck would be the top two. The main reason for this is the ease in which they can be hidden. When you're at work in the office they can be easily covered by a shirt. And on Friday night after work they can be put on full display with some low cut jeans and a tight fitting high riding shirt.

Listed below are some of the more popular lower back tattoo designs:

1) Dolphin Tattoos - Due to the cute nature of these designs, they are a favorite among women.

2) Flower Designs - These are a popular choice for women especially on the lower back.

3) Tribal Designs - These are the most common. There are a wide variety of Tribal designs ranging from Celtic to Sun.

4) Dragon Designs - You'll find these on more risque and adventurous women.

Deciding on a tattoo can be pretty tough. There is no shortage of designs out there so it's a good idea evaluate a few and don't rush into any decisions. It's easy to second guess yourself. For this reason it's a good idea to take a few days to make sure you make the right decision. You don't want to rush into something and then later regret it. The decision to remove an unwanted tattoo later in life can be painful and expensive.

Be sure to dress appropriately when heading out to get your tattoo. This would entail loose fitting clothing that will enable the tattoo artist to work easily. Upon getting your tattoo, there are a few things you should consider. During the healing process, be sure to wear clothes that are not tight fitting. Scarring can occur if clothing is too tight and rubs on the tattooed area over a period of time.

Nautical Star Tattoos and Designs

Many people who have a soft spot for astrological science and naval operations prefer nautical star tattoos. A Nautical star is symbolic and its design is usually a bold five-edged star that has dark and light shades alternating on the edges. The nautical star tattoo designs are mainly a stylish drawing of the star followed by a constellation that shows a sequence of stars or lines with flowers or another design at the end. These types of pictures are usually designed at the base or origin and a different design is added stylishly connecting to the star. It could have a sharp ending that is most likely a diversion of different star lines forming a constellation. The size of the nautical star tattoo is the main determinant of the part of the body where the tattoo will be designed. For the back, the chest, and the area around the stomach, nautical tattoos fit in well and look original. Other places include the back of the neck and on the arm.

The nautical stars are also a symbol that shows relation to the US navy. Here, they are a symbol of protection and a guide to a safe home return. The early day sailors who used the tattoos as a compass developed this tradition. They would correctly navigate around the sea and these sailors even believed that the stars could not let them down by getting them lost in the sea. Nowadays, the nautical tattoo is for not only the navy soldiers and the sailors but the meaning has not changed much. Most of the people who get a nautical star tattoo are mainly symbolizing a sense of direction or guidance in their lives. Although the nautical star tattoos are non-religious, the belief that they offer a sense of direction and guidance to individuals makes them one of the most favorite tattoos across the world. This makes direction and guidance the universal meaning of these types of star tattoo.

Although the origin of this type of star tattoo is not clear, these tattoos are mainly characterized as the original work of an ancient tattoo artist Jerry Sailor. The traditional nautical star tattoo was multicolored. This is according to the ancient three-dimensional tattoos that were five pointed with a line that ran from point to point splitting the points into halves. These triangles that were formed were then painted differently. First the colors were black and white and they changed to black and red and later on the colors were improved to give illusion to the three dimensional tattoo. In Ireland, the nautical star has a different meaning.

It symbolizes unity and friendship as wealth as a healthy life and relationship. The gay and lesbian community as a show of solidarity and strong relationships mainly adapts this star. For the people who love rock music and a rock life style, they are likely to get the nautical star tattoo on the right arm with the longest point towards the wrist such that when they point upwards with their hands, it symbolizes looking out for a brighter future in one's life. Some people wear these tattoos so that they can act as a constant reminder that they are supposed to focus and to look out for a better life.

The nautical tattoo on different parts of the body has different meanings. While some people will wear the tattoos just for beauty and to appreciate the nice design, others will wear the tattoo as a symbol. This is mainly for the people who take long voyages in seas. The tattoo creates uniformity among members of a sailing crew. There are the fortunetellers who do palm reading and predict an individual's future. They read the left palm and they use the star on the left palm as a guide. People who believe in palm reading are likely to get the tattoo done on the left wrist adjacent to the thumb and they use the nautical star for future guidance.

