A new tattoo is never a bad idea, but if you have the flexibility and can be picky about your design, there’s no better time to choose a tribal pattern. This style marks a connection to both history and artistry, meaning the designs are at their best and ready to show off for you.
While finding the perfect artist and meaningful pattern can certainly be more tricky, I personally think the stunning result and overall feel during this journey makes it worth the splurge.
With all that being said, I know that deciding what to get can be quite challenging. To help you prep for your own journey, I’m sharing a handful of tribal tattoo ideas below.
1. Stylish Patterned Arm Tattoo
Source: @aquariestattoo
This next tattoo features a really stylish arm design that I just love. It’s a band shape that is absolutely filled with intricate tribal patterns. I mean, how cool is that?
It’s such an awesome tattoo, and I think it’s a great choice for anyone who wants a bold look that can also be covered up when needed. You could totally recreate this, or even use any tribal patterns you love to customize the band.
2. Ornate Ankle Tattoo Idea
Source: @tribal_tatau
With so many different tribal patterns out there, this next idea is one you have to see. It’s been inspired by Samoan tattoos and looks so good. The design is placed around the ankle and features a bold, geometric pattern that extends onto the foot.
A tattoo like this is just so amazing and will look incredible on anyone. You can go for this exact look or maybe try a smaller version that just wraps around the ankle.
3. Stylish Underboob Tattoo
Source: @jameskeithtattoo
Underboob and rib tattoos have become such a must-have for women, and I’m so here for it. Up next is a version with tribal patterns that you’re going to want to see. As you can tell, geometric shapes and swirls have been used to put together a really amazing design.
I personally love that this is a more subtle tattoo, since you can choose when to show it off. A piece like this would suit everyone, and you could definitely use different tribal patterns to make it your own.
4. Stunning Foot and Ankle Tattoo Idea
Source: @ereslarazatattooer
Next up, we have another Polynesian-inspired tattoo that is just so beautiful. This one showcases gorgeous patterns that begin on the foot and finish just above the ankle.
It’s such a stunning design, and in my opinion, it’s perfect for anyone who wants a unique piece of body art. The design fits that part of the body so perfectly and even has a Yin and Yang vibe to it. I love this and think it will look absolutely amazing on anyone.
5. Bold Shoulder Tribal Tattoo
Source: @tribal_tatau
The first tattoo I have to show you is this incredibly bold shoulder piece. A beautiful tribal design has been tattooed right on the shoulder, and it features some seriously striking patterns.
This is one of those tattoos that will totally wow everyone, and the shape of the design is just ideal for the shoulder area. A tattoo like this is a great choice for those who are wanting a large piece of body art.
6. Diamond Tribal Patterns
Source: @tattoobypatu
If you were into the geometric style tribal tattoo, then this one could be perfect for you, too. This design is tattooed on the back and it creates a long diamond shape. The diamond is filled with such intricate tribal patterns.
It’s a really beautiful tattoo that you can either recreate or try putting different patterns inside. I would try to keep the shape, though, because it just looks so amazing on the back.
7. Magical Sun and Moon Tattoo
Source: @d.russ.tattoo
This next tattoo showcases a sun and a moon, and both are adorned with the most beautiful tribal patterns. Each symbol can hold a different meaning. A tribal sun can represent so many things, including light, life, creativity, leadership, and growth.
The moon can symbolize respect, fertility, and a deep connection with nature. So, when you bring them together, you get one seriously powerful tattoo. It’s such a pretty design, and you can recreate it or maybe just choose the sun or the moon.
Just pick the one that best represents your reason for getting the tattoo.
8. Hand and Finger Tattoo Design
Source: @tattoo_by_buge
The hands are one of the most popular places to get a tattoo, and next I have a gorgeous design to show you. For this tattoo, a tribal pattern has been inked on the thumb, index finger, and wrist.
The design features such beautiful Polynesian style patterns. This tattoo really suits that area of the hand perfectly. You can try a similar look to this or maybe a different pattern in the same spot.
9. Statement Making Hand and Wrist Tattoo
Source: @mark_mendiola
Moving on, we have another wrist and hand tattoo to check out. This one features different kinds of tribal patterns, and there are also two really cute butterflies included.
A tattoo like this is sure to suit everyone and can be recreated with or without the butterflies. I also think a similar design would look amazing on the ankle.
10. Amazing Matching Foot Tattoos
Source: @manuterzoocchio
Are you looking for a beautiful tribal foot tattoo? Then this one is for you! Here we have two matching tattoos that are placed on both feet.
The tattoos feature a stunning geometric and symmetrical design that is inspired by Berber tribal patterns. It is such an amazing tattoo idea. You can recreate this or you could always try the design on just one foot.
11. Arm Tattoo with a Patterned Swirl and Flowers
Source: @kurtistattoos
Tribal tattoos for ladies often include beautiful tropical flowers, and I am so into it. This next tattoo has a gorgeous spiral pattern with a pretty flower. The spiral begins on the shoulder and flows down onto the arm.
The entire spiral is filled with tribal patterns. This is such a stunning and bold design. You could try a similar piece of body art or even add some color to the flower.
