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Native Tattoo Meanings and Customs

Today, many parents panic if your child gets a tattoo at some point in their lives. Many think of it as a degrading practice that symbolizes rebellion. But remember that the tattoo was and is an art that came naturally to various native peoples for hundreds of years. Tattooing has been a native custom in many tribes or races worldwide, though the origin of the same variety within each tribe or race. The tattoo, over the years, significance of the caste, citizenship, servility, pride or marital status of many races.

Tattoo Hawaiian Islands was common before 1800 and would indicate what tribe or district you came from. The material used for coloring in tattoos native was vermilion, coal, gunpowder and indigo. These were embedded the skin with sharp knives or needles made by hand. The members of the tribe were known Tucanoe three vertical blue lines tattooed on the body. This was an indication that belonged to that tribe.

In the area of South China Sea where Borneo, Philippines, Sumatra and Java are, tattooing was also common among the natives. In Borneo, members of the Kyan, and the tribes Pakat Kermowit were the only tribes where everyone was tattooed. Interestingly, they were considered the least brave tribes in the area. Still their tattoos indicated they were part of a particular group. Another tribe of Borneo, the Dyaks, tattooed all married women, usually in the hands and feet and possibly the thighs. It was considered a privilege for the married woman and a sign of dignity.

In the Polynesian Islands, including Tahiti, a tribe known as Otaheite seemed to get tattoos of religious significance. tattoos common among them were squares, circles and crescents, along with men and tattoos of the dog. In this tribe every person was tattooed without exception as they reached adulthood. In Fiji only women were tattooed in a tradition dating back hundreds of years. It was believed they were tattooed more as decoration than any other reason. A tattoo was seen as a decoration to beautify women in preparation to find or keep a husband.

Among the native tribes of Australia was common, and is today, yourself tattoo totem of the group, also known as a Wingong. A totem was a creature, plant or animal that the tribe believed to descend from. It could be a turtle, moose, owl, Cray-fish or snake, for example. Could be considered the tribe logo.

In Burma the tattoo has always been a sign of manhood. The first explorers of the islands saw almost no man without a tattoo. The first leg was a popular place to be one. It was witnessed that tattoo artists to go around with books of designs containing all symbols to guard against any evil or bring good luck.

Native American tribes were advocates of tattooing. Married women of the Apache and Yuma in Arizona traditionally distinguished by a tattoo consisting of several lines blue of the lower lip to chin. I also knew that when a young woman who wishes to become a mother, would tattoo the figure of a child on the forehead. In addition, Mojave women, after marriage would tattoo blue vertical lines on the chin.

Among the tribes and geographic areas specific tattoo art has been a long tradition. In the modern world the tattoo is used more for personal adornment, and personal meaning what is usual 'type tribal purposes such as appointment of a group, although violent gangs often have a common tattoo. For most is popular to acquire more than a tattoo that has personal meaning, and for others it is simply a luxury adornment.

About the Author

Mark D. Jordan, a native of Pennsylvania, is a researcher and writer with hobbies spanning from genealogy to Celtic culture. Other Tattoo information can be found at
Celtic Tattoo Symbol Meanings

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