Viking Tattoo Pictures And Cultural History: Artwork Ideas

If you could go back in time somewhere around the 10th century, you could have the unpleasant experience of running into a Scandinavian Viking on the European or North Atlantic shores. Fortunately for you're valuables, you will have to settle for a modern day Viking tattoo instead.

Vikings were warriors with swords traveling by ship with the goal of raiding and thieving their way to survival. Most of the evidence of their culture comes from archeological finds, since the concept of writing on paper was not invented in their time.

Some later writings have surfaced, but the more reliable sources of information come from longships and runes left behind from ages ago.

All things change through time, and the perception of the Vikings has definitely benefited from this. Though they were likely vicious, ruthless raiders who left death and disruption in their wake, many now see them as heroic.

Viking tattoos are often used to portray manly strength, courage, and victory. They are sometimes shown standing at the tip of a ship at sea with large swords held up in the air. This is the ultimate sign of victory; of champions.

Viking Tattoo Pictures:
A Viking tattoo can also represent the darker side of the culture. Some present close-up facial portraits of men with the characteristic long, shaggy beard. Others trade the beard for patches of animalistic fur across the face and shoulders. These portraits typically feature piercing eyes portrayed with dark black and white shading.
The concept of the Viking is similar to that of the pirate, but the symbols used in each tattoo are quite different. They symbols that many Viking tattoos have in common include the sword, ship, and beard. Most are also displayed with muscular, strong bodies.
Some may be represented on horses and may have elaborate headgear. For the most part, these are strong tattoos designed to deliver a perception of courage, danger, or fear.
Picture of a superbly drawn viking back piece featuring a pair of warriors armed for battle. Donning long beards and fierce expressions.
Picture of a color-rich viking tattoo featuring a blonde headed man with braided hair and piercing eyes. Design is located on the shoulder and upper arm.
Here we see some traditional viking artwork featuring a scowling male with horned headgear and long facial hair.
Picture of a viking warrior armed with a sword and posed in a striking fashion. Once again we see the classic horned helmet upon his head.

Egyptian Tattoo Pictures: Design Ideas And Popular Symbols

There are so many different Egyptian tattoos in existence today that it would be rather difficult to create a collection of them all. What brings all of these tattoos together is the incorporation of basic themes, people and ideas that represent ancient and modern Egyptian culture. Some of the more common design features incorporated in Egyptian tattoos include:

• Ankh (cross symbolizing Ancient Egypt)
• Egyptian Goddesses (each with their own symbolic and mythological meanings)
• Scarab beetle
• Tombs
• Mummies
• Hieroglyphics
• Mau (cats)
• Eye of Horus
  

There are some very unique designs that can be incorporated into Egyptian tattoos as well. For example, the idea of creatures that are half human and half animal are very popular in the tattoo culture. These tattoo designs have their roots embedded in ancient Egypt.

What is unique about Egyptian tattoo artwork is the culture that they are inspired by. Ancient Egyptians mostly tattooed women. Some of the first tattoos known to man are now being discovered on the bodies of mummies found in Egyptian tombs. These tattoos were often created with dots or slashes in order to create very basic pictures or hieroglyphic words.

Egyptian Tattoo Pictures:
Commonly used for fertility purposes, these tattoos were found more often on women than men.
Today, Egyptian tattoos are common with men as well as women. They are often used for the meaning of hieroglyphic designs, but many get them simply because they like the look of these ancient designs.
Some are simply black and gray while others can be very colorful with elements of gold. Most of the designs are very pleasant and peaceful in appearance, however, there are others that are specifically tailored to be disturbing in nature. Some are even quite romantic, such as those designed after the Egyptian Goddess of Love.
Egyptian tattoos can have a wide variety of meanings. Some may be sentimental, other are based on ancient traditions and beliefs, but most are used for their symbolic meanings or simply for their attractive appearances.
Picture of a wonderfully designed tattoo that combines the Eye of Horus with an Ankh. Plus a tribal inspired pair of wings.
Picture of a Egyptian warrior bird armed for battle and located on the right shoulder and tricep area of a man.
Picture of extensive artwork on the back of a man. A compilation of numerous designs including a large Pharaoh centerpiece.
Picture of an excellent tattoo on the lower back of a woman. A classic Egyptian symbol of a women with extended wings and head wear.
This cute masterpiece is a bit of novelty featuring a mummy-cat with skull, ankh and other elements of the culture.

Pirate Tattoo Pictures: Design Ideas For Men And Women

Pirate tattoos are often closely related to nautical tattoos, since they all deal with images brought into the world from sailors and others who spend their life out at sea. Many think of pirates in a historical sense, but they are just as real today as they ever were in history. As long as valuable goods are transported through the water by ship, there will been pirates patrolling the seas in an effort to board ships and steal valuable possessions.

Just like nautical stars, those wearing pirate tattoos are not necessarily those with direct connections to ships and the sea. They are often people who identify heavily with images of the sea or that type of life. Some are drawn to ideals of the pirate, such as the stereotypical patched eye or hooked hand.

Anything portrayed with a patched eye or surrounded by skeletons is often thought of as a pirate tattoo. Many of the tattoos created today do not feature realistic looking pirates. They may feature pin-up style girls in skimpy dresses with a patched eye and wild hair or they may feature skeleton heads with the big black hat and eye patch. Elements of the tattoo reflect the pirate image, though an actual pirate is not portrayed directly.

