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AZTEC TATTOO ART,TATTOO DESIGNS GALLERY AND MEANINGS

AZTEC TATTOO ART GALLERY

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Aztec Tattoo art and their Meanings

The origin of the Aztec tattoo is in Mexico.

The Aztec civilization was dominant in central Mexico from the

14th to 16th century. Spanish colonizers are said to be the

destroyers of this civilization.

It is however very difficult to say whether today's Mexicans

derive their ancestry from the Aztecs. Aztecs have great

mythology, which is where Aztec tattoos and their meanings come

from.

One of the oldest traditions of tattoos, the Aztec tattoo art is

popular and flourishing, even in today's times.

The aspect of spirituality, which is associated with the art of

tattooing in Aztec culture, gives it a completely different

meaning and touch. Aztec tattoo art is representative of the

Aztec culture and traditions.

The origin of the Aztec tattoo is in Mexico.

The Aztec Civilization was dominant in Central Mexico from the

14th to 16th century.

Spanish colonizers are said to be the destroyers of this

civilization.

It is however very difficult to say whether today's Mexicans

derive their ancestry from the Aztecs.

Aztecs have great mythology, which is where Aztec tattoos and

their meanings come from.

Aztec Tattoo art and their Meanings

There are some facts about Aztec tattoo art, which are interesting

to know.

Aztec tattoo art in the Aztec culture were always done in honor of

some Aztec God.

They were done only during rituals.

These tattoos were also used to differentiate between people

belonging to different tribes.

Aztec tattoos also symbolized a warrior's rank and his

achievements.

The placement of the Aztec tattoos was dependent on which God you

want to appease.

Wrist, chest and stomach were the most popular body parts where

the tattoos were made.

These areas are said to be the seats of power and therefore they

were selected for tattooing.

The language which was used for this Aztec tattoo art was

‘Nahuatl’.

Now that we know some facts

about Aztec tattoo art, we will look at ancient Aztec symbols and meanings.

Sun: An Aztec sun tattoo was made in honor of the Aztec sun god,

called Huitzilopochtli.

The sun god was the most important god to the Aztecs as he was

said to be the guardian of heaven.

The guarantee of after life was said to be the sun, due to its constant rising and setting.

Therefore, the meaning of the Aztec sun tattoo is ‘belief in

afterlife’.

It was also made to show adoration for the sun god.

Read more on aztec mythology and Aztec gods.

Eagle: Amongst the tattoos of animals and birds, the eagle was

very widely used

. The meaning of this Aztec symbol was power, strength and

courage.

These attributes were attached to eagles due to their amazing

flying skills, large size and strong nature.

warriors.

Although there are various images of an eagle that are

available, the eagle with its head pointing towards the west,

its beak open and several feathers sticking out from the top of

its head , is said to be the authentic ancient Aztec tattoo

symbol.

Warrior: This Aztec tattoo was given high importance among all

Aztec tattoos.

The meaning of this Aztec tattoo design was the journey of the

soul to its after life.

Very often it is seen that many people get an eagle also

tattooed along with the warrior.

As an Aztec warrior is said to draw his strength from an eagle.

Calender: An Aztec calender tattoo contains images of various

facial features.

According to the Aztec culture each creature represents a month.

This creature is said to be a harbinger of several mythical and

spiritual properties. Uitzilopochtle, the god of the Sun is

often shown in many different forms in the Aztec calender.

There is a lot of importance that is being attached to this

Aztec symbol and its meanings.

Crocodile: A crocodile is also a part of Aztec tattoo designs.

This crocodile is not a crocodile in the strictest sense of the

term.

It is actually a monster like creature, which resembles the

crocodile.

There are also various variations which are available of this

creature.

azrec tattoo art:

This Aztec tattoo symbol became famous for this fearsome nature.

Feathered Serpent:Quetzalcoatl This Serpent God known as

Quetzalcoatl, literally means a serpent with feathers.

He is accredited to being the God of weather, fertility and

creativity.

Quetzalcoatl is not the most powerful of the Aztec Gods but finds

his way into their everyday life, thus gaining an important role

in their culture and in tribal Aztec tattoos

Tezcatlipoca: This is the Aztec name of the warrior god.

He is usually tattooed with his tongue sticking out.

His face is very fierce and therefore, is also very popular.

One's creativity knows no bounds when it comes to tattoos and

tattooing.

Apart from the common and universally known designs, there are

several other symbols that belong to different cultures and can

be used as tattoo designs.

One such example is the Aztec tattoo design and symbolism.

The Aztecs were a group of people living in the present day

Mexico, from 13th to 16th century.

The Aztecs were powerful culturally and historically.

Although the civilization no longer exists today, their

symbolism and imagery still exists.

Today, these symbols are used as tattoo designs and are quite popular all over. Among the several different Aztec tattoo designs, the warrior is the most loved and favored symbol. Let us have a look at it in detail.

In the Aztec culture, Tezcatlipoca is considered as the lord of

kings and warriors.

Tezcatlipoca symbolizes strength, power and all qualities

associated with a warrior. Similar to all the ancient civilizations, warfare was a part of

the life and culture of the Aztecs. Therefore, Aztec warriors

symbolized bravery and courage.

Sporting a tattoo depicting Tezcatlipoca represents discipline,

honor and supremeness in battlefield.

