Ethnic tattoos. Ethnic tattoos - the ancient art of tattooing in the modern world Sketches of ethnic tattoos

Ethnic style tattoos are unlikely to ever cease to be popular, because the ancient traditions of the ancestors, which have come down to descendants through the millennia, simply cannot lose their relevance.

Features of ethnic tattoo

Basically, for a tattoo, ornamental drawings are chosen that are characteristic of the fine arts of a particular culture. Such works look the most authentic, since people decorated their bodies with such tattoos in ancient times. Often it is enough just to look at the drawing, and it already becomes clear from which part of the world it comes from. If the composition contains images of deities or symbols associated with religious cults, those who are at least a little familiar with the peculiarities of the art of different peoples will understand where the author of this ethnic style tattoo drew inspiration from. Such drawings always have certain features that are not typical for any other cultures.
When creating a sketch of a tattoo in an ethnic style, you can rely on the traditions of any nation. For example, people who are keen on studying the history, culture and mythology of the Maya or the Aztecs choose for themselves images in which the features characteristic of the fine arts of these particular tribes are clearly traced. Adherents of the northern tradition opt for runes, Thor's hammer, stylized shields and axes, drakkars, mythical characters, for example, the Ermungand snake encircling the Earth, Odin's ravens, and Valkyries. Today we will talk about the most popular ornamental ethnic tattoos, images that can most often be found in such works.

Polynesia

Now we perceive tattoos in the Polynesian style simply as a decoration of the body, but the islanders to this day endow these bizarre patterns, spirals and geometric figures with a special sacred meaning, and the process of drawing the drawing itself remains a sacrament, all the nuances of which are known only to the priests. Traditionally, a tattoo was considered more of a male prerogative, the drawings on the male body were often quite large-scale, replete with various details and images. Today, this style is also popular mainly among guys.

Initially, such tattoos served as amulets that bring happiness and good luck to the life of their owner, amulets for warriors who protect in battle. Drawings on the body could tell about the most important milestones in a person’s life, for example, about military merits, raising social status, and revealed certain traits of his character.
Polynesian ethnic patterns are not limited to abstract images; stylized animals, celestial bodies, attributes of hunters and warriors are often found in tattoos. Each such drawing has its own semantic load, the symbolism that the ancient islanders endowed it with. Consider the most common images and their meaning:

. It symbolizes vitality, rebirth, the cyclical nature of life and death, the relationship between the visible and invisible world.
. Such an image is a reminder that a person is being watched by his ancestors from the other world. The owner of the tattoo is under their protection, must live in good conscience, because the eyes of the dead are directed at him. Also, we can talk about the divine eye, vigilantly watching a person and protecting him from troubles.
. The tortoise shell is a symbol of protection both on the physical and mental levels. Most often, such an image is applied to the chest or shoulder.
Tiki. The tiki mask is also considered a talisman against misfortunes and intrigues of enemies.
. The image of a sea predator indicates a person endowed with power, strength and courage.
. In the Polynesian tradition, lizards symbolize the gift of clairvoyance, supernatural abilities.

India

In India, decorating the body with drawings is a centuries-old tradition. Painting girls' hands with henna (mehndi) was an obligatory part of the ceremony preceding the marriage. Usually these were floral ornaments, talismans promising a happy family life, fertility, healthy offspring. The hands of the temple dancers were also adorned with intricate ritual designs. Clay painting was also widespread, the most striking example of which is bindi, a red dot on the forehead, third eye symbol.
Modern tattoos with Indian motifs have retained the main distinguishing features of the traditional ornament, but nowadays, in addition to patterns, you can create many bright compositions, sometimes even telling a whole story.

Modern ethnic tattoos as an art form arose under the influence of ancient body designs and primitive tribal ornaments. In the old days, all these drawings were applied to the surface of the body for specific purposes. They served as amulets, talismans and amulets.

Ethnic tattoos include the following images:

Scythian;
Celtic;
Indian;
Japanese;
Indian (Maya, Haida);
Polynesian, etc.

Each variety is marked by certain features. However, modern masters mix styles and trends, creating their own unique pattern based on ancient motifs.

