Our Editor-in-Chief, Chidera has a beautiful tribal spine tattoo with Nsibidi symbols. When we spoke about it, her eyes lit up with pride, “getting my Nsibidi tattoos felt like reclaiming a piece of my history”,  she said. Like most tribal tattoos, it is more than just ink on skin; it’s a powerful symbol of identity, heritage, and spirituality passed down through generations.

You become a piece of art that tells the story of your ancestors, marks your personal achievements, or connects you to ancient traditions. So I asked myself, ‘If I just discovered Nsibidi, how many more tattoos like this are out there?’ This led me to the world of tribal tattoos. Each tattoo we discuss carries deep cultural meanings and connections to ancestral traditions, offering a glimpse into diverse cultures around the globe.

Tribal tattoos from around the world

Polynesian tattoos from the Caribbean Islands

Origin: Polynesia (including Samoa, Tahiti, and Hawaii)

Pe’a and Malu are traditional polynesian tattoos, the Pe’a, worn by Samoan men spans from the waist to the knee. It serves as a rite of passage, marking the transition from boyhood to manhood. Enduring the rigorous tattooing process demonstrates endurance and commitment.

On the other hand, the Malu, worn by Samoan women, covers the thighs. It also symbolises femininity, cultural identity, and community connection. Typically received during adolescence or adulthood rituals, Malu designs are more delicate yet hold profound cultural and personal meanings. Together, these tattoos embody Samoan cultural pride, identity, and heritage, passed down through generations.

Maori tattoos of New Zealand

Origin: New Zealand (Aotearoa)

Let’s journey to the rugged landscapes of New Zealand, where Maori tattoos, known as ta moko, carve deep into the skin and soul. Etched with chisels, these patterns are not mere designs but reflections of genealogy, status, and personal journey. Ta moko patterns are unique to each individual, incorporating detailed spirals, curves, and geometric shapes that represent specific ancestors, life achievements, and cultural affiliations.

The process of receiving ta moko is a ceremonial affair, involving elders and spiritual leaders who guide the tattooing process, infusing each mark with spiritual significance and ancestral blessings. These tattoos are a profound expression of identity and belonging, embodying the resilience and cultural pride of the Maori people.

Adinkra tattoos from West-Africa

Origin: Ghana and Ivory Coast

The symbols of Adinkra have a depth that can best be expressed with long term body markings like tattoos. Originating from the Akan people of Ghana and Ivory Coast, these symbols convey the timeless concept of wisdom, spirituality, and guidance. Take ‘Sankofa’, for example, urging us to learn from the past to build a better future, or ‘Gye Nyame’, symbolising the omnipotence of God, or ‘Tumi’ for resilience, ‘Sesa Wo Suban’ for adapting to change, or ‘Nsoromma’ for guardianship— each symbol tells a story of spiritual fortitude.

Traditionally stamped onto cloth, these symbols have found new life on skin, offering wearers a way to embody their values and connect with their roots in a visible, meaningful way. Adinkra tattoos are often placed on prominent areas like the back, chest, or thigh, where their intricate designs can be displayed proudly and serve as reminders of personal values and ancestral wisdom.

Nsibidi tattoos from Southeastern Nigeria

Origin: Southeastern part of Nigeria 

At the heart of southeastern Nigeria, Nsibidi tattoos breathe life into forgotten scripts of the past. Dating back to the 4th century, Nsibidi symbols were once used on textiles and now adorn modern-day skin, symbolising pride in African heritage and cultural revival. Nsibidi consists of nearly 1,000 symbols. After centuries of obscurity, Nsibidi has recently resurged, influencing cultural works such as Black Panther.

In modern times, tattoo artists reintroduce Nsibidi symbols into their designs, celebrating African heritage and identity while preserving and evolving this ancient writing tradition. These tattoos serve as powerful symbols of cultural pride, connecting individuals with their ancestral roots and revitalising a centuries-old practice in the modern world with deep respect for its cultural heritage.

Bornean tattoos from the Island of Borneo

Origin: Borneo (particularly the Dayak tribes)

Our journey now takes us to the lush jungles of Borneo, where the Dayak tribes honour bravery and cultural identity through highly detailed tattoo patterns. These tattoos are not just symbols but shields against unseen forces, embodying Bornean heritage and the spirit of its people.

