Animal skulls have been implemented in cultural ritual, worship, and ornamentation for thousands of years, each skull appointed the powers of its animal possessor.

Today many choose to tattoo the skulls of their own animal guides onto themselves, totems of both strength and protection, as well as a tribute to the macabre beauty of all living things.

Bear, bull, wild cat, and wolf skulls have all been depicted in rich tattoo art, worn by men on various parts of the body and often adorned with feathers, flora & fauna, and other personal symbolic effects. Many believe the animal skull to be a poignant reminder of life and death, that what is fierce and ferocious now will eventually wither to dust, as all things will.

Some may find the hollowed eyes and bone-white bleakness of an animal skull disturbing, while others understand the natural beauty and significance.

Carefully select the animal you feel the deepest connection with-be it the solitary wolf or proud lion-and see what haunting messages can be imparted through its postmortem tattoo likeness.