Taino tribal tattoos are inspired by the Puerto Rican culture. Taino culture is rich in bravery, artistic triumph (unique symbols) and innovations. The Taino Indians were native to the Caribbean Indians which consisted of Modern Day Puerto Rico, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Jamaica. The aboriginals of these island countries were called Arawak People (named after their unique language Arawakan).

Taino tribe did not use any written alphabets but mainly depended on symbols and petroglyphs. Each symbol from the Arawakan language held special meaning. It was evident from the tribal body art of Taino people.

The indigenous tribe sadly saw a sudden demise due to the Spanish inquisition (within 40 years of Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the island). However, their legacy lived on as even today the Tribal Taino tattoos are popular globally.

Like all other Ancient tribes, the Taino people too had their gods and goddesses which heavily influenced their symbolic artistry.

Here are the meanings of each symbol from the Puerto Rican Taino tribal culture and how they are used as tattoo design –

Taino Sun Tattoo –

Sun was the most common Taino symbol which represented our planetary star as a god as a life-giver. The design included sun rays along with googly eyes and sometimes a smile.

A Taino moon symbol was shown in a similar style but it included the different phases on the moon. A full moon was shown as a happy emoticon.

Taino Coqui Tattoo –

The Coqui translates to the frog species found in these islands. The coqui symbol showed a leaping frog on a circle. Its symbolic meaning was good health and long life.

Along with the frog, the Taino tribe was also known to show other reptiles such as lizards, snakes, and even turtles. Each animal represented survival and strength.

Here we present you 130+ Taino tattoo designs for men and women –