Native American tattoos have been performed almost since the groups that made up the Native American peoples originally came to the Americas, over ten thousand years ago. These Native American tattoos held a lot of significance and were very important to the culture of the Native Americans. This held true with all the assorted Native American tribes.
Native American tattoos were different from tribe to tribe but often were done for similar reasons. Native American tattoos often depicted a specific important event in an individual’s life. They were also done to show which tribe you belonged to and your status within that tribe. Native American tattoos could also be markings signifying a rite of passage into adulthood or an achievement or series of achievements. They were also done as a means to show bravery, hunting and warrior ability.
Many Native American tattoos were done to honor the land they lived on and the animals from that land. Most Native American tribes felt very connected to both the land and animals around them, and therefore it would be common to show respect towards those things. The buffalo in particular was of great importance to many of the Native American tribes. Wolves, hawks, eagles and many other animals were also used in tattoos. Many individuals felt a particular connection to a specific animal; both since birth and being named for one or after an event or earned reputation.
Today, those who choose to get a Native American tattoo often have cultural ties to a particular tribe through their ancestors. These people may choose to get a tattoo for a specific tribe. For those people who are reconnecting with their Native American roots, it will probably be best to first consult other members to find out what kinds of tattoos would be respectable and acceptable.
After the many trials and hardships the Native Americans have endured in the United States, many people now try to honor those people and those cultures. These people show respect to the Native Americans by choosing symbols that represent and depict them and their culture. These Native American tattoos could be an image of a proud Native American warrior or a chief with tribal headdress and feathers. Other common Native American tattoos today include the dream weaver or dream catcher, feathers, headdresses, animals and scenery, typically from the American southwest.
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