12. Hand Tattoo with Beautiful Patterns
Source: @anais_chabane
The last tattoo that I have to show you is this incredible hand design. For this piece, the hand has been decorated with such delicate and beautiful patterns. This is a stunning tattoo and it makes a very elegant statement.
I feel like a tattoo like this is great for someone who wants a daintier take on a tribal tattoo. You can recreate this or choose one of the other tribal patterns to get a similar look.
13. Stunning Tribal Tattoo Idea
Source: @pisara_taiga
This next tattoo is another one that is definitely a favorite of mine. Here we have a unique hand tattoo that incorporates a moon and tribal patterns. These patterns draw inspiration from Hajichi and are based on popular tribal designs.
It’s such a beautiful tattoo, and I love that it brings together different cultures. There is also a version of this tattoo with a sun instead of a moon on the artist’s page.
14. Full Leg Tattoo with Tribal Patterns
Source: @kurtistattoos
This tattoo idea is honestly one of my top picks because it’s so stunning, unique, and really makes a statement. Here we have two Polynesian tribal tattoos. One covers the entire leg, and the other is on the thigh and around the kneecap.
I really love the full leg tattoo because it’s just such an amazing work of art. A tattoo like that is for those who are seriously committed to body art.
You can recreate this or maybe even try a smaller version, like just on the calf or thigh. The other beautiful tattoo can be recreated too.
15. Pretty Arm Tattoo
Source: @tattoomink
If you’re on the hunt for a more delicate tattoo, then this could be the perfect one for you. Here we have a stunning arm tattoo that features softer lines and beautiful patterns. There is a mix of designs here, including flowers and repeating patterns.
You can have a band like this around your arm as shown, or maybe try it around your leg or ankle. Different patterns can be added as well, so you can really make a tattoo like this totally unique.
16. Tribal Sleeve Tattoo
Source: @dino_vallely
Sleeve tattoos have become so popular for women, and I’m loving it. Next, we have a tribal version to show you. From the shoulder all the way to the wrist, the whole arm is decorated with tribal-inspired patterns.
There are flowers, repeating patterns, and more. It is a truly amazing tattoo that will really wow everyone who sees it. You can have a similar tattoo or use tribal patterns that mean something special to you to create your own unique sleeve.
17. Intricate Neck Tattoo Design
Source: @tattoomink
Neck tattoos are another popular choice for body art, and this next one is just, wow! The design begins just below the hair and extends onto the back. It features so many amazing and intricate patterns. This is a stunning work of art, and it’s great for the ladies who want a tattoo that makes a statement.
You can recreate this neck tattoo or try using different tribal patterns. If it seems too big for your taste, you could also make the pattern smaller and only have it tattooed on the back of the neck.
18. Geometric Tribal Tattoo
Source: @pacificislandertatau
Next up, I have a beautiful back tattoo to show you. This one has a really cool geometric look because the tribal pattern has been placed inside a diamond shape. I love this because it creates such a unique piece of body art.
Above and below the diamond, there are also smaller patterns included. It is a stunning tattoo, and you can recreate this or try using different patterns within the diamond. You could also have a similar design placed somewhere else on the body, like the arm or leg.
19. Pretty Flowers with Tribal Patterns
Source: @sakti_ink_art
If you love the floral tattoos, then you absolutely need to check this one out. This arm tattoo features three tropical flowers in different sizes. All of the flowers are beautifully surrounded by tribal patterns.
The flowers look so stunning, and they are so striking with the tribal design. You can try a similar tattoo to this or use a smaller version which could be placed anywhere on the body. A little pop of color could also be added to the flowers.
20. Statement Making Tribal Collar Bones and Chest Tattoo
Source: @treubhan
This next tattoo is a truly amazing piece of body art! The design starts on one shoulder and stretches across the collar bones, over the chest, and finishes on the other shoulder.
It is a stunning design that decorates the body so beautifully. This tattoo almost looks like an ornate piece of jewelry or armor. The design itself is based on Indian and Croatian tribal patterns.
21. Beautiful Tribal Leg Tattoo with Flowers
Source: @kurtistattoos
Earlier in the post, I shared an amazing leg tattoo. If you loved that idea, then you really need to take a look at this one, too. Here we have another design that covers the leg from the thigh to the ankle.
This one only covers one side of the leg, though. It features tribal patterns and beautiful flowers. It just goes to show how many different tattoos can be created. This is perfect for someone who wants a bold and striking tattoo.
22. Large Back Tattoo
Source: @kurtistattoos
Next up, we have another back tattoo, and this one is both bold and beautiful. One side of the back has been decorated with gorgeous tribal patterns. There is a line down the spine that separates the tattooed side from the other side of the back, which is so striking.
The tattoo also features beautiful tropical flowers. This design is great for those who want a large and intricate piece of body art.
23. Dolphin with a Tribal Pattern
Source: @alxetatouages
If you love animals, especially dolphins, then this tattoo is for you. Here we have a beautiful black ink dolphin that is decorated with tribal patterns.
When you see a tribal dolphin, it can symbolize your connection to nature and the ocean, and it can also represent family bonds. It is a pretty and unique design that can be placed anywhere on the body.
We hope you have been inspired by these tribal tattoo ideas!