17 World Tattoo Ideas You Need To See
Thinking about 17 World Tattoo Ideas? Making the choice for new ink can be fun! We found great designs from around the globe. These ideas might spark your imagination for your own unique body art. Let’s look at them now!
Mandala
You appreciate balance and beauty.
A mandala tattoo shows this perfectly.
Its detailed circles and patterns look amazing on skin.
This design has roots in Eastern spiritual traditions.
It often represents the universe or wholeness.
Choose this for a sense of calm and visual appeal.
Celtic Knot
You might like a tattoo showing connection.
Consider a Celtic knot.
These endless loops have no beginning or end.
They come from ancient Celtic art found in Ireland and Scotland.
People see them as signs of eternity, loyalty, or cycles.
You feel timeless wearing one.
Maori Kirituhi
You admire the strong art of the Maori people.
Kirituhi is Maori-style tattooing for non-Maori individuals, done with respect.
It uses curved shapes and patterns inspired by traditional Ta Moko.
You can honor this culture thoughtfully with a Kirituhi piece.
It looks powerful and unique.
Japanese Irezumi Style
You are drawn to bold, colorful artwork.
Japanese Irezumi style offers just that.
Think of flowing dragons, strong koi fish, or beautiful cherry blossoms.
These tattoos often cover large areas like sleeves or back pieces.
You get a stunning piece telling a story through classic imagery.
Egyptian Hieroglyphs
You find ancient Egypt fascinating.
You can get a tattoo of hieroglyphs or symbols like the Ankh or Eye of Horus.
The Ankh represents life, while the Eye of Horus means protection and health.
You carry a piece of ancient history and meaning on your skin.
Traditional Americana
You love classic, bold tattoo looks.
Traditional Americana style is perfect for you.
Think sharp black outlines and bright colors.
Common designs include anchors, eagles, roses, or swallows.
These tattoos have a rich history in Western tattoo culture.
You wear a piece of timeless cool.
Tribal Pacific Islander Style
You connect with bold, geometric patterns.
Tribal tattoos, inspired by Pacific Islander traditions like Polynesian or Samoan art, use strong black lines and shapes.
These designs often relate to heritage, strength, or status.
You can select patterns that feel powerful and visually striking to you.
Sak Yant Thai Traditional
You seek a tattoo with blessings or protection.
Sak Yant tattoos from Thailand offer this.
These are sacred geometric designs, often featuring script and symbols.
Traditionally applied by monks or masters, they carry special meanings.
You might choose one for luck, strength, or spiritual connection.
Henna Mehndi Patterns
You adore intricate, flowing designs.
Henna or Mehndi patterns inspire beautiful tattoos.
Originating from South Asia and the Middle East, these styles feature delicate floral and paisley motifs.
While real henna fades, you can get a permanent tattoo capturing this elegant, decorative look.
Viking Runes Or Symbols
You feel a connection to Norse history or mythology.
Viking runes or symbols like the Vegvisir (compass) make great tattoos.
Runes are ancient letters said to hold power.
The Vegvisir is believed to guide travelers.
You carry a symbol of guidance, protection, or ancient wisdom.
Aztec Mayan Glyphs Or Symbols
You are captivated by ancient American civilizations.
Aztec or Mayan glyphs offer unique tattoo options.
These intricate symbols represented gods, concepts, or dates.
Think of the Sun Stone or feathered serpent designs.
You wear a piece of powerful history and striking pre-Columbian art on your body.
Chinese Characters Or Calligraphy
You appreciate elegance and meaning in simplicity.
Chinese characters or calligraphy can make beautiful tattoos.
You can choose a character representing love, strength, peace, or your name.
Ensure accurate translation and beautiful brushstroke style.
You get a tattoo that is both personal and artistically graceful.
Indian Deities Or Symbols
You connect with Indian spirituality.
Symbols like ‘Om’, the lotus flower, or images of deities like Ganesha make meaningful tattoos.
‘Om’ represents the sound of the universe.
The lotus symbolizes purity and enlightenment.
You carry a symbol of peace, wisdom, or divine connection.
Russian Prison Tattoo Style Elements
You are drawn to tattoos with coded meanings and history.
Russian prison tattoos have a complex visual language.
While careful consideration is important due to their origins, elements like churches, skulls, or specific symbols can inspire designs.
You get a tattoo with a raw, historical edge.
Greek Mythology Figures Or Symbols
You love the epic stories of ancient Greece.
Figures like Zeus, Athena, Medusa, or symbols like the laurel wreath make strong tattoos.
These designs represent power, wisdom, protection, or victory.
You carry a piece of classic mythology and its enduring themes on your skin.
African Adinkra Symbols
You value wisdom expressed through art.
Adinkra symbols from Ghana, West Africa, represent concepts or proverbs.
Popular symbols include Gye Nyame (“except for God,” meaning supremacy of God) or Sankofa (learn from the past).
You wear a visually appealing symbol packed with cultural wisdom.
Sugar Skull Dia De Muertos
You celebrate life and remembrance.
Sugar skulls, or calaveras, are key symbols of Mexico’s Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead).
These decorated skulls are colorful and festive, not morbid.
They honor departed loved ones.
You get a vibrant tattoo celebrating memory and the cycle of life.
