Tattoos have been around for centuries and are used for reasons that go beyond their aesthetic quality. One of the ancient tribes known for their tattoos is the Aztec group. The tribe in particular has been quite advanced in its time, incorporating fur art into their culture to the point that most of its symbols are still in use today.
The Aztecs once lived in the area that is now called Mexico. They lived between the 13th and 16th centuries with most of their activities centered on religion. Therefore, it is not surprising that some of the Aztec inspired tattoo designs are believed for the gods with most of the tribal rituals performed with these tattoos. However, their designs are also functional because they help define a person from a tribe. A particular ink is used to determine which tribe a person belongs to and is also used to represent a person’s social status. For example, a warrior’s achievements are likely to show on his skin as a message to everyone about his strength and influence within the tribe. Skin art is so tangled in their daily lifestyle that even children sported these tattoos.
As mentioned, most Aztec tattoos focus on religion and the Sun god, Huitzilopochtili, tops the list. For the Aztec tribe, the sun is a guardian of the heavens that ends the modern belief that it symbolizes the afterlife. Quetzalcoatl is the serpent god of ancient Mexico, considered the most powerful of all the Aztec gods, he governs the climate, creativity and fertility. Other tattoo symbols associated with the tribe include cross tattoos, sun and moon tattoos, and eagle designs that a warrior believed to be a source of strength.
Today, the varied meanings of Aztec tattoo designs are being taken seriously when inking symbols. Those who choose to do so are deeply aware of the meanings and their link in their heritage. Other common Aztec tattoo symbols include the eagle, princesses, and the Aztec calendar. Colors may vary based on your preferences, but tribal symbols are usually done in black ink.
Most symbols take up a large amount of space, which is why it is usually done on the back or biceps. The sun and eagle tattoos can be scaled to smaller sizes that could fit the wrist or ankle. However, the Aztecs took into account not only the symbol itself, but also its location. For example, a symbol placed on the chest, wrist, or stomach represents a person’s commitment to a certain god.
If you choose to sport an Aztec tattoo, then it is best to first research the implications of each symbol that you may use. This shows that the art form is not just for aesthetic reasons, it also shows the pride a person can have in their heritage. Celebrities known for their Aztec tattoos include Brian Green from Terminator and Sarah Connor Chronicles, who has an Aztec bird on her shoulder.