Similarities in Symbols

Aztec tattoos have a lot of symbols, signs, and motifs that have a variety of similarities. For example, the sun is a recurring motif in many designs as it is important to Aztecs. To this tribe, the sun is the symbol of creation and has been present since the beginning of time and is thus considered sacred. The calendar was also made around the movement of the sun with multiple images of the sun bearing various facial expressions to describe the position. Therefore, it was the main symbol of many tattoo designs.

The animals are other recurring symbols like jaguars, monkeys, elephants, lions, eagles, frogs, etc. They are the totem animals or what we know as spirit animals that describe the personality of a human being. The people of that time would select a special animal based on their spirit guide and feelings of empathy and kinship towards other creatures.

For instance, animals such as bears, eagles, and crocodiles, which are on the more special top of the food chain, would indicate that the person is thought of as strong and dominating. Frogs reveal the value of that person in the circle of life, despite not being towards the tip of the food chain, and animals such as monkeys and tortoise were picked because that person sensed an inclination towards the animal’s habits – such as the seldom unusual behavior of the monkey or the inactivity of the tortoise.

Aztec Tattoo Placement Ideas

Each deity has its own specific symbolic pattern that helped the people know about the ritual. However, in addition to this, the placement area was also important because each placement option held its own unique importance and own meaning. For instance, when a child got a tattoo to receive and acknowledge loyalty, it was normally on their chest, stomach, or wrist and would signify commitment and loyalty to a special God of choice.