When we talk about Indian tattoos, we can mean the designs, shapes, and colors of Native American tradition, or those related to India.
In the first case, the most commonly used symbols are feathers, dream catchers, and eagles. In the second case, the most common are tattoos on the hands, adorned with zigzag lines, checkerboards, and flowers.
Native American tattoos
Although the history of tattoos has very distant origins, today they are a real fashion trend. Among all tattoos, some have a more popular style, almost as if they communicate more than others.
The Native American tattoo style is on the rise. Native Americans, the inhabitants of the American continent before the arrival of settlers, had a strong tattoo culture.
The original technique involved the use of sharp stones to make the tattoo. The color, derived from natural extracts, was absorbed by the skin after healing.
Main Native American tattoos
Dreamcatcher
The dreamcatcher is one of the best-known symbols of the Native Americans. According to tradition, every family had at least one dreamcatcher. They carried information such as the type of work done by the head of the family, along with other elements of social communication.
Nowadays, the symbol is mainly understood as a tool to ward off negative energy. The dreamcatcher tattoo has the meaning of a lucky charm that conveys security, confidence, and hope for the future.
Feather tattoo
The origin of this element dates back to indigenous traditions in which, after each battle, it was customary to make cuts on feathers according to the number of opponents killed.
Similarly, the feather tattoo is now an expression of overcoming a difficult time in life, such as the loss of a loved one or an illness.
In the same way, the feather symbol also signifies lightness. For this reason, the tattoo is used to express a desire to feel free and carefree.
Indian eagles
Along with the wolf and the bear, the eagle is one of the most commonly depicted animals in Native American tattoos. The eagle is the emblem of strength, courage, and intelligence.
Indian tattoos
When it comes to Indian tradition, we need to consider a completely different context from the previous one. Today, India is a country with over a billion inhabitants, with a mix of cultures, traditions, customs, and even different languages.
However, it is still possible to identify a general Indian tattoo art. Most Indian tattoos originate from the so-called “mehndi,” which are tattoos made with temporary henna, mainly red in color, used to adorn the hands and feet.
Main Indian tattoos
Mehndi are typical Indian tattoos. They are a set of symbols, shapes, and images that are usually applied to the hands and feet. Their main characteristics are their style, the colors used, and their temporary nature. In fact, temporary henna is used to create them.
These types of tattoos are very fashionable nowadays. Recurring themes in mehndi often involve zigzag lines. At first glance, these lines may seem randomly drawn, but they actually represent rain. They are also an expression of fertility.
Another very common motif is flowers. Their distinctive feature is the strong presence of petals and flowers,
synonymous with happiness.
