Aztec Art Tattoo: The Meaning and History

Aztec art tattoos, mostly done in gray and black ink, are tribal tattoos that have a ferocity about them with their elaborate lines and even 3D effects. They have a powerful look that’s rugged and typically manly, aesthetic anywhere on the body.

These tattoos were first worn by the ancient Aztec people who lived in parts of Mexico and Central America. Their tattoos were applied as a part of rituals meant to honor a particular god. The art of their bodies was also used to distinguish between tribes and highlight a warrior process.

Aztec art tattoos come with some ancient knowledge, such as a faint whisper from an elderly Aztec woman narrating stories from the past. Given their rich history, Aztec art tattoos are extremely popular today.

In this article, we will look at Aztec art tattoos and the meaning behind them.

What Is an Aztec Art Tattoo?

Aztec art tattoos were used to designate a bodily representation of belonging to a particular tribe. In addition, every kind of tattoo designated the person’s warrior status. This way, everyone could know how strong and powerful they were.

As we discussed earlier, Aztec art tattoos are primarily in gray or black and usually have some kind of a tribal pattern. This can include a woman’s face, a warrior’s face, or a skeleton. Such figures often wore a headdress, which symbolized high status to the Aztecs.

What Is the History of Aztec Art Tattoos?

Aztec art tattoos were worn by Aztecs living in areas of Mexico and Central America. They applied tattoos as part of rituals intended to honor the civilization’s god.

From 1200 AD to 1521 AD, the Aztecs created a sprawling empire that thrived in the valley of Mexico. Their city went into ruins after the Spanish conquest; however, some elements of their culture remained.

These days, both admirers and descendants of Mesoamerican culture pay tribute to the Aztecs in the form of tattoos. Individuals from across the globe like the style because of what these tattoos represent, and the ancient artwork of the Aztecs is incredibly beautiful.

Where to Get an Aztec Art Tattoo?

There are plenty of places where you can get an Aztec art tattoo. These include:

• Aztec Arm Tattoo: Arms are one of the most popular spots for people to get tattooed as it’s so versatile. The arm gives you sufficient space to get a big and detailed piece. However, smaller and more minimalistic tattoos look just as amazing there.
• Aztec Chest Tattoo: An Aztec tattoo can make a powerful statement. It’s an area that’s high on the tattoo pain chart scale and, therefore, should be reserved for tatts that mean the most to you.
• Aztec Shoulder Tattoos: Aztec art tattoos are a lot more than decorative; they’re also symbolic. If you want to get a detailed and large piece, the shoulder is an ideal spot. Aztec art tattoos on the shoulder are quite popular with men as they’re a sign of strength.

Types of Aztec Art Tattoo and Their Meaning

Here is an in-depth walkthrough of the different types of Aztec art tattoos and the meaning behind them.

• Eagle: Eagle tattoos represent bravery, power, and inner strength. Historically, eagle tattoos were worn by Aztec warriors who were believed to get their strength and power from these mighty birds. The eagle is sometimes represented as a warrior’s helm. It is also often shown holding a snake in its mouth, which is an appreciation of contemporary Mexican culture.
• Sun: Huītzilōpōchtli was the god of war and the god of the sun in the Aztec culture. Tattoos of this god indicate that the person believes in an afterlife. This is because, according to Aztec culture, the sunset and sunrise were considered to be proof of life after death. This god is usually represented as a hummingbird or a fierce warrior conquering a serpent.
• Crocodile: The crocodile is a symbol of problem-solving, creation, and strength. The crocodile was more of a mythical creature embodying physical characteristics of a fish, toad, and The serpent-like creature also indicates aggression.

Aztec Art Tattoo Ideas

1. Chest Piece

2. Shoulder Design

3. Calf Design

4. Large Back Piece

5. Aztec Sleeve

Popular Styles To Consider

• Tribal Tattoos: Tribal tattoos are characterized by their solid black patterns, depictions, and lines of various warriors or animals that hold significant meaning.
• Realistic Tattoos: Realistic tattoos are a unique take on Aztec art tattoos. Rather than the stylized warriors depicted in the style of the Aztecs, these tattoos highlight the animals and gods as lifelike pieces of art.
• Traditional Tattoos: Traditional Aztec art tattoos see the most variation in style. However, they usually have bright colors and bold lines. Some traditional Aztec art tattoos are somewhat realistic, and others are directly based on Aztec art. These tattoos usually feature plenty of other designs, such as skulls.

Other Tattoo Ideas You Should Check Out

• Armband Tattoos: Armband tattoos are like having a bracelet on your arm. The tattoo designs wrap all around the arm in a straight line, and you can get them on your forearm, wrist, or bicep.
• Umbrella Tattoos: Umbrella tattoos are actually some of the coolest tattoos out there. They’re visually appealing and hold lots of meaning depending on your motive behind them.
• Shin Tattoos: If you want to make your tattoo stand out, then the best spot to get inked is your shin, particularly if you like to wear shorts. Make sure to have a look at these shin tattoos that are fabulously designed by our tattoo artist.

Wrapping Up

In Aztec culture, there are several gods to worship, and in the contemporary era, there’s a plethora of high-end tattooing equipment to fire up our imagination.

In Aztec culture, there are several gods to worship, and in the contemporary era, there’s a plethora of high-end tattooing equipment to fire up our imagination. At Tattoo Glee, we offer a number of Aztec-inspired tattoo ideas through which you can pay tribute to Aztec culture! Get in touch with us to learn more about these tattoos and the various designs you can get.