Tribal tattoos

Steeped in tradition

In ancient cultures, people got tribal tattoos to distinguish themselves from other tribes. They were viewed as a rite of passage, a mark of bravery, and a symbol of spiritual beliefs. 

Over 5,000 years later, people still get tribal tattoos, but for different reasons. One being that they just look really cool. And here in Orlando, we welcome cool. Bold black swirls, intricate details, dots, and repetitive designs, come together in a visual cornucopia of aesthetic patterns. From delicate to bold, tribal tattoos seamlessly weave sensuality and masculinity. Today’s tribal tattoos are far from the decorative tribal bicep band tattoos of the early 90s—think Pamela Anderson. Not that there's anything wrong with those. It’s just, like everything else, they’ve advanced along with tattoo techniques and styles. They are sophisticated. Sexy. Symbolic. 

One of the most popular tribal tattoos is the Polynesian tattoo. Polynesia encompasses over 1000 islands, including the Samoans, New Zealand, Hawaiian Maoli, Cook Islands, and others. Each subregion has a distinct style of tattoo art that’s worth exploring. Trust us. Spend some time perusing Polynesian tattoos. Ancient warriors from the Polyneisan Island wore their tattoos with a sense of pride and bravery. The tattooing process was slow and painful, typically taking an entire day. Luckily, our tattoo artists at Hart & Huntington Orlando can knock out an incredible tribal tattoo in a couple hours. Not just for biceps, Polynesian tattoos are popping up on chests, necks, thighs, and hands. Artists utilize black ink with negative space for striking results.

African tribal tattoos are another style of tribal tattoos having a moment. Rich in symbolism, these tattoos are steeped in culture and have become en-vogue for women for their beauty and rich heritage.You can recognize African tribal tattoos by their heavy shading and unique symbols.

If you’re considering a tribal tattoo, check out the many different types, from Hawaiian to Cherokee. Whether you gravitate towards vibrant, abstract patterns or traditional black line tattoos, tribal tattoos are versatile and adaptable. Once you settle on a style, consider researching symbols associated with the tribe to elevate the meaning and ensure there are no negative cultural connotations associated with them. 

Whether you have a specific tribal tattoo in mind, or you just want to explore your options, you’ve got an entire tribe of talented artists here at Hart & Huntington Orlando who can help. Schedule a consultation or stop by and check out our artist’s galleries for more inspo.