Tradional Tattoo?

[sokoki_wolf]

hey PNW...how old are the people you see with these tats?

[sokoki_wolf]

they look like they could be tats from last of the mohicans,i'll have to watch it again and see if theres any similar...

[ProudNightWolf]

The two on the left are the SAME guy who is cherokee and was at one of the the Cherokee powwows. I found his photo on Yahoo mixed with alot of other cherokee people from I belive the memorial day powwow of 2007 but not to sure. As for the one on the right I know NOTHING about, just found this male on yahoo and took his arm lol.

[FluteMaker]

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These are 3 different varations of the tattoo I am trying to decribe, can ANYONE explain it to me, I am not getting the tattoo bc of looks, or for my dance style, or any reason other than I want it to show my connection with my culture and pride. A sign of what I represent.

the two on the left kinda look Haudenosaunee to me. but that third one, the onle on the right i want to say looks farther NE...... abenaki or mikmaq maybe, but yeah, those are tribal specific ink jobs

[sookout sh'nob]

Looks 6 nations to me bro - although they had similar ink on the NW coast too. Do your research, a lot of designs and their placement are gender specific.

And just because i did the research; the bands that practiced tattooing amongst the Ojibwe had designs that have a similar vibe too Maori designs. I only know one family that still does them - the daughter that has them is a lawyer and has old facial designs.

These are 3 different varations of the tattoo I am trying to decribe, can ANYONE explain it to me, I am not getting the tattoo bc of looks, or for my dance style, or any reason other than I want it to show my connection with my culture and pride. A sign of what I represent.

[ProudNightWolf]

Megwethch all for your help, I know what I must do and not do now. You have all helped me some way or another. My words are coming out wrong but atleast I have still gotten the help. I thank all of you very much!

[Margy]

Exactly, the meaning is so very important. I'd never ever get a tattoo because it looks "cool". Nope, but that's just me. Mine got a reason, helped me through a tough period of my life, have a meaning of healing body and soul, grounding me and so on. It is MINE and usually nobody but me can see it. It's just for myself and means a lot to me. It makes me stronger and reminds me what I have been through in my life. That's what I meant when I said I waited about 10 years but didn't get one, but then out of the sudden I felt what I wanted and needed- without anybody's help or comment. My tattoos are just for myself. Scars. Black scars. Everlasting. A part of me. Nothing to show off. One part of my tattoo is a scar over a real large scar. Not to hide it but more a symbol that everything is gonna be alright from now on :-).
I have seen some traditional tattoos myself, made in a traditional way, some Native American ones, some Celtic made with a shark's tooth, even some on men's faces. I've seen pieces of great art without any meaning - more to show off or look pretty, many of those tribals that are getting out of fashion sooner or later,.... some bodies look like patchwork. So- I wish you'd find what you need and want to be happy, but not for other people - no - for yourself. That's why I tried to find out something about the meanings of those symbols. But as I said at first: When I first saw the tattoo on your pic, it reminded me of a drum. Not a Native American drum, I don't remember yet which drum it is that it keeps reminding me of, maybe Irish, Swiss, .... something like that. So like Sokoki Wolf and Timmy Tiger said: Having such a tattoo doesn't make people think you're a traditional person. It is not important what people think or what I think. Please make your own decision, and if you want to honor somebody with a tattoo, then I would suggest to get first hand info from those who really know about these things. Not via Internet. Good luck, and if it is as important for you as it seems to be, you'll find your perfect tattoo sooner or later. Please don't hurry....

[sokoki_wolf]

it sounds like you want the secret handshake and password before you pay your dues...if you see that tattoo or something similar on someone and theyre Indian,i really wouldnt go copying it to be cool or accepted..i think it would have the opposite affect to be honest...you cant just proclaim one day"im traditional", its not like being a christian....your actions will speak louder than any mark on your body...have you ever asked anyone who had one of these tat's,what the design meant?how do you know it has anything to do with being traditional?
you said you dont want the tat for any reason except to show your connection to your culture and as a sign of what you represent...if you really stop and think about it,that makes no sense at all...you want to wear a symbol to show what youre about and proclaim to the world,that youre traditional, but you dont know what the symbol means...hmmmmmmmmm...
if you want to show the ndn world what youre about and be accepted,go pick up litter at the next powwow you go to,help feed everyone...that would go alot further than a mark on your skin that you dont have a clue what it means...
ps..ive been around a long time and ive never seen that tat on anyone...

