The Black Mamba is one of Africa’s most dangerous snakes and a popular tattoo choice for realistic-style snake body art.

The Black Mamba is one of the few snakes that doesn’t fear humans, plus it can live on the ground or in trees. These factors, plus its size (two to three meters as an adult) and potent venom make stories of the reptile part folklore and part horror story.

The serpent’s association with late Hall of Fame basketballer Kobe Bryant – whose nickname was the Black Mamba – is another reason why it’s a popular tattoo subject.

Bryant died in a helicopter crash with his daughter Gianna and seven others on January 26, 2020. His passing prompted a range of tattoos paying homage to the LA Lakers legend, often involving his personal logo entwined with a black mamba snake motif.

The following top 29 black mamba tattoo ideas showcase different iterations of the snake along with Kobe Bryant-inspired tattoo art that you can apply to your next piece.

1. Animal Realism Black Mamba Tattoo Ideas

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2. Black Mamba Arm Tattoos

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3. Cool and Innovative Black Mamba Tattoos

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4. Black Mamba Kobe Bryant Tattoos

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