Tribal tattoos have been popular for decades due to their intricate, cool designs. Historically, tribal designs were used as a means to differentiate between local tribes and cultural groups as well as a way to demonstrate fighting ability and social status. Although tribal tattoos are primarily rooted in ancient traditions and cultures, today’s ink most closely identifies with guys wanting that badass look associated with power and strength.

If you’re considering this type of tat, it may be difficult to pick the best tribal tattoo. With so many cool tattoo ideas out there and so many different body parts to get inked, it’s important that you choose the right drawings that represent you. Whether you want a tribal tattoo on your sleeve, shoulder, arm, forearm, chest, back, or leg, you’ll love our collection of pictures below!

Here’s our guide to the top 75 best tribal tattoos for men!

Contents

• 1 Tribal Tattoo Meanings
  • 1.1 South American Tribal Tattoos
  • 1.2 Polynesian
  • 1.3 Celtic Tribal Designs
• 2 Best Tribal Tattoo Ideas
• 3 Cool Tribal Tattoo Designs

Tribal Tattoo Meanings

When you get a tribal tattoo, it’s important to understand the symbols and meanings behind them. Tribal tattoos today often blend ancient symbols with modern culture. The interlocking spiral motif is often paired with sharp edges to evoke a more powerful image.

South American Tribal Tattoos

As scary as the Mayan predictions were for some people, their tribal tattoo motifs are equally intriguing for tattoo enthusiasts. The artwork of South American tribal designs is usually more complex than others. You can find numerous references to both good and evil symbols on any given South American tribal tattoo.

Polynesian

Some Hawaiian traditional men’s tribal tattoos depict shark’s teeth on them. It may look like just another use of geometrical figures to outsiders but for those familiar with the Polynesian culture, they have meaning. The shark tooth is said to symbolize protection.