Some people use the star as an additional ornament or a complement to the other ornaments that they wear. For the sailors, a green nautical star tattoo means that the individual is a watch at the starboard while a red one shows that the person is a port member. When the tattoos are done on people who travel long distances, they are a sign that the individual desires to get their way back home. These people mostly get the nautical star tattoo without any additional designs.

There are a number of outstanding nautical star tattoo designs that include a mixture of the flower or heart that is sandwiched between two stars or a masculine skull that is drawn at the core of a nautical star. Star tattoos that are nautical could be altered a bit for a change of style by giving it a feathery outlook or curved points that symbolize a rotating star. They could also be drawn in a pattern like three nautical stars with two small ones sandwiching the big one. The latest design of this very popular star tattoo has a flame on the peak and the upper points of the star that symbolize a burning passion or desire. The flames are meant to show the seriousness of the individual.

These types of stars are not a complex design and they are therefore not expensive. However, adding more patterns to the star will cost you more. The rates vary with the time and the complexity of the design that your tattoo will require. You could also decide to have a message beside the tattoo or on the points of the star. Some people prefer to put their initials or those of their loved ones. It has been proven that people who have similar tattoos like the common nautical star tattoo are likely to have similar personalities, which is characterized by a similarity of taste and choice. There are high chances that the two individuals chose the tattoo for the same reasons and similarly, they have similar tastes and opinions of other aspects of life.

Japanese Tattoo Fish

Japanese Tattoo Fish

Rose Tattoos on Women

There is a beautiful legend in Greek Mythology that tells us Aphrodite, goddess of Love, gave the Rose its name. Chloris, the goddess of flowers, created it when she found the lifeless body of a beautiful nymph in the forest. Chloris called upon the other deities to help her right the wrong of this nymph's death. Aphrodite gave her beauty, Dionysus, the god of wine, added nectar to give her a sweet perfume, the three Graces gave her charm, brightness and joy. Chloris then called upon Zephyr, the West Wind, to blow away the clouds so Apollo, the sun god, could shine and make the flower bloom.

The rose goes back into antiquity, in fact, fossilized roses have been found that are several million years old. It has always been regarded, in Western civilization, as the closest thing to perfect beauty.

The rose image has been used on royal standards, coats of arm, castle and palace decorations. It has been used in countless paintings, embroideries, etchings, carvings and photographs. Its simple and elegant beauty has endured through time, as has its message of beauty and love. It has always stood as an expression of love. Small wonder then, that numerous women have chosen it as a favorite tattoo. It can be used simply as a beautiful decoration or as a memento of a loved one or an event in one's life. In fact, it serves all purposes very well.

Rose tattoos have been favorites from the beginning and are still the most popular flower tattoo. Each person can decide the message she wants to send and the color, size and placement of the tattoo. Whether done for decoration or love the image of the rose is a thing of lasting beauty.

Shoulders, lower legs, ankles and feet are popular places for tattoos on women, so too with rose tattoos. Women celebrities have been drawn to the rose, from a single large rose on a shoulder to a bouquet of roses on an ankle. One has a stemmed rose on her ankle while another has a heart and a rose on her lower leg, obviously an expression of love. Some people like to be different - one supermodel has a tattoo of a rose and skull on her upper arm. Others like to be daring, with a rose tattoo on a breast.

There is no doubt rose tattoos will stay favorites as, like roses themselves, they depict timeless beauty and elegance and give us all a great deal of pleasure.

Japanese Tattoo Drawings

Japanese Tattoo Drawings

Some Tips to Find Cool Tattoo Designs

It's been a long time since you've seen that unique and edgy tattoo on TV and you always pondered if you too can have a cool tattoo just like that. Many edgy people- men and women- have enjoyed being inked with cool tattoo designs. Good to know that our time is already open for this type of art and many tattoo artists have delved into the art as part of their self-expression and also as a profession.

Deciding to have a tattoo is no longer a difficulty these days since there are many edgy, unique and cool tattoo designs that are far from those that you see on the earlier generations of tattoo lovers. Gone are days of all-black or all-grey tattoos, because colored tattoos are so popular among the young and middle-aged enthusiasts.

