Tattoo Symbols

A tattoo is a marking made by inserting indelible ink into the dermis layer of the skin to change the pigment for artistic, ritualistic or other reasons. Tattoos on humans are a type of decorative body modification, while tattoos on animals are most commonly used for identification or branding. Tattooing has been practiced for centuries worldwide. The Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan, traditionally wore facial tattoos.

Today one can find Berbers of Tamazgha (North Africa), Maori of New Zealand, Arabic people in East-Turkey and Atayal of Taiwan with facial tattoos. Tattooing was widespread among Polynesian peoples and among certain tribal groups in the Taiwan, Philippines, Borneo, Mentawai Islands, Africa, North America, South America, Mesoamerica, Europe, Japan, Cambodia, New Zealand and Micronesia. Despite some taboos surrounding tattooing, the art continues to be popular in many parts of the world.

Share the Symbols on this page:

This website contains many ancient symbols that can be used as a tattoo symbol to tattoo onto your body. Many of these tattoo symbols are very popular and are used by people from all walks of life. We have many types of different tattoo symbols such as celtic tattoo symbols, egyptian tattoo symbols, and more.

Here are some of the most popular tattoo symbols on the internet.

african tattoo

African Tattoo Symbol

DUAFE is the "wooden comb" used by women to lock their hair (a quite similar version exists in Polynesian culture as well), and symbolizes femininity and beauty.

egyptianankh-1.jpg (2735 bytes)

The Egyptian Ankh

The Ankh was, for the ancient Egyptians, the symbol (the actual Hieroglyphic sign) of life but it is an enduring icon that remains with us even today as a Christian cross. It is one of the most potent symbols represented in Egyptian art, often forming a part of decorative motifs.

latin-cross-3.jpg (3668 bytes)