African Tribal Tattoos

One of the most intriguing styles to emerge with the tattoo renaissance is the strikingly graphic tribal work ... compasses native motifs from preindustrial cultures the world over. ~ The New Tattoo, Victoria Lautman

This is very true about African tribal tattoos. Symbols were used in different cultures as a way of telling stories, recording events, or even as a mode of basic communication. These symbols from the ancient times were seen with new eyes and appreciated for their depth, beauty, and significance. There are many of these symbols, which have inspired numerous people, that were converted into a perfect design for a tattoo. Many are of the opinion that the design they have chosen has something very special, which has got something to do with their past lives, etc. Hence, it can be rightly said, that most of the tribal tattoo designs do not have a specific meaning attached to them. They are, as a matter of fact, simple random lines and patterns, which have been put together in order to create a form of abstract art. A common feature of tribal tattoos is that they are made in solid black, although some tattoo artists experiment with the use of color in tribal tattoo designs and thereby create a whole new wide range of tribal tattoos.

African Tribal Tattoos and Meanings

The history of tattooing in Africa dates back to more than thousands of years. The oldest glimpse of tattooing in Africa and the world came after the discovery of a mummy of Amunet, a priestess of the Goddess Hathor. There are simple parallel lines tattooed on her arms, legs and an elliptical pattern drawn below her navel. The designs found on the mummy are looked upon as symbols of fertility and rejuvenation. The strange part is that no male mummy with tattoos made on their bodies has been found in Egypt. However, it does not mean that male members of the African tribes did not get tattoos made. Male mummies have been found in Libya with sun worship tattoos. Tattoos made as a reverence to Neith, a fierce goddess who led warriors into battles, were also found on male mummies.

African tattoos are different from other tribal tattoo art. There is no use of pigment which is involved in African tribal tattoos. Rather, the skin was cut open, where the tattoo was to be made and the wound was filled up with certain substance in order to cause the scar, which followed the cut to rise up. These scarred tattoos represented a rite of passage, affiliation and rank. Along with this fact, it is often very hard to state all the reasons for tattoos, due to the great variety of tribes and people in Africa. The most common meanings attached to them include tribal hierarchy, geographical location, spiritual protection, rites of passage, etc.

African Tribal Tattoo Designs

The history of African tattoo designs can be summed up in four words, namely animals, plants, ancestry and spirits. The African tribal tattoo designs, which have become popular in the West are the Adinkara symbols. These symbols were created by the Akan people residing in the forests of Ghana and the Gyaman of Cote d'Ivoire in West Africa. The Adinkara symbols are geometric symbols and include Adinkrahene, that are an indicator of greatness of character and charisma and Akoma, which in literal terms means 'heart' and are an indicator of patience and tolerance. We will see some of the commonly used symbols.

Nyame Nti literally translated means 'by God's grace' and is a symbol of faith and trust in God. This is actually a stalk, which is used to depict as the staff of life in many cultures. For the Africans, it means food is a basis of life and they cannot survive, if for the food, which God has placed on Earth for the nourishment of human beings. Read on tribal sun tattoos.

The next of the design is the 'chief of the Adinkara symbols'. It denotes greatness, charisma and leadership. This symbol is known to have played an inspiring role in the designing of other symbols and signifies the importance of playing a leadership role in the society.

Linked hearts is denoted by the African symbol of Akoma Ntoso. It is said to be a symbol of understanding and agreement. Crocodiles and turtles have been popular with almost all the tribal clans. Sankofa means return and get it. In other words, it is a symbol of learning from the past right and wrong decisions.

Dwennimmen, or ram's horses is a symbol of humility along with strength. They are known to fight fiercely against any adversary, but they also submits themselves humbly to slaughter, which emphasizes the fact however strong a person can be, he needs to be humble.

A crocodile known as Denkyem is a symbol of adaptability. The crocodile lives in water and yet breathes the air, which demonstrates its ability to adapt to circumstances. Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu are the Siamese crocodiles and are symbols of democracy and unity. Although Siamese crocodiles share one stomach, they fight over food. This symbol reminds the members of a tribe that infighting and tribalism is harmful to one and all who engage in it.

To decide from among the African tribal tattoos can be a difficult task. You will have to research extensively to get the right African tattoo design. Talking to the tattoo artist can also prove to be useful.