Have Yourself an Aztec Tattoo

Tattoos have been around for centuries and used for reasons that go beyond their aesthetic quality. The Aztec is one of the tribes known for their tattoos. The particular tribe has been quite advanced in their time, incorporating skin art in their culture to the point that most of their symbols are still being used today.

The Aztecs originally lived within the boundaries of what is now Mexico. They lived between the 13^th and 16^th century with most of their activities centered on religion. Hence, it is not surprising that some of the tattoo designs inspired by the Aztecs are created for the gods with most tribal rituals performed with these tattoos. However, the designs are also functional since they serve identification purposes for the tribe. A particular ink is used to determine which tribe a person belongs to and is also used to depict a person’s social status. For example, a warrior’s accomplishments are likely to be displayed on their skin as a message to all his strengths and influences within the tribe. Skin art is so normal in their culture that even children are permitted to have tattoos.

As mentioned, most tattoos featuring Aztec designs are centered on religion with the Sun god, Huitzilopochtili, being at the fore of the list. Modern culture believes that the sun is a symbol for the afterlife while the Aztecs thought of it as a protector for the heavens. Quetzalcoatl is the serpent god of ancient Mexico, considered as the most powerful of all the Aztec gods, he rules over the weather, creativity and fertility. Other tattoo symbols associated with the tribe include cross tattoos, sun and moon tattoos and eagle designs which a warrior believed to be a source of strength.

Nowadays, the varied meanings of the Aztec tattoo designs are seriously being taken into account when having the symbols inked. It is not surprising that most of those who choose this design are deeply conscious of their meanings. Other Aztec tattoo symbols include the eagle, princesses and even the Aztec calendar. Colors may vary depending on your preferences, but the tribe symbols are normally done in black ink.

Since the patterns are usually large, it is not uncommon for them to be placed on the back or the arms. Sun and eagle tattoos may be scaled to smaller sizes that could fit the wrist or ankle. However, the Aztecs were not only mindful of the symbol itself but also its placement. For example, a symbol placed on the chest, wrist or stomach represents a person’s commitment to a certain god.

Make sure that you know the meaning of each symbol before going for an Aztec tattoo design. This shows that the art form is not only for aesthetic reason but also brandishes the pride a person may have for his heritage. Celebrities known for their Aztec tattoos include Brian Green from Terminator and Sarah Connor Chronicles who has an Aztec thunderbird on her shoulder.