It is also believed that the Aztecs worshiped sun god and his

images were very commonly used in different art forms.

On the other hand, warriors of the Aztec civilization were

classified either into the eagle or jaguar warrior types.

Those belonging to the respective family wore respective outfits

during battles.

The eagle and the jaguar warrior symbols are famous among tattoo

lovers and also widely accepted.

Other Aztec symbols are the shield with fringes all around it and

the warrior armband used by the Aztec warriors.

Read more on Aztec tattoos and their meanings.

Aztec Warrior Tattoo Designs

Although in earlier times, the Aztec tattoos were made only by

Mexicans, today they are a favorite among people all over the

world.

If you wish to have a colorful tattoo depicting ancient art, you

can go for the Aztec warrior tattoos.

However, you should note that the Aztec tattoos are quite large

and very colorful (sometimes to the extent of gaudy) in

appearance.

But you can still have your own color choice and style.

Here are some design ideas for the warrior tattoo of the Aztec

era.

If you wish to make a classical Aztec warrior tattoo, then the picture of Tezcatlipoca is the best design.

This lord of warriors, with his tongue sticking out is very

popular among abstract art lovers.

Secondly, as the sun is a popular and sacred symbol, it is found

in several Aztec tattoos.

In fact one can even make use of the image of the sun in Aztec

warrior tattoo designs.

The eagle Aztec warriors and the jaguar Aztec warriors are two

beautiful tattoo designs that typically portray the Aztec

culture. Also, an Aztec shield with fringes made with the sun god

in the center is yet another tattoo design that you can

consider.

Tribal Aztec tattoos also look equally attractive and can be

made by those who do not wish to have the uber colorful tattoos.

If you are thinking of the placement of these tattoos, then one

should note that the Aztec warrior tattoos are quite larger in

size and hence, it is advisable to have it made on the upper arm,

shoulder or the back. Similarly, for a smaller version, you can

have the warrior armband or the warrior shield tattoos and sport

them on arms, wrist, etc.

As these tattoo designs are complex, it is recommended to have a

printed copy of the design and check out its appearance before

going for it.

Aztec warrior tattoos portray the ancient art of the Aztec

culture. Lastly, the colorful and dramatic Aztec tattoo will

always be 'in' and will never fail to catch the eye of the

viewer.

Aztec was a cultural group living in the present day South

Central Mexico, from the 13th to the 16th century.

They were also known as the Nahuatl as they spoke that language.

The Aztec culture was very developed as in diverse fields like

politics, social system and arts.

The Aztecs were religious people and believed in human

sacrifices for pleasing their Gods.

The several characters and designs from there are equally

popular today and are also used as symbols in tattoos.

These tattoos are known as Aztec tattoos.

Let us have a look at it in detail.

Read more on Aztec mythology and Aztec Gods.

Tribal Aztec Tattoo art

Interestingly, tattoo making was known to the Aztec people and

they used it extensively.

They believed that making tattoos of religious symbols would

portray their devotion to the Gods and hence, tattoo making was a

common practice.

Sometimes, tattoos were also used as a mark of distinction

between different tribes.

There are several symbols that specifically belong to the Aztec

and the Mexican culture.

These include Huitzilopochtili, or the Aztec sun God;

Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent and Tezcatlipoca, the God of

warriors.

These symbols were widely used by the Aztecs and are equally

popular even today.

However, other designs and symbols including stars, eagles, the

moon and princesses are also commonly used today.

Read more on Aztec tattoo art.

Tribal Aztec Tattoo Meanings

All the symbols belonging to the Aztec culture have certain

meanings related to them. The Sun God was believed as the

guardian of the heaven and hence, was very much respected.

The Aztecs also believed in 'after life' which was similar to

the setting and the rising of the sun.

Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent, was considered as the God

of immorality.

It also symbolized fertility and creativeness.

The eagle represents power, strength and vigor.

It was also believed to be the source of inspiration for the

warriors during wars.

Tezcatlipoca, the God of the warriors, is often made with his

tongue sticking out and hence, is loved by the lovers of

eccentricity and abstract art.

Among the several images, the designs of the Sun God and other

deities are more popular today.

Read more on Aztec tattoos and their meanings.

surely go for the Aztec tattoo.

If not, you can still think of having it as all the symbols have

powerful meanings associated with them.

On the other hand, the unique appearance of Aztec tattoos make

them really attractive and fashionable.

Although Aztec tattoos can be made in different colors, the

tribal Aztec tattoos are in vogue these days.

Made with black or blue ink, they do not fail to catch the eye

of the onlooker. Aztec designs and symbols look attractive when

made larger in size, therefore, you can have them made on

shoulders, stomach or the back.

If you do not wish to have large tattoos, you can have their

smaller versions made on the wrist, ankle or back of the neck.

Read more on Aztec tattoo designs.

AZTEC TATTOO ART

A visit to any of the Aztec temple will be helpful to know more

on the beauty of the Aztec designs and art.

If you have decided to sport tribal Aztec tattoos, it is better

to look our for a professional and skilled tattoo artist who is

well aware of the actual Aztec designs.

Other way, it will be beneficial to research a bit and try out

different designs on the paper before finalizing one.

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AZTEC TATTOO ART GALLERY

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