Aztec Tattoo Designs
From LoveToKnow Tattoos
Aztec tattoo designs are some of the most colorful, dramatic images you'll find in body art. This civilization may have seen it's heyday hundreds of years ago, but it lives on through images and a rich history.
About Aztec Tattoo Designs
Once you've seen an honest to goodness Aztec tattoo, you'll recognize the style every time you see another one. Raw, primitive and yet unbelievably intricate, these designs provoke real emotion when you see them, even if you're not quite sure who or what you're looking at.
The Aztecs were a complex people who rose to power very quickly and whose society seems to have collapsed just as guickly. Their religion, warfare and daily lives were completely entwined, and their tattoo designs tell a compelling story.
Whether you're of South American heritage or you simply love the bold look of these cultural tats, there are many images to choose from. Let's look at a few of the most prominent.
Sun Worship
Huitzilopochtil was the Aztec sun god, and his name literally translates to "blue hummingbird on the left". His tattoo imagery is usually depicted as a blue man with a head full of hummingbird feathers. He is quite the warrior, so he is usually armed with hatchets, knives, spears, and other weapons. This is in keeping with his instructions to the Aztec people to take prisoners to use as sacrifices.
Sun tattoos are also extremely popular in regards to Aztec designs. These images usually employ a primitive looking sun with a rather stern looking face representing Huitzilopochtil himself.
Other Aztec Gods
Gods and goddesses were plentiful in this culture. Here are a few Aztec tattoo designs that might spark your interest.
Quetzacoatl
Quetzacoatl is the ancient feathered serpent god of the Aztecs and other South American cultures. For all intents and purposes, he looks very much like a dragon. This design has been borrowed from many stone carvings found throughout South American. Some enthusiasts prefer to preserve the stone-like quality of the design by having their tat inked and shaded in black and grey, but you can use your imagination to turn it into a full color design for a spectacular effect.
Oroborous
This Aztec tat design is a variation on the god Quetzacoatl. In it, the serpent is curled in a ring, eating its own tail. The design is meant to represent eternity.
Tlazolteotl
Tlazolteotl was the goddess of love and sexuality, although, on a darker note, she was also loosely associated with human sacrifice. She is typically depicted as a woman with a large head, grimacing as she squats to give birth. Powerful imagery yes, but she was a very popular goddess with the Aztecs.
Spirituality
There really was no separation between religion and everyday life for the Aztecs.
Shaman Wheel
Shamans played an important role in Aztec society, as religion and war were intimately entwined. The Shaman's wheel is an ancient design filled with images of spirit animals believed to guide the Shaman through journeys and quests in the other world.
War Craft
The Aztecs were fearless and formidable warriors, and this aspect of their culture plays a role in their symbolism.
Warrior Arm Band
This multi-colored tat features the classic Aztec step wave pattern. The band itself symbolizes strength, courage and perseverance, all qualities of a great warrior.
Shields
The typical Aztec shield was a large heavy disc with fringes around the outer edge. Feel free to fill in the body of the disc with sun imagery.
Jaguars and Eagles
The bravest and fiercest Aztec warriors were honored by being made either eagle or jaguar warriors, so tattoos of either of these animals done in the signature geometric Aztec style will fit the theme.
See Great Aztec Tattoo Designs
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