Last Updated on August 9, 2024
Aztec culture has been a subject of interest by scientists and history enthusiasts alike. This race made their home in the Mesoamerican region during the 14th to the 16th Century. These people made tattooing as an extension of a culture built on codes, rituals, and structures. They were proud of their body art and used it in a way similar to the tribes of Ancient Briton.
The Aztecs’ dazzling designs stayed long after their empire fell to the records of history. While the Ancient Britons had tattoos for battle, pride, and worship, the Aztecs’ tattoos were made for rituals. Each deity has a symbolic pattern used by its worshippers. This also extends to the placement of the tattoos where the location on the body had its own ritualistic meaning.
Aztec devotion to the education and the arts brought intricate and fascinating designs at a time when other cultures worked on rudimentary lines and shades. While their inks are varied in the use of styles and symbols, there are a few recurring themes more often used than the rest.
The sun, held with reverence and extreme importance in Aztec culture, represented the bringing of life. Another popular theme in Aztec body art is the use of animal symbols such as eagles, frogs, jaguars, monkeys, and tortoises. These creatures were believed to be totems: spirit guides individuals chose based on their feelings towards the creature, or if they believe that their way of life is similar to the animal’s habits.
For example: those who felt powerful and dominating chose bears, crocodiles, or eagles as their mark. People who prefer frogs show their importance in the circle of life, even if they’re not at the apex of the pecking order. The random behavior of monkeys or the slow nature of the tortoise was also a popular choice.
Are you crazy for Aztec culture and history? Show off your passion with these amazing Aztec tattoo ideas.
Great Aztec Tattoo Ideas