Some tips in getting cool tattoo designs:

You can first check out several tattoo magazines online and offline. Browse through the website or page by page to see the detailed designs and decide if this is for you. Tattoo books are also great resources to find cool designs from various artists. Again, think it over before deciding which should stay on your skin for life because the reverse process is harder.

Remember that the larger and the more intricate the design, the costlier and a bit stingy a tattoo could be in process. So if you're a newbie and have not been inked, think about it many times before you dive in.

If you truly want a tattoo, make sure to start with a smaller design especially if you are the type of person who dreads needles and stinging pain. But to tell you the truth, it all depends per individual since the pain is quite tolerable and not as dreadful. Smaller tattoo designs are also hip and in particularly for females. Most women like to start with small tattoos because of their fear of pain and because most of them want the design to seem to blend- like an accessory of some sort.

For the real tattoo enthusiasts, there is nothing like getting a full leg or arm or even an entire back filled with cool tattoo designs. Now for the design theme itself, there are many resources out there such as the net and also the collections of your local tattoo artists.

When you go to an artist's tattoo shop, ask them to show you their design collections and think of the best design that will fit you. If it's possible, request for printed copies of the tattoo designs that you think are cool and best-fitting.

Another great way to get cool designs for your soon-to-be-tattoo is to find a local artist who can design it for you from scratch. Or if you have something in mind or you've found a design but want to modify it according to your preference, it is possible as long as you have a good designer at hand.

Being ready before you get a tattoo should be on your list while you are searching for cool tattoo designs. It's best to have the right mindset and physical condition when deciding and during the tattooing process so you won't regret anything in the long run.

Cute Tattoo Ideas For Girls

Looking for cute tattoos for girls? Cute designs can really make a girl more sexy. Let me now share some cute tattoo ideas for girls, and give some tips about what to look after, and the where and how when looking for cute girly tattoos.

One of the first things to consider is the location of your tattoo. It is important to remember that if you want to work in a formal environment it may not be a good idea to have a large tattoo that will be seen by your potential boss. Good tattoo locations for cute tattoos are on the ankle, stomach, neck, wrist or lower back. Tattoos on the lower back are also known for being very sexy. Some locations are more painful and expensive than others to get tattooed on, so keep this in mind when deciding on the location for your tattoo.

Next, you should choose what kind of artwork you want. For cute tattoos, popular choices are flowers, stars or hearts. It is also important to know the meaning behind the tattoo you will be getting. There have been cases where artists have been caught giving tattoos with unwanted meanings or misspelled foreign characters.

When it comes to the size of the piece I recommend a small one if it's your first. That way, you will know whether you can withstand the pain of getting a bigger tattoo later. Small tattoos are also not that expensive to remove if you later regret getting tattooed.

To find the best and cutest tattoos for girls you should take advantage of online tattoo galleries. There are plenty of designs that have been made that you can choose from and bring to your local tattoo studio.

Lower Back Tattoo Designs - Alluring and Seductive

Calling all men

Why are men attracted to lower back tattoo designs? The lower back is a sensual part of the female body. The back of the neck is just as appealing for some, but there is something about the lower back, that when a strategically placed tattoo is seen peeking out ever so slightly is irresistible to the other sex.

Some of the designs themselves even resemble a certain part of female anatomy in shape.(Imagination is used here) In some cultures lower back tattoo designs are used as aphrodisiacs, to draw attention to themselves and ultimately find a mate. The designs would represent a females ranking in a tribe and her achievements.

Most often, the design is quite petite and intricate, centered and beginning at the backbone and feathering out to either side, even extending from hip to hip. This form of tattoo accentuates the hips and buttocks and reduces the waist in appearance. This area of the body rarely changes as we age, so it seems to be the perfect spot for body art.

A lower back tattoo design for some will be the beginning of a full back tattoo, which men are famous for. The back on a man is enhanced by body art if placed just so, to enhance muscle tone on the shoulder blades and external rotator cuffs.

