Each Tribal tattoo idea tells of ancestors or invokes powerful symbolic meaning for the wearer’s individual personality, their tribe and larger society.

From a microscopic Polynesian Island to the jungles of South America, tribal tattoos denote strength and protection, pride, power, and the representation of culture.

The dramatic Maori tattoos, known as Ta Moko – worn from head to toe – were badges of honor bestowed upon only the fiercest of men and women. Native Americans believed that by tattooing one’s spirit animal onto their flesh they were evoking and internalizing the powers of that creature. On a Pacific Island or in Asian cultures tattoos were intended to honor a man or woman’s family and to instill the lessons of their mentors.

Before you head to the tattoo shop get insights to aid you in choosing your next tattoo with 53 of the best tribal tattoo pattern ideas.

Awesome Tribal Tattoo Ideas

This striking tattoo incorporates aspects of traditional Maori tribal tattoos (notice the geometric designs on the upper leg and down the side) with large swaths of saturated black space to create a fearsome leg sleeve. The negative space that allows the knee to show through creates an interesting dynamic while the way the shapes follow the natural lines of the calf highlight the musculature of the leg. The deep, solid black on the top of the foot also displays the wearer’s dedication to the piece as this is a very sensitive place to have such deep color work done.

This is an incredible tattoo that represents hundreds of hours of painstaking work. A traditional Maori tattoo-possibly applied in the customary Ta Moko process of chiseling out the skin and adding ink to the wound or simply a Maori style tattoo known as a Kirituhi-this full chest and double sleeve piece is impressive. The level of detail in the intricate and symmetrical design is a testament to the patience and fortitude of the artist as well as the wearer. These tattoos, originally given to fierce warriors, still hold connotations of power and strength with their stunning detail and size.