So, the tribal drawings of the island of Borneo are characterized by impressive size and the presence of wide black lines that imitate images of plants and animals. The tribes of the Marquesas prefer composite images of clear and regular geometric shapes. Celtic patterns are characterized by thinner lines, depicting, in addition to plants and animals, crosses and shields. Haida tattoos mainly contain astrological symbols and the natural world. They are dominated by black and red tones.

The founders of tattoo art

By ethnic it is customary to mean tattoos of many peoples of the world. However, most often this term is correlated with underwear drawings of only a few exotic Polynesian tribes.

Connoisseurs of ethnic identity are increasingly resorting to the use of the motifs of the New Zealand Maori tribe. Initially, people from the Maori tribe applied tattoos for sacred purposes. They used mainly black and gray paints, and as a tool they used a seashell, shark tooth, bones of fish or albatrosses, with which they carved an image on the skin. All images were unique and reflected the life of a particular person.

Both men and women adorned themselves with similar patterns. Men covered tattoos on their legs, buttocks and face, women covered their back, neck, lips and chin. The composition was one clear line branched into a large number of curls and spirals.

Similar images are also found among the peoples of the North. The technique of execution among the northern tribes is much simpler and not so painful. The performer passed a thread smeared with soot under the skin and tugged it, thereby obtaining the necessary lines.

Usually, hands (and mainly the female part of the tribe) were decorated in this way. The meaning of tattoos was carefully hidden, even the closest people were not dedicated to this secret. There is information that some tattoos were applied immediately before the death of a person and meant a connection with ancestors, carried a religious connotation.

Main elements

Polynesian tattoos are similar to wood carvings. In the presence of very clear lines and contours, the plexus of patterns is unusually ornate. The composition consists of several main lines:

spiral;
wave;
broken and smooth figures.

Symmetry is a characteristic feature of ethnic tattoos. She embodies the true beauty of nature and the world around her. Polynesians call their tattoos "moko".

Maori people with tattoos usually occupy a high position in society. The more tattoos on the body, the higher the status. A person without a tattoo in the tribe is considered a slave. However, drawing a picture must be earned. Only priests who are fluent in the ta-moko technique have the right to apply it.

Each ethnic symbol occupies a certain place on the body and has its own special sacred meaning:

repehi - symmetrical smooth lines from the chin to the nose;
puho-ro - images decorating the upper part of the forehead;
pae-pae - large-sized spirals on the cheeks;
pu-kauvae - small patterns of spirals in the chin area;
rerepi - spiral lines on the nose;
titi - patterns on the lower part of the forehead;
tivkhana - a complex of patterns located in the area from the nose to the eyebrows and descending to the ears.

The meaning of the tattoo

The inhabitants of Polynesia attached special importance to each symbol depicted on the body. They displayed the biography, strengths, abilities, character traits and social status of a particular person. At the same time, the patterns served as a talisman that protected from life's adversities, or a talisman that helped to achieve success in achieving goals.

The main plots of ethnic tattoos of this people:

fire - symbolizes instability;
water - speaks of the inconstancy and cyclicity of the course of life;
the sun is a symbol of the eternity of life;
the moon - personifies abundance and the feminine;
lotus - helps to overcome life's troubles and difficulties;
cross - indicates the need for harmony and balance;
Koru spiral - a sign of hope for the best and new achievements;
stone - promises stability and power;
fern - personifies calmness, peace and success;
eyes - they say that the ancestors vigilantly look after the person;
butterfly - reflects the transformation of the soul;
one eye - helps to win the battle.

Modern Art

Professional tattoo artists offer a variety of unique plots in ethnic style. In the salons there are stacks of photos with ethnic tattoos and sketches for them. However, when choosing a particular drawing, it must be borne in mind that it should reflect the character, traits, individuality of the individual and tell the story of your life. After all, the art of this or that people has been developing for many centuries. This is not a simple set of characters and signs.

Ethnic is a classic trend in tattoo art, which is made in the best traditions of world cultures. This style combines elements of folklore and symbolic bright images.

A bit of history

The name itself ethnicity comes from the Greek word ethnos- "people". The concept includes ethnically significant cultural features of a particular people: customs, songs, dances, music. Ethnic tattoo marked the beginning of the world art of underwear painting, because even among the ancient tribes of the Maya, Maori and Scythians, drawings on the skin were an obligatory attribute. Each tattoo had a specific meaning. For example, a young man became a man only after a special ritual of drawing. Tattoo also indicated the social status of a person and his achievements. Such drawings were usually made on the leg or arm.

Today, not only tattoos, but also clothes, decor, and interiors are made in ethnic style. Folk ornaments enjoy unprecedented popularity. This unusual and at the same time simple direction gives a wide scope for imagination, so things in the ethnic style turn out to be really unique.

Distinctive features

Ethnic tattoos are divided into sub-styles depending on the chosen people and the characteristics of their culture. The most common of them:

Slavic - the predominance of red, patterns in the form of embroidery;
Scythian - mainly images of animals and mythical creatures;
Celtic - patterns with weaving, knots, elements of vegetation, drawings of crosses;
Maori - the predominance of large rounded ornaments with a large number of curls and loops;
Polynesian - images that carry a certain semantic load, which act as a talisman, reflect the status and merits of a person;
Samoan - an abundance of small details.

Each of the above sub-styles has its own unique features and designations. However, the whole ethnic genre is united by one thing: the proportionality and symmetry of the image. Regardless of the style, tattoo sketches stand out for their desire for harmony and are endowed with a certain symbolism. In the modern world, you can not read the information encrypted in the pattern, but simply choose the right photo for a tattoo, based on aesthetics and visual characteristics.

Prominent tattoo artists of the ethnic genre: Thomas Hooper, Gerhard Wiesbeck, Henning Jorgensen, Horioshi the Third. The latter, by the way, became famous thanks to his unique work - an authentic Japanese tattoo suit (see photo below).

Who will suit

Ethnic style tattoo belongs to one of the male trends, so the image is usually done in black. Here you should pay attention to the quality of consumables, because patterns and ornaments require clear, even lines. In addition, the hatching area in this case is also quite large. To prevent the drawing from smearing over time, choose high quality ink. Beginners are also not recommended to apply a tattoo in the Slavic style, since the red color heals a little longer than others. The drawing on the foot or wrist is quite painful, so it is better not to choose such places for the first visit to the master.

For men, the sleeve tattoo looks spectacular. This is a scale image from the neck to the wrist, which is usually completed in several sessions. Ethnic tattoo on the leg looks good. This option, when choosing the right sketch, is also suitable for women.

If the tattoo is large in size, then the original solution would be to combine interesting intricate patterns and ornaments from different ethnic substyles.

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Photo selection

Recently became very popular Ethnic tattoo style. This style is distinguished by its volume and variety of patterns. In ancient times, our ancestors quite often applied all kinds of patterns and marks to their bodies, indicating the status of a person, his achievements, or simply as a decoration for the body. Using the preserved ancient drawings, they very skillfully combine the ethnic style with the modern.

Ethnic tattoos immediately catch the eye and are hard to confuse with something else - this style consists of smooth lines and dots, which are very beautifully combined with sharp strokes.

Types of ethnic tattoos

Depending on which nationality the drawings were borrowed from, one can distinguish different styles: Celtic, Indian, Maori, Polynesian, Maya and many others. Probably the most striking and memorable can be called the Scythian style of tattoos. Although most of the drawings in the style of ethnic tattoos were already invented by modern artists, they draw them from genuine elements. An example is the embalmed remains of a Scythian warrior leader found during excavations in the Altai Mountains, whose body was covered with many beautiful drawings. After a thorough study of the body, archaeologists found out that the drawings were applied precisely by the pricking method. All the drawings were made in the famous animal style, and on the chest was a huge and magnificently executed lion-griffin, symbolizing the majesty and great strength of the ancient leader.

So in the modern interpretation the main pattern is applied on the front of the body, depicting various beasts and mythical creatures. The back is much less complicated, but in general it perfectly complements the front.

But, nevertheless, the most popular in ethnic tattoos remain Celtic ornaments. But this style is already quite difficult to distinguish, since this style has been influenced by different cultures all the time. Celtic drawings are distinguished by their elements of different plants and leaves, but later animals began to be added to them, which together looks very harmonious.

It is also worth noting the Indian direction of ethnic tattoo style. Here you can see images of dots, strokes, Hindu deities, elephants and cows.

And recently, the style of the Papuans from New Guinea has become popular. The characteristic of this direction of ethnic style is simple figures that together make up the whole drawing.

Ethnic tattoo is a direction that has gained popularity not so long ago. Ethnic tattoos take their origins from ancient times. They were characteristic of the Byzantine peoples, Scythian tribes, Celts and other cultures. An ethnic style tattoo can cover almost the entire human body, intricate patterns are distinguished by volume and variety. In ancient times, people applied various ornaments and marks showing the status of a person, his life achievements or simply decorating the body. Also, ethnic tattoos were a kind of amulets and amulets.

Tattoo artists combine sketches of ethnic tattoos with modern art. Ethnic tattoos are very noticeable, they are hard to confuse with another direction. The drawing is made up of smooth lines and dots that blend perfectly with the strokes.

Varieties of ethnic tattoos

Over the years, several areas of ethnic tattoo have been formed. There is a conditional qualification:

Scythian tattoos;
Celtic;

This is far from a complete list. Every year new trends and styles are popularized. Let's dwell on the most famous in more detail.

Scythian style in tattoo

Tattoos of this direction are distinguished by special originality, brightness and expressiveness. Although the vast majority of tattoos were invented by modern masters, they are based on genuine elements of the culture of the Scythian peoples. An example is the body of a warrior-leader found during excavations in the Altai Mountains. Numerous original drawings were applied to it. It turned out that they were made by piercing. The execution of all elements was made in the animal style, and on the chest there was a place for the image of a lion-griffin, personifying greatness and great strength. You can see it in a photo on the Internet.

In the modern Scythian style, on an ethnic style tattoo, the main drawing is done in front. The images contain images of animals or mythical creatures. The design of the back of the body should complement the front, but the drawings are not particularly difficult.

Indian style

Indian ethnic tattoos are particularly mysterious and mysterious. They are colorfully decorated, they have a deep meaning. The most famous is the dream catcher. This tattoo helps protect against negative energy and get rid of nightmares.

Animals depicted on the human body have their own meanings. The bear symbolizes courage and strength, and also denotes the victory of the owner in an unequal battle. The bull says that the owner of this ornament is a desperate and risky person. The wolf conveys qualities such as intuition and perseverance. Portraits of Indian women are popular among girls, symbolizing not only glory and courage, but also beauty and grace.

Celtic style

Perhaps the most popular trend in ethnic tattooing. It was constantly influenced by other cultures, so it is not individual and homogeneous. Images are characterized by the presence of leaves and other components of various plants. Later, the drawing began to be supplemented with animals. All together it looks quite original and harmonious.

Polynesian style

Gained popularity quite recently - only at the beginning of the 21st century. The origins of modern ethnic tattoo in this direction come from tribal ornaments that were used to decorate the bodies of tribal priests. The owner of such ornaments received universal honor and respect. Special vegetable thorns or fish bones were used to apply underwear drawings. The variety and sophistication of the images showed the noble origin of man.

Usually applied such elements as spirals on the chin, two large spirals on the cheek. There were also curved lines, in the form of rays, diverging from the nose, passing over the eyebrows and descending to the ears.

Japanese style

Sketches of this direction are borrowed from Chinese culture. Conventionally, they are divided into two categories: irezumi and gaman. The first variety is inherent in convicts who were forced to apply subcutaneous drawings. The second was a demonstration of such a quality in men as patience.

Special reverence in Japanese culture was given. They were performed by rubbing rice powder into incisions in the skin. They appeared only when excited or after water procedures. The images featured dragons and samurai, and the motifs were old fairy tales and legends about the sea.

Previously, tattoos in Japan were for privileged persons, and the pattern was passed down from generation to generation. In modern times, the inhabitants of Japan do not really like this type of body art, because criminals often decorate their bodies with tattoos.

For each nation, a certain meaning is invested in a certain image. But at present, the meaning of the ethnic tattoo is not given much attention. These images do not have age and gender distinctions. Everyone can see a photo with sketches and choose a tattoo for themselves, the motif of which will be combined with ancient symbols and a modern component.