Bornean tattoos, traditionally applied using natural pigments and hand-tapping techniques, are a testament to the Dayak’s connection with nature and their ancestral spirits. Each tattoo tells a story of personal triumphs, familial bonds, and tribal affiliations, with designs ranging from flora and fauna which are flowers and animal motifs to mythical creatures that guard against harm and bring prosperity.

For the Dayak, these tattoos are not just marks on the skin; they are symbols of cultural pride and a visible reminder of their resilience in the face of changing times.

Iban tattoos from the Island of Borneo 

Origin: Borneo (specifically the Iban tribe)

We’re still in the biggest Island in the world but we’ve entered into the lush jungles and uncovered the symbolic world of Iban tattoos, cherished among the Dayak tribes. These tattoos are reflections of personal identity and achievement, adorned with motifs such as rosettes and the revered “Bunga Terung” (eggplant flower).

Each tattoo is not merely a design but a sacred emblem earned through rigorous rites of passage, marking pivotal milestones in the wearer’s life journey. Iban tattoos symbolise a deep connection to nature and ancestral spirits, serving as visible affirmations of courage, status, and personal accomplishments within the community.

They embody the spiritual beliefs of the Dayak people, protecting the wearer and connecting them to their cultural heritage and the natural world. This tradition showcases the enduring cultural resilience and richness of Borneo’s indigenous communities, preserving ancient practices that continue to resonate deeply in modern times.

Celtic tattoos from Ireland and Scotland

Origin: Ireland and Scotland

Crossing continents, we arrive in the misty landscapes of Ireland and Scotland, where Celtic tattoos weave tales of eternal heritage through knot-work and symbolism. The Celtic cross stands tall, marking faith and unity, while the tree of life reaches for the skies, symbolising resilience and growth.

These tattoos are not just ink; they are threads connecting past and present, celebrating the indomitable spirit of the Celtic people and their timeless traditions. Celtic tattoos are renowned for their complex designs, incorporating interlacing patterns, spirals, and zoomorphic motifs that reflect the natural world and spiritual beliefs of ancient Celtic tribes.

Each knot and curve carries meanings of protection, eternity, and unity with nature, making these tattoos a popular choice among those seeking to honour their Celtic roots or embrace the mystique of Celtic mythology.

Native American tattoos from North America

Origin: Various tribes across North America

Turning our gaze westward, we honour the spiritual motifs of Native American tattoos, each design speaking of ancestral spirits and profound connections to the natural world. From the soaring eagle to the silent moon, these tattoos are pathways to wisdom and protection, marking significant life events and celebrating tribal identities across the diverse landscapes of North America.

Native American tattoos vary widely among different tribes, each with its own unique style and symbolism. Common motifs include animals, nature scenes, and symbols like the sun and moon, all of which hold deep spiritual significance and tribal traditions. For many Native American communities, tattoos were not just body art; they were sacred symbols that connected individuals to their ancestors and the spiritual forces that guided their lives.

Today, Native American tattoos continue to embody cultural resilience and the enduring bond between past, present, and future generations.

Aztec tattoos from Mexico

Origin: Ancient Aztec Empire (Mexico)

Step into the world of Aztec tattoos, where each design tells a story steeped in the mythology of ancient Mexico. These tattoos feature powerful symbols such as Tonatiuh, the esteemed sun god known for his role in the Aztec creation myth, and Quetzalcoatl, the revered feathered serpent deity associated with life, renewal, and wisdom.

For the Aztecs, tattoos weren’t merely decorative; they were sacred conduits connecting individuals with their gods and ancestors, embodying virtues like bravery, resilience, and spiritual devotion. Today, sporting an Aztec tattoo signifies a profound connection to one’s cultural roots, embracing the enduring legacy of Mexico’s rich heritage and honouring the spiritual beliefs that shaped its ancient civilisations.

See more inspiring beauty traditions here!

So, there you have it—tribal tattoos are more than just ink; they’re stories, traditions, and a deep connection to cultural heritage. If you’re thinking about getting inked, let your tattoo be a symbol of who you are and where you come from. Embrace the art, embrace the culture, and let your tattoo speak for itself!