Tribal tattoos

Tribal tattoos make a powerful statement, tribal as a tattoo design is very popular and has many variations. Tribal tattoos can be abstract designs or they can be tribal in the shape of popular tattoo design elements such as a tribal heart tattoo, tribal butterfly tattoo, black tribal cross tattoos, tribal armband tattoos to name a few. The tribal tattoo design is also popular when combined with dragon tattoos or tribal flames to make a truly unique tribal tattoo design.


This gallery features some of the best tattoos from our many Tribal tattoo designs. While tribal tattoos were historically worn primarily as armbands or lower back (tramp stamp) tattoos, today they can be seen all over peoples’ bodies including the shoulder, arm or forearm as a sleeve, leg and even chest or neck. Men generally prefer thicker, bolder artwork, while thinner more wispy lines appeal to a woman or girl. Click any of the thumbnails below to get a closer look, see all of our Tribal tattoo designs, or try your hand at searching our massive database of tattoo artwork.


Some of the most popular styles of tribal tattoos are Maori pieces. These designs have a long history of usage and often consist of simple designs that are made large and elaborate by sheer volume. Traditionally, no Maori design was ever duplicated, but most incorporated sharp spiral patterns that twisted and turned around limbs and over the back, stomach or neck. This is true today; however, many people like to add different patterns, as well as relevant symbols to their Maori tribal pieces. Many of these designs are done in black, but more modern styles may also make use of striking shades of red and blue.