Tattoos in ethnic style. Ethnic style tattoo

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, tattoo artists 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 have already been invented contemporary artists but 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.

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 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 features of art different peoples, it will be clear where the author of the sketch 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 that clearly show the features characteristic of the fine arts of these particular tribes. 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 Polynesian-style tattoos simply as a decoration of the body, but the islanders still endow these whimsical patterns, spirals and geometric figures with a special sacred meaning, and the process of drawing a picture 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:

• . Symbolizes vitality, rebirth, cyclicity 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 underworld. 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 distinctive features of the traditional ornament, but nowadays, in addition to patterns, you can create many bright compositions, sometimes even telling a whole story.

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 full 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 are invented by modern masters, 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 respect in Japanese culture was given. They were performed by rubbing rice powder into incisions in the skin. They appeared only during arousal 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.

Video: Ethnic style tattoo - sketches and directions