The shell tattoo is undoubtedly one of the least common. Although still not very widespread, either among men or women, this trend is slowly growing over the years and gradually gaining ground. That’s why we’re highlighting a few ideas, as one of them might be just right for you.
Meanings of shell tattoos
But what meanings can be associated with a shell? Many more than you think, and we will reveal them below.
Who doesn’t like shells? Whether small or large, who among us hasn’t stopped to pick them up during walks along the shores of seas around the world? And yet, we have all tried, at least once, to hear the sound of the sea in a shell.
But it’s not just poetry and romantic images. Many people don’t know that shells are also used in various disciplines and symbolize curiosities unknown to most.
Since primitive times, shells have been used as decorations for jewelry and boats, and tropical populations even used them as currency.The shell, therefore, was originally a kind of modern currency. Not only that: the Incas used to bury their dead with shells, thus attributing them a decidedly important symbolic significance.
Since the dawn of time, therefore, shells have been part of our daily lives as a predominantly positive symbol and vehicle of beauty. But that’s not all. In Greek and Roman mythology, shells were a symbol of rebirth and prosperity and, when associated with the sea where they were “discovered,” they also represented fertility.
So many meanings, so many possibilities for conveying a message. It is therefore particularly important to study, perhaps together with your tattoo artist, the elements that make up the shell so as not to make a mess and ruin what could be a very beautiful tattoo.
Let’s analyze the elements that physically make up the shell, as each of them conveys a symbolism that could lead you to choose it as your next tattoo.
The shell is also commonly used to represent love. This is a somewhat generic concept, of course, but if we consider that the shell symbolizes protection, a close-knit couple may decide to get a shell tattoo to represent their union.
The shell is often drawn with a spiral, a symbol that refers to eternity. For the Maori, in fact, a shell with a spiral inside represents eternal love. It is no coincidence, therefore, to find a Ta Moko (the original name of the Maori tattoo) with a shell on the body of the natives of New Zealand.
Ultimately, the shell is a tattoo that works well on large surfaces but is also ideal for small representations. Its ease of execution makes it perfect for those who decide to decorate only a small portion of their body. It is an element that can be represented with just a few lines, so even lovers of minimalist design can find a guaranteed aesthetic impact.
