February 16th, 2021 Last Updated on: April 8th, 2021
Native American tattoos have been all the rage for years.
While some non-Native people get tattoos of tribal chiefs, geometric designs, nature, totems, dream catchers, and spirit animals that represent the Native American cultures, people who are actually Native often get them for more personal reasons.
The ritual of getting a Native American tattoo
The process of getting a tattoo is a privilege and a ritual in itself for many Native 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 testament to the resourcefulness of many 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 tribal members received tattoos as a medicinal treatment or for identification.
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 and non-Native artists waiting for their next human canvas.
Here are 50 of the most intricate Native American tattoo designs—one just might inspire you.
50 Native American tattoo designs
ONE
Follow artist deano_robertson from Deadly Tattoos Inc. from Calgary on Instagram!
TWO
Follow artist jeanmichelmanutea on Instagram!
THREE
Follow artist michelangelotattoo from Built Strong Tattoo on Instagram!
FOUR
FIVE
SIX
Follow artist Chantyman Hopkins from Aboriginal_Ink on Instagram!
SEVEN
EIGHT
NINE
Follow artist Amy Malt at amymalttattooing on Instagram!
TEN
Follow artist whiteytattoos from Long Island on Instagram!
ELEVEN
View this post on Instagram
Follow artist dionkaszas from Canada on Instagram!
TWELVE
Follow artist surantyyasaa_tattoo on Instagram!
THIRTEEN
FOURTEEN
Follow artist intenzetattooink on Instagram!
FIFTEEN
Follow artist joelharttattoos on Instagram!
SIXTEEN
Follow artist ROXX of roxx_____ out of Los Angeles on Instagram!
SEVENTEEN
Once again, follow artist Chantyman Hopkins from Aboriginal_Ink on Instagram!
EIGHTEEN
NINETEEN
Follow artist tattoowith_jack on Instagram!
TWENTY
TWENTY-ONE
Follow artist silentinkolsztyn on Instagram!
TWENTY-TWO
Follow artist masqueradetattoostudio on Instagram!
TWENTY-THREE
Follow artist relentlessbetrayal on Instagram!
TWENTY-FOUR
Follow artist alessandro_booka_tattooer on Instagram!
TWENTY-FIVE
Follow artist staceywalker_tattoos out of Temecula, CA on Instagram!
TWENTY-SIX
Follow artist Sean Green at artbyseangreen on Instagram!
TWENTY-SEVEN
Follow artist Neil Bass of _tattoofx on Instagram!
TWENTY-EIGHT
TWENTY-NINE
Follow artist Marco Wallace at marcowallacetattoo on Instagram!
THIRTY
THIRTY-ONE
THIRTY-TWO
Follow artist ssnake.tattoo on Instagram!
THIRTY-THREE
THIRTY-FOUR
Follow artist ower_hernandez on Instagram!
THIRTY-FIVE
THIRTY-SIX
THIRTY-SEVEN
THIRTY-EIGHT
THIRTY-NINE
FORTY
Follow artist team_fullgas on Instagram!
FORTY-ONE
FORTY-TWO
Follow artist Luke Vella at luke_vella_skinlabel on Instagram!
FORTY-THREE
Follow artist tktat.too13 on Instagram!
FORTY-FOUR
FORTY-FIVE
Follow artist Mark Skipper at markrskipper on Instagram!
FORTY-SIX
FORTY-SEVEN
FORTY-EIGHT
Follow artist Tristen Jenni at tristen.jenni.tattoo on Instagram!
FORTY-NINE
FIFTY
Follow artist Sean Green at artbyseangreen on Instagram!
Don't forget to support your local Native American tattoo artists—check them out on Instagram and show them some love.
Featured image credit: Northern Virginia Mag
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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 !