Lower Back Tribal Tattoos

Historically tribal tattoos indicated one’s social status or membership in a community or group. The designs themselves were used to define a person’s identity and ideals. Depending on the type of tribal tattoo chosen the symbolism and meaning of the design varies. Tribal tattoos are especially nice for the lower back because they tend to be drawn from left-to-right thereby making them a prime candidate for that body area.

Let’s learn a little about the meaning of tribal tattoos:

Maori Tribal Tattoos

The Maori tribe can from ancient New Zealand. They are noted for wearing leg and face tattoos. They are also recognized as outstanding wood carvers whose designs would often contain spirals. “Moko” or facial tattoos were used primarily as a form of identification. They believed that when someone died their true identity would shine through the tattoo.

Celtic Tribal Tattoos

Although the people from the Celtic tribes have almost all disappeared their cultural influences are still a part of our art forms and music. Celtic tattoos are comprised primarily of intertwining geometric lines, knots, and spirals. In some instances the lines themselves are shaped to form images. In other cases the outline of an image is filled with Celtic designs. Celtic designs are very popular now and come in many different variations.

Native American Tribal Tattoos

Native Americans also applied and wore tattoos. Warriors would wear tattoos as a badge of honor to represent their strength and courage. They usually wore tattoos of animals (primarily predators) which represented their masculinity and virility. They believed that a portion of the animal’s strength would be given to the wearer after the design was applied to the skin.

Polynesian Tribal Tattoos
Many believe that the Polynesians are responsible for the introduction of applying artistic scenes onto the body. Their tattoos usually illustrated meaningful events in the life of the wearer or perhaps his social status. In some instances the bodies of tribe members were almost entirely covered in tattoos.

Here are some examples of lower back tribal tattoos: