Red Dragon Tattoo by MiraNoir
Tattoos can be classified on the basis of their origin :
- Historical - Based on the Historical development such as Tribal Tattoos.
- Location - Based on the region and culture from which it has developed such as Celtic Tattoos, Cross Tattoos, Dragon Tattoos etc.,
- Designs – Based on the designs of the Tattoos such as Angel Tattoos, Butterfly Tattoos, Fairy Tattoos, and Flower Tattoos.
- Type of Application – Temporary or Permanent such as Henna Tattoos.
- Area of Application on the Body – such as Lower Back tattoo.
All these types are again interrelated. For instance, Tribal tattoos can also contain angels in their design. Celtic Tattoos can also contain Fairies. The Tattoos can be engraved in part of the body, and hence we cannot possibly define any particular design for Lower Back Tattoos.
Tattoos which originated from ancient tribes are called Tribal Tattoos. The original tribes, which had enriched the tattooing styles are the
Celtic Tribes – who lived in England and Ireland, had a style which was interlacing, spirals, dogs, birds and humans.
Maori Tribes – Originated from New Zealand and have traditional facial tattoos and special leg tattoos. Their style shows a lot of resemblance with wood carving techniques in which skill the Maoris excelled. The designs in their faces were so unique, to the extent that each person had an identity of his facial design. Maori hunted each Other to retain their supremacy among their tribe.
Haida Tribes – The Indian Tribes, which lived in the North West of America. Their tattoos show a lot of resemblance with the woodcarving of the Haida tribes, consists of thunderbirds, beavers, bears and fish.
Marquesan Tribes – who inhabited Marquesan Islands in Polynesia. They used to be completely covered with tattoos. Their bodies showed picture stories, for other tribes to recognize them. Their style was originally based on divinity Tiki, who was always portrayed with his eyes closed because he smells danger before he sees it. Images that are used a lot in this style are Shells [Wealth], Shark Teeth [protection], Lizards, Whales, turtles Fish Hooks and so on.
Borneo – Situated in Indonesia. The head hunters, of this tribe lived on ground and protected the others of their tribe who lived on the trees. Typical of their style are The Scorpions, flowers, dogs, dragons and spirals.
Thus the subject and range of symbols covered by Tribal Tattoos are vast and are classified as Native Indian, North American India, Pacific Northwest American Indian, Indigenous, African, Egyptian, mayan, Aztec, Hawaiian, Samoan, Maori, South Pacific, Micronesian, Polynesian, Melanesian, New Zealand, Eskimo, Inuit, Wiccan, Pagan, Gothic, Tahitian, Borneo, Oceanic, Oriental, Asian, Japanese, Chinese, Buddhist, Tibetan, India, Hindu, Deities, Aboriginal, Fraternal, Military, Heraldic, Ritual, Amulets, Talisman, Sacred, Mythological, Magical, Alchemy, Mythic Folk Art, Astrology, Astronomy, Neo-Tribal, Contemporary Tribal, Abstract Tribal, Geometric tribal, Traditional Tribal etc.,
Source :Dagfinn Rognerud, former Norwegian officer. Tribal tattoo online