Pirate Tattoo Pictures:
Pirate tattoos also prominently feature ships and rolling water waves. Treasure chests and gold coins are popular with some artists as well. Most tattoos have a dark nature or vibe, but it is also common to find these tattoos adorned with red roses for women. The designs vary depending on the vision of the artist or the intended meaning of the person wearing the tattoo.
Many people who go in for pirate tattoos are just drawn to the image and stereotypes surrounding the pirate life. Most are not thinking of it in terms of real pirates that still hunt the seas for ships carrying valuable goods.
Retro style artwork featuring pin-up girl in lingerie, heels and a hat while brandishing a sword.
Picture of excellent design portraying a large ship at see with skull sails, and a large eerie skull looking down from the clouds.
Picture of sensationally colorful depiction of a pirate setting, including skeleton on a sandy beach with treasure chest, plus a large ship at sea with a skull and crossbones in the sky.
Skeleton wearing bandanna while manning the ship with a "Do or Die" slogan underneath.
Picture of cute colorful cartoon like pirate girl with gun, sword and traditional hat. Topped off with a ghostly background effect.

Nautical Tattoo Pictures: Popular Style Tips And Ideas

The most popular image used for nautical tattoos is the nautical star. This is a star with five points that features very distinct shading. The star is often represented in black and white ink, though some will give it a personal touch by using a color in place of the usual black shading inside the star. It is the unique shading and play with color that gives the nautical star tattoo its recognizable appeal.

The nautical star is traditionally a sign of membership with the U.S. Marine Corp or Navy. Yet, most people who get nautical star tattoos are not affiliated with the military at all. They may be people who make a living at sea or who have ties with others who spend a lot of time out at sea. Or, they can just be people who are instinctively drawn to the appearance of the star.

Other images commonly used for nautical tattoos include anchors, pirates, ships and character images of sailors. Most of these images are brought to life with a creative edge, rather than being portrayed in a realistic manner. For instance, there are sailor pin-up girls and anchors featuring bright red hearts where the hook would traditionally be pictured.

Nautical Tattoo Pictures:
Nautical tattoos are often presented in color, though some sentimental images can take on a more realistic appearance with only black ink. It is also popular for these tattoos to be mostly in black with one bright splash of color to draw attention to a particular feature of the tattoo.
Skeletons are not always associated with nautical themes, but they can be turned into nautical tattoos when presented with nautical details. For instance, one popular tattoo features a pirate-like skeleton head with a black patch over one eye and a larger black sailor hat.
While nautical tattoos reflect life on the sea, they aren't limited to those with a strong connection to the water. They are just as likely to be used for appearances sake.
Picture of fabulously designed back piece tattoo consisting of a large anchor with pink bow and red heart. The anchor acts as a picture frame to the ship.
Excellent colored displayed in this closeup picture of a sailor skull with stars and a colorful anchor with a spiderweb background.
Picture of black star splashing into water. Located on the left side of torso.
Betty Boop-esque pin-up girl wearing sailor uniform while sitting barefoot on an anchor, with a tattoo of her own.

Elephant Body Art

It is surprising how many different elephant tattoos are created around the world. In the western world elephants are long spouted grey creatures that children like to stare at in the zoo, but they have a much better reputation in other areas of the world. For example, one of the most important Gods of Hinduism is pictured with the head of an elephant. His body has human features, but it is his long elephant trunk that stands out in most images.



When you look at their history, elephants have been portrayed as powerful companions to human beings. There are references of elephants going into battle with human forces and even participating in a famous battle against Alexander the Great. The ironic aspect is that many of the elephant warriors marching into battle were captive servants, much like the many elephants that live in zoos and nature preserves today.



Perhaps the most famous captive elephants are those that travel with circus crews around the world. There is a lot of controversy over how these animals are trained, but despite this, there are many elephant tattoos portrayed with the circus image.

Many elephant tattoos are presented as realistic black and white portraits. Some show the full body of a single elephant with a lot of shading and shadowing. Others show an elephant alongside a baby elephant. One very popular image is that of a baby elephant walking behind a parent with their trunk linked with the parent's tail. Still others show herds of powerful elephants storming along together. Most of these realistic portrait tattoos are created for sentimental reasons.

Other elephant tattoos are created as characters, rather than real animals. There are childlike portrayals of baby elephants and powerful images of the Hindu Elephant God. Some almost appear to be toys because they are so brightly colored and playful in nature.

Elephants are such simple creatures, yet they touch the hearts of so many people around the world. It is amazing how many elephant tattoos are created every year. Checkout these wonderful pictures of excellent artwork.

Picture of elephant body art designed on the back.

Photo of modern depiction of Ganesha with head wear and flowers.

High quality 3D artwork featured on left shoulder and arm.

Picture of mystical elephant with four eyes and handful of money.

Native American Indian Tattoos

American Indian tattoos are common among people with full to minute amounts of Indian heritage. These tattoos often include numerous items which symbolize the culture, including the likes of feathers, animal skins, animals, dream catchers and perhaps most commonly, one of countless famous Indian chiefs.

So whether you have a personal connection to the historic heritage or simply enjoy the culture and representation thereof, a native American tattoo might be for you.

Colorful art with feathers and animal fur.

Long hair and sadden look.
Beautiful woman with long black hair.
Half man half animal artwork on back.

Design on lower leg.

Native American body artwork ideas picture gallery.

Gypsy Head Tattoos

Gypsy's are often referred to the Romani people of central and eastern Europe who have roots dating back to medieval India. But perhaps you may recognize them by their media appearance of covered wagon travelers with the ability to detect the presence of a werewolf.

Either way, gypsy head tattoos are pretty rad works of art, often designed as a woman wearing a bandanna, gold jewelery and a flower of sorts. Get a load of these cool quality pictures of gypsy tattoo ideas for guys and girls alike.

Long flowing black hair.

Half skull covered with veil.

Large rose flower in hair.

With sunrise background idea.

Black and grey with red rose.