February 16th, 2021 Last Updated on: March 2nd, 2022
Native American tattoos have been all of the rage for years.
Some non-Native American people get tattoos of tribal chiefs, geometric designs, nature, totems, dream catchers, and spirit animals that represent the Native American cultures. But people who are actually of Native American descent often get body art tattooed on them for more personal reasons.
The ritual of Native American tattoos
The process of getting a tattoo is a privilege and a ritual in and of itself for many Native American people. They may want to celebrate their heritage or wear a symbol of power, protection, and strength.
Many Native American tattoos contain rich reds, blues, and blacks in their designs. This is a nod to the resourcefulness of many early tribal members since many inks originally got their color from natural elements such as clay and indigo.
Historically, Native American tribes of North America used tattooing to signify achievements, social status, or the coming of age, or they got “inked” out of reverence for spiritual or religious beliefs. Some Native American tribal members received tattoos as a medicinal treatment or for identification. After all, it's a pretty easy way to tell which Native American tribe someone belongs to.
Though the reasons for getting a Native American tattoo have largely shifted over time, the beauty and symbolism in their designs stand the test of time. And with an estimated 21,000-plus registered tattoo parlors in the U.S., there's no shortage of uber-talented Native American and non-Native artists waiting for their next human canvas.
Here are 50 of the most intricate indigenous tattoo designs (Most are Native American, some are indigenous-inspired outside of North America). One just might inspire you!
50 Native American tattoo designs
1. Leg tattoo from Deadly Tattoos
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2. Arm tattoo from Jean Michel Manutea
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3. Maori-inspired tattoo from Michaelangelo Tattoo
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4. Another Maori-inspired leg tattoo
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5. Freehand Avalon tattoo by Peter Madsen
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6. Wolf-woman arm tattoo from Aboriginal Ink
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7. Eagle army tattoo from Jewelz Tattoo
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8. Butterfly back piece from Kira Murillo
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9. Totem pole arm tattoo from Silent Wave Tattoo Studio
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10. Portrait back tattoo from Hungry Wolf Tattoo
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11. Ornamental arm piece by Dion Kaszas
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12. Army portrait tattoo from Suranty Yasaa
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13. Wolf sleeve tattoo
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14. Wolf sleeve from Silent Wave Tattoo Studio
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15. Hatchett arm tattoo by Joel Hart Tattoos
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16. Intricate back piece from 2 Spirit Tattoo
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17. Wolf sleeve from East Van Wear & Tattoo Co.
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18. Bear shoulder tattoo from t.artoo
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19. Photorealistic Native American sleeve tattoo from God Gold Tattoo
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20. Black and grey wolf tattoo from Gerald Ramos art
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21. Freehand wings tattoo from Silent Ink
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22. Black and grey eagle from Masquerade Tattoo
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23. Native American chief tattoo from Goodfellas Tattoo
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24. Dreamcatcher back tattoo from Kid Kraken Tattoos
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25. Feather arm tattoo from Stacey Walker
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26. Black and grey tomahawk tattoo from TX Sinners and Saints Tattoo Co.
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27. Polynesian-inspired freehand tribal tattoo
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28. Polynesian-inspired leg tattoo from Theirry Rossen
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29. Tribal back tattoo from Marco Wallace
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30. Haida-inspired eagle tattoo from Thierry Rossen
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31. Photorealistic wolf from Lizard's Skin Tattoos
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32. Eagle cover-up from Snake Tattoo
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33. Feather tattoo from Aficionado
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34. Black and grey wolf tattoo from Exposed Temptations Tattoo
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35. Black and white photorealistic tattoo
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36. Hummingbird tattoo from Kira Murillo
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37. Traditional hawk by Sickle and Moon Tattoo
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38. Dreamcatcher by Forever Stained Tattoo
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39. Dreamcatcher by Alankara Tattoo Studio
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40. Eagle and snake traditional tattoo from Konstanz
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41. Chief Skeleton from Aisle 9 Tattoo
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42. Photorealistic arm piece from Skinlabbel Tatoo Studio
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43. Photorealistic tattoo from Pitbull Tattoos
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44. Bear-Chief from Carl Womack Tattoos
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45. Eagle bicep piece from Mark Skipper Tattoos
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46. Longhorn and bears from Andrea Brusadin Tattoos
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47. Dreamcatcher compass from Xandy Tattoos
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48. Colorful star blanket from Eagle Moon Tattoos
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49. Smudging feather sleeve from Evermore Tatoo Parlour
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50. Dreamcatcher from Broken Circle Tattoo
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Lions?? Especially in top 10…lol
The tats are absolutely stunning !! . .
The Indian Arts and Crafts Act (Act) of 1990 (P.L. 101-644) is a truth-in-advertising law that prohibits misrepresentation in the marketing of Indian art and craft products within the United States. It is illegal to offer or display for sale, or sell any art or craft product in a manner that falsely suggests it is Indian produced, an Indian product, or the product of a particular Indian or Indian tribe or Indian arts and crafts organization,
Where is there a Native artist in Seattle, WA/Oregon area?
Tattoos are great. Good job artist. But since when did ancient native american tattoos have lions? Lions are native to Africa so are some of these designs.
The detail is fabulous ! The power in each tattoo is breathtaking ! Extremely beautiful work, you are all masters in your own way !