20 powerful native American symbols tattoos and what they represent
Native American symbols tattoos, such as chief, warrior, woman, and wolf tattoos, are artistic expressions that reflect the region's indigenous culture, identity, and tradition. The meaning behind these tattoos is connected to nature, personal strength, and life, factors that inspire people to choose them.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Native American symbols tattoos include chief, warrior, woman, and wolf tattoos, with connections to nature, identity, and tradition.
- The most common Native American symbols tattoos include the feather, arrow, and bison.
- These tattoos are more than body art. They hold spiritual, identity, and status symbols.
- Different Native American tribes assign different meanings to symbols such as the sun face and Kokopelli, demonstrating the diversity across tribes.
- Animal tattoos, such as the eagle, bear, and raven, symbolise courage, transformation, and wisdom, making them popular choices for many.
Native American tattoos
Tattoos have been part of Native American culture. Different tribes assign different meanings to symbols to signify status, accomplishments, and protection. Here is a list of Native American symbols tattoos to pick from.
1. Feather
Source: UGC
A feather is one of the elements of the Native American symbol that signifies command, honour, and respect. They are worn as regalia during ceremonies as a symbol of achievement and bravery.
2. Arrow
Source: UGC
An arrow is a symbol that represents Native Americans' cultural practice of hunting and protection. These are tools used when looking for food and providing protection to the community.
3. Horse
Source: UGC
In Native American culture, horses signified freedom from colonial and territorial constraints, power in warfare, and the mobility to move across both physical and spiritual realms. They transformed the lifestyles of many tribes.
4. Bison
Source: UGC
In many Native American tribes, the bison was a symbol of abundance, humility, strength, and survival. The people could find clothing, shelter, tools, and other items. Moreover, it helped them practise their spiritual rituals and gave them physical endurance to persevere in adversity.
5. Dreamcatcher
Source: Instagram
This symbol is associated with the Ojibwe people, who believe it protects them from bad dreams and allows only good ones to pass through, bringing peace and protection.
6. Wolf
Source: UGC
A wolf tattoo symbolises loyalty to family, reflecting strong community bonds. It also represents protection, teamwork, and sharp intuition—helping individuals stay aware of their surroundings, understand others’ intentions, and access inner guidance.
7. Eagle
Source: UGC
The eagle is a sign of strength, wisdom, courage, and vision. They are considered the messengers between human beings and the spiritual beings.
8. Thunderbird
Source: UGC
The Thunderbird is a mythical bird believed to create thunder with its voice and emit lightning from its eyes—hence its name. As a result of these characteristics, this tattoo embodies power and is an omen of war.
9. Sun Face
Source: Instagram
The Zuni tribe is associated with the Sun face. It captures the qualities of abundance, energy, hope, stability, and happiness. The image resembles the face of the sun with vivid rays and symmetry.
10. Kokopelli
Source: UGC
The Kokopelli is associated with multiple Native American tribes, including the Ancestral Puebloans, Hohokam, Hopi, Zuni, and others in the American Southwest. They associate it with the plan and human fertility, abundance, and the beginning of a new cycle.
11. Chin tattoos
Source: UGC
Chin tattoos are Native American symbols tattoos for females. These are vertical lines drawn under the lower lip, or can be a series of dots on the chin. These marks symbolise womanhood, resilience, protection, and clan identity.
12. Bear
Source: UGC
The bear holds a prominent place in Native American animal symbolism. The tattoo symbolises courage, leadership, strength, and protection. Additionally, it embodies emotional resilience and physical might.
13. Coyote
Source: UGC
The coyote symbolises the trickster spirit, depicting greed, selfishness, and deceit. However, it also signifies purity, happiness, and transformation. Therefore, a coyote tattoo evokes a meaning of adaptability, survival, and cleverness.
14. Cross
Source: UGC
The cross symbol depicts the world’s origin. The four bars indicate the directions - North, South, East, and West - to show the sustainability of life and the balance of nature. Different tribes use different colours to convey specific meanings.
15. Circle
Source: UGC
A circle tattoo represents unity, balance, wholeness, and cycles of life. It reflects the natural world and humanity's place within it. The tattoo is divided into quadrants, featuring different colours and sometimes incorporating animal symbolism.
16. Handprint
Source: UGC
This Native American tattoo symbol is a mark of legacy, identity, personal strength, and protection. Moreover, when the handprint is red or black covering the mouth or chest of a warrior’s horse, it signals bravery in battle. Additionally, it conveys spiritual empowerment.
17. Zia symbol
Source: UGC
A zia symbol tattoo represents harmony, balance, and the interconnectedness of life. The rays represent the four seasons, stages of life, times of day, and the cardinal directions. A person who chooses this tattoo expresses their desire to respect life’s stages, balance with nature, and relationships.
18. Hummingbird
Source: UGC
A hummingbird tattoo symbolises joy, adaptability, and resilience. It is a small bird admired for its speed and grace, serving as a reminder to find beauty in life, even during difficult times.
19. Turtle
Source: UGC
A turtle tattoo represents protection, a call to move with purpose, and remaining centred in different areas of life, whether it is family or culture. These traits are associated with the animal, as it demonstrates endurance and patience in its movements.
20. Raven
Source: UGC
This tattoo represents adaptability, intelligence, and personal transformation. Among the Native Americans, the animal is a representative of knowledge, a trickster, and a transformer.
Final word
These Native American symbol tattoos are an expression of culture, creativity, and art. Although these designs originated with Native Americans, they are now sought after worldwide for people to express personal traits or life experiences.
Tuko.co.ke published an article on small tattoos behind the ears. These tattoos are popular among people who prefer a minimalist look and discreet symbolism. So, which designs should you consider, and what do they mean? Read the article for more.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
