Inside: Aztec Art Tattoo Definition.

What Does an Aztec Art Tattoo Mean?

Aztec tattoos were first worn by the ancient Aztec people who inhabited parts of Central America and Mexico. Their tattoos were applied as a part of rituals, meant to honor a chosen god. The art on their bodies was also used to differentiate between tribes and display a warrior’s prowess.
Aztec Art Tattoo Defined

Key Takeaways:

  • Tattoos of the ancient Aztecs were made during rituals and always in honor of a particular god.
  • The tattoo was used as a distinctive sign in different tribes.
  • Tattoos indicated the status of a person, showed his rank and its achievements.

What do the Aztec Symbols Mean?

Most Aztec symbols had layers of meaning. A butterfly symbol, for instance, represented transformation while frogs symbolized joy. The day signs and coefficients corresponded to one of the Aztec gods, which means the 260-day calendar could be used for divination. An order of the Aztec priesthood were diviners.

Types of Aztec Art Tattoo & Symbols (and Their Meanings)

Eagle: The eagle is a high ranking warrior, represents the west and is a God. It is the fifteenth day on the Aztec calendar cycl

Warrior Aztec Tattoos: Warrior Aztec Tattoos open a world of possibilities.  Here are a few ideas, jaguar, eagle, shields, the animals rather than humans in costumes, the costumes, and the weapons assigned to them.  Keep in mind the higher ranking a warrior; the more artistically elaborate the costume and gear.

Birds: Bird Aztec Tattoos would include the eagle and the vulture.  You could choose other birds, but these birds are gods, warriors and are on the Aztec calendar.  The vulture is an awesome illustration.  It represents the south and the sixteenth day of the calendar.

Skull: Skull Aztec tattoos represent the sixth day, is a deity known as Death, and signifies the north.

Flowers: Flower represents the direction south and like all calendar days; represents a deity.

Serpent: Represent the serpent or snake god and is the fifth day of the calendar.

Sun: The sun represented a world or universe with its own species and inhabitants.

Coloring of Aztec Tattoos

All Aztec Tattoos should use color unless you have your heart set on Tribal Aztec Tattoos.  Because the Aztec people were such prolific artists they used lots of color and their images are full of it.  If you want authentic Aztec tattoos and illustrations stick with the images on record. They’re awesome designs and make spectacular tattoos.

Pricing and Pain

Since Aztec tattoos are usually large, you can expect great costs and a pretty high level of pain. Then again, you can opt for short tattooing sessions. However, that option requires lots of patience on your part. Since there have to be at least 2 weeks between the inking sessions, you could have to wait a lot to see that piece finished.

Aztec Art Tattoo Ideas

Aztec Art Tattoo Inspiration

1. Chest Piece

2. Shoulder Design

3. Calf Design

4. Large Back Piece

5. Aztec Sleeve