Why are tribal tattoos so popular? The two main reasons are that they are aesthetically pleasing (e.g., looks good!) and gives a sense of belonging through shared heritage.
Are there reasons I should not get a tribal tattoo- even if it looks super cool? Here we need to take a quick look at the concept of cultural appropriation. According to the Oxford Dictionary, cultural appropriation is the “unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practice, ideas, etc. of another and typically more dominant people or society.”
I became aware once again of how complicated these cultural and religious topics are, and if you mix it with the controversial issue of tattoos, it becomes tricky. However, the same basic principle applies when getting any tattoo with a specific symbolic meaning. And this principle is whether you are knowledgeable and respectful towards the symbolic meaning of the tattoo.
Getting a tribal tattoo is easy if you belong to that tribe. If you do not belong to that tribe/culture, you will need to be aware of the history of that culture. Cultural appropriation means, in effect, that a member of a “dominant” culture gets away with using the symbols of a historically oppressed culture. An example would be a white person getting away with dreadlocks at work, but it is frowned upon when black people have cornrows or braids. (1)
Examples of cultural appropriation include:
• Symbols
• Language
• Dance
• Clothing, make-up, hairstyles
• Food
• Music
• Medicine
• Religious practices
• Wellness practices
• And of course, tattoos
So, if you feel comfortable with the history and implications of getting a specific tribal tattoo, here are some of the most well known tribal tattoos to chooses from:
• African tribal tattoos Celtic
• Irish
• Hawaiian
• Filipino
• Polynesian- including Samoan
• Indian
• Native American
• Cherokee
• Mexican
• Viking
Being in Africa, we will focus on African tribal tattoos.
African tattoos tend to be bold and have a solid black line. They typically speak about humanity, courage, and the beautiful African landscape. (2) Some people believe they can safeguard you against spiritual attacks. Examples of African tattoos include Shaka Zulu tattoos for the Zulu tribe (including African shields and battle tools), the big five animals, the Anubis Egyptian God emblem, African flowers, and the black queen. African tattoos can also be of the device such as the anvil, which will symbolize strength, stability, and perseverance. The flag of the African country or the African continent can also make a beautiful tattoo.
The national symbols for South Africa include:
The King protea (National flower)
The Real yellowwood (National tree)
The Springbok (National animal)
The Galjoen (National fish)
And the Blue crane (National bird)
Of course, there are many other symbols of Africa and South Africa that will make great tattoos.
Just a closing thought. As many tattoos, a tribal tattoo or a tattoo with a strong cultural or political meaning might evoke strong feelings in people who see your tattoo as well as your tattoo artist. Like psychotherapists, tattoo artists will always try to do the best for their clients, even if you bring something difficult for them to handle due to their own experiences and beliefs. Suppose you want a tattoo with a powerful cultural/ political meaning. In that case, I suggest discussing it with your tattoo artist to ensure they feel totally comfortable and just as enthusiastic as you about the topic, because the tattoo artist is reluctant to tattoo a specific tattoo, it might reflect on the end product.
REFERENCES:
1. What is cultural appropriation verywellmind.com
2. Tuko.co.ke 30 African tribal tattoos designs and their meanings