Tiger and Skull Tattoos
From LoveToKnow Tattoos
While any two images can be combined in ink in order to form a tattoo, some are more unusual - such as tiger and skull tattoos.
Tiger Tattoos
The tiger has long been a popular animal to get a tattoo of on any part of your body. Tiger tattoos are both beautiful just as they are as well as symbolic, because of the many qualities assigned to this animal. Most cultures from the parts of the world that are home to tigers feel these animals are the embodiment of strength and power.
Tigers are one of just four types of "big cats" that exist in the world today. They are native to Asia, and the most populous type of tiger is the Bengal tiger, which makes up about 80% of the world's tigers. For many centuries, tigers were hunted in order to obtain their fur, which was used to make exotic coats and other fur items. Other parts of the tiger were also prized, such as the genitals and other organs - these were often used in traditional Asian medicines for a large range of ailments.
Due to excessive hunting of tigers, all of the different types of tigers are now considered endangered species. This means that without human intervention, the tiger is likely to die out due to low population and unavailability of breeding and hunting grounds. Most of the tigers in existence today live in captivity.
Tattoos of tigers are often seen on people who want to show their fierce spirit, or occasionally by those who call India home, as the tiger is the national animal of India.
Skull Tattoos
Almost a stereotype at this point, skull tattoos are seen on inked individuals from all walks of life and society. Skulls, when depicted in tattoos, are usually human skulls - but other skeletons can be seen as tattoos as well. Some people choose to have cow skulls tattooed on their bodies, for example, because of the connection with cowboys and the Wild West.
For others, skull tattoos may be part of their culture, such as with Dia de Los Muertos tattoos in Mexico. In this instance, the skull is not so much a representation of death itself, as it is a symbol of honoring those who have passed on before us. Of course, the majority of people who choose to have skulls inked on their bodies do so because of the "cool" factor, or the Goth imagery of death.
Tiger and Skull Tattoos
As a combination, tiger and skull tattoos are not considered one of the most popular out there. Skulls are often seen paired with another image when used in a tattoo design, but this other image is usually a rose, or a snake, or even a dagger. Tigers are rarely an accompaniment to skulls, and vice versa. Just because it isn't the most popular image, however, doesn't mean that you shouldn't have it done! The possibilities are many - tiger and skull tattoos can contain a tiger wrapping its paws around a human skull, for example. Or how about a tiger gnawing on the skull of its prey - say another wild animal?
Tiger and Skull Ideas
If you are looking for some ideas for a tiger and skull tat, you may not find what you're looking for in flash art or on the Internet. For a specialized tattoo such as this, you will most likely need to have a custom tattoo drawn, or you will need to combine a couple of pieces of flash in order to make it work. Here are some places to get started:
- Rank My Tattoos has some good pictures of different types of tiger tattoos
- Tattoos By Design has an excellent image incorporating a tiger, snakes and a skull.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 4,798 times. This page was last modified 05:55, 28 August 2007.
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