3 Crucial Keys to Understanding Aztec Tattoo Designs

Tattoos have been around for centuries and used for reasons that go beyond their aesthetic quality. One of the ancient tribes known for their tattooing is the Aztec group. 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 once lived on the area that is now called Mexico. They lived between the 13th and 16th 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, their designs are also functional in that they help define a person of a 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 about his strength and influence within the tribe. Skin art is so enmeshed in their daily lifestyle that even children sported these tattoos.

As mentioned, most Aztec tattoos are centered on religion with the Sun god, Huitzilopochtili, being at the fore of the list. For the Aztec tribe, the sun is a guardian to the heavens ending to the modern belief that it symbolizes the afterlife. 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. Those who choose to do so are deeply aware of the meanings and its link in their heritage. Other common Aztec tattoo symbols include the eagle, princesses and the Aztec calendar. Colors may vary depending on your preferences, but the tribe symbols are normally done in black ink.

Most of the symbols take a large amount of space, which is why it is usually done on the back or on the biceps. 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.

If you choose to sport an Aztec tattoo, then it is best to first research the implications of each symbol that you may use. 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.

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