Tribal Tattoo Designs - Promoting Culture

Art can be divided into many different fields and has a multitude of manifestations. Regardless of culture and views, art enjoys a universal value and is considered an import part of culture such as tribal tattoos. It is argued that art is the vessel in which culture is captured, highlighted and transmitted. Beyond this sociological view, art is simply an expression of human creativity that is tangible and appealing to the aesthetic taste of other members of the community. Tribal tattoos are good examples of this.

Among the most famous forms of art is that which involves the human body. Bodily, art takes the artistic expression to a whole new level. Aside from the radical means by which it is created it is unique in the sense that it uses the human body as the medium of expression. In many cases, the skin is more durable and interesting to work with compared to canvass and paint or marble. Modern social practice even considers body art as notable involvement promoting creativity. However, the use of tribal tattoo whose patterns and designs are more than just manifestations of creativity and the personal taste of the recipient of the tattoo.

Tribal tattoos and the use of tribal patterns, designs and images are not only stylish. They are powerful means of promoting of the culture they belong to. For example, the sun or the interwoven curve and jagged lines are representative of specific ethnic groups. The sun image is prominent in Latin American culture. This originates from their Aztec, Mayan and Incan cultures, which placed great importance on the sun.

The use of tribal tattoos like the ones previously mentioned does not only catch the attention of others. They also showcase the rich heritage of certain cultures. Those who are familiar with the patterns and designs will admire how well they are recreated on the skin of a person. For those who are unfamiliar with the design they will often ask about it. Thus, they will be told of the origin and meaning of the design and pattern. In both these instances, the culture from which the tattoo's design is taken from is promoted and become the subject of discourse.

In reality, a tribal tattoos can better inculcate in others appreciation and knowledge of other cultures compared to text, formal instruction and tours to museums. A simple pattern on skin would be a mobile story and account of a unique and specific culture. This also ensures that the art of that culture remain preserved and alive in the patterns placed by tattoo artists on their subjects. It must be noted that the art of these cultures only survived in the patterns they made. If they are no longer widely circulated it will vanish. Use of tribal tattoos keeps them alive.

Similar figures can be seen in their ruins. The interwoven curve and jagged lines can be seen in the bodies of certain tribes residing in some Pacific islands today. What is surprising is their culture also practice body art and pioneered the use of the same pattern. Male members of these tribes can be seen to have tribal tattoos.