[timmy tiger]

I know a man from a Res who got a Celtic tatoo accross his back. Does that make him traditional Scottish? A tatoo doesn't mean anything really but that you like it and it looks good. And it is something that you will have to live with the rest of your life. Now, that's something to think about. There are people who say that they want to get a tatoo that represents them and who they are. Well that's all well and good if you are into that, but if you are thinking that just 'cause someone sees it that they will automatically take you as what the picture represents, you are sadly mistaken there. I'm sorry but that is true. Most people will just see it and either say "It looks nice" or someone might ask you about it. Otherwise, most people will just not pay any attention to it or to what you think that it represents.

Getting a tatoo isn't about how other's see you or take you, but it's solely about what you like. However, when you are talking about Tribal Tatoo's, then that is something that should be addressed to an "Elder" of that Tribe.

[Margy]

Please don't take my post too serious, maybe it's all BS, maybe not. I don't know. For you're looking so hard, I decided to do this post, although I'm not sure whether the info is proper or not. But hey- maybe this can help you get another point of view!? I got a large tattoo myself. After 10 years of doubts, one day I KNEW what I want and where and who's gonna be my inker. I regret nothing. Good luck...

First thought when I looked at the pic on the left was: A drum. Don't know why. But that was my first thought.

Now the symbols (don't shoot me in case I'm wrong LOL for it's all taken out of a book, and its back doesn't exist anymore, so I can't even tell you the name of the book...)

Upright standing "V": Creative ideas or spiritual power/ ability to analyse, think and use your intelligence in a positive way

Rhombus/diamond: Protective power of the four winds, Phases of life/learning/aging, everlasting equality, unity and being free of fears

In case there are two small circles in the upright standing "V": Being in search of truth and secrets of life

In case there are horizontal lines in the "V": Ability of developing material or spiritual bounteousness although inner and outer richness already exists, you just need access

Two connected "V"s: Good diplomat/ ability of connecting two different points of view

Two connected "V"s standing on a horizontal line: Power of knowledge how to make life easier

More than two: Connection of many positions and impressions

More than two "V"s standing on a horizontal line: Path of learning, readiness/willingness cause completely new prospects

Horizontal line: Plentifulness/fruitifulness... of the earth, migration, willpower or just connection to earth


I wish I could help you there, and again: Don't take my post too serious,... maybe somebody reads it and knows whether it's good info or BS ;-)

[ProudNightWolf]

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These are 3 different varations of the tattoo I am trying to decribe, can ANYONE explain it to me, I am not getting the tattoo bc of looks, or for my dance style, or any reason other than I want it to show my connection with my culture and pride. A sign of what I represent.

[tsuj510]

No Tattoos Needed

Thanks but that still confusses me, with your permission I respect but how does that help me know the meaning and if it is right? I found a pic but I am looking for a better one

Dude, don't trip off of this.

You don't need a tattoo (or a piece of paper for that matter) to prove you are a Native.

Also, you need to think about the implications; facial tattoos were the norm for some of us waaaayyy back when, but these days you couldn't find a job in the most liberal of places if you have an inked face. It just ain't worth collecting SSI over.

The other thing is that guys' (and ladies) used to EARN these, and did not just slap them on all willy-nilly like we do today.

I've spent hundreds of hours working to earn the $$ to get my tattoos; I have three biggies, my shoulder caps are both covered and most of my left leg is covered too.

Think about it once BEFORE you do it. I've worked in shops before, as a gopher and was instructed more than once to throw out anyone who even alluded to a laser removal. Tattoo artists who are worth their salt have spent years mastering their craft and tend to get pissy when people talk about lasering them off.

I used to tell potential customers all the time; the best tattoo for you may very well be the one YOU NEVER GET!!!!!!

Think about it.

[they_drag_him]

Thanks but that still confusses me, with your permission I respect but how does that help me know the meaning and if it is right? I found a pic but I am looking for a better one

i was being sarcastic for i am in no authority to give permission to anyone except my family.

[*Brown Eyed Gurl*]

uhm ya

tradish in my family is a needle ink and a lotta beer

one crooked drunk poke at a time

crosses hearts names other ppls names on the wrong persons hand

goot times.

[ProudNightWolf]

Thanks but that still confusses me, with your permission I respect but how does that help me know the meaning and if it is right? I found a pic but I am looking for a better one