Tribal tattoos can serve many different purposes when applied to the thigh. Most tribal designs are deeply symbolic and represent abstract ideas or concepts, although many also incorporate animal symbolism as well.

These designs have grown in popularity over the last twenty years thanks to their prevalence with celebrities and athletes, and most of the standard tribal tattoos feature abstract black designs of spikes, flames, spears, and vines.

In the ancient past, tattoos of this type were used as identifying markers since people often had no way of recognizing each other, especially if they had never met.

However, the reputation that goes along with a large tribal tattoo, regardless of its location on the body, is enough to make anyone recognizable. Tribal designs can allow the tattoo artist to be more creative as well, because it gives them freedom to create different shapes and a sense of flow within the piece.

Tribal thigh tattoos are also great for those who prefer to design their own ink since they are simple to draw even for an unexperienced artist.

Most tribal tattoos are solid black with 2D depth and serve as decorative or aesthetic elements, although every tattoo can have a personal significance to the bearer.