Popular Designs

Snakes

A coiling snake represents the inner strength the lower back holds. The serpent can also be used as a goddess symbol as depicted in ancient religions.

Tribal

Some of the most popular for a lower back tattoo design are tribal, as they are proportionately shaped for this area. There are Celtic, Polynesian, African, American Indian and many more cultural tribal designs available, making it easier for anyone of any nationality to find a tattoo personable for them.

The Lotus Flower

This flower is the essence of femininity and fertility. It also represents prosperity and creativity on a feminine level. The colors are vibrant and very eye catching to appeal to anyone.

The Dragonfly

This little creature is also perfect for a lower back tattoo design, with its body centered and wings stretching to either side. Couple this with some vines or foliage and watch out!

Dolphins

A dolphin is also a mammal, which can represent life. Put two of these creatures back-to-back seemingly jumping from the water and you have an exquisite piece of art. Dolphins are also the keeper of the seas and have been known to escort lost sailors home. This is a protective symbol used by fishermen.

Japanese Tattoo Dragons

Japanese Tattoo Dragons

aztec tribal tattoos

Many ancient cultures participated in the art form of tattooing. Everyone from the Maroi of Austallia to the Japanese and Ainu people. For many early tribal cultures tattooing was an art form that was infused with religion and rites of passage. The Aztecs were one of the many cultures that practiced the art of tattooing and in do so created a ton of beautiful aztec tribal tattoos ideas.

aztec tribal tattoos

today in our supposedly modernized society we no longer have strongly formed rites of passages. Yet the beautiful self expression and art forms of tattooing still exsist.

Of all of these ancient cultures and tribes the Aztec were among some ofthe most advanced. As with any advanced society or group of people there are highly developed and intricate art forms. The Aztec were no slouches when it came to art. There highly developed and beautiful art in both architecture, painting and tattooing has left a strong legacy and many beautiful symbols and stories that just beg for a tattoo.

aztec tribal tattoos

If you have been thinking about some type of tribal tattoo and you feel a strong connection for whatever reason with the Aztec people or culture then you will want to read on and learn more about aztec tribal tattoos and ideas. There are a ton of great pictures, galleries and ideas all to help inspire your next tattoo.

scorpio symbol tribal tattoo

There is nothing more frightening than scorpions, which have the ability to kill with one sting. Scorpion tattoos are popular with people wanting to demonstrate one of two things; first, to be used as the zodiac symbol for Scorpio, or two, to demonstrate the toughness of an individual that is making the decision to have the scorpion tattoo tattooed on themselves.

scorpio symbol tribal tattoo in arm

Scorpion tattoos are often smaller than the size of the fist and placed on the arm and chest in men. These types of tattoos are most popular with men and can include the tattoo being an effective means of increasing the appearance of toughness within the community. After all, there is nothing scarier than a strong insect that can kill with one sting!

There are many pictures on the internet of scorpion tattoos which can be used as inspiration to design a tattoo and these should be taken advantage of when working with a tattoo artist.

scorpio symbol tribal tattoo

Football Tattoo Symbol - Premier League Club

Chelsea F.C football Tattoos

Liverpool F.C football Tattoos

Manchester United football Tattoos

Tottenham Hotspur football Tattoos

Newcastle United football tattoo

Everton Football Tattoos

Japanese Tattoo Cherry Blossom

Japanese Tattoo Cherry Blossom

Hawaiian Rune Tattoos

Like many other Polynesian-descended cultures, the native Hawaiians practiced tattooing. The most heavily tattooed members of the tribe would be the royal family, followed by other court officials and persons who were in the royal family by marriage.

Hawaiian Tattoos

The designs were monochromatic, tattooed in black against brown skin. The patterns and layout were strongly geometric and there were many shapes and symbols which represented the natural island world: stones, waves, fish, sharks, turtles, rain, sun, birds.

Hawaiian Rune Tattoos

Tattoos were traditionally created by using a tool much like a sharpened rake to prick the designs. The tattoo tool would be hit by another stick to make the punctures. Assistants helped by stretching the skin for the tattoo artist and by wiping away the blood.

Hawaiian Rune Tattoo