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Tattoos have been around for centuries and used for reasons that go beyond their aesthetic quality. One of the most popular tribes known for their tattoos are the Aztecs. The particular tribe has been quite advanced in their time, incorporating skin art in their culture to the point that most of their symbols are still being used today.

The Aztecs once lived on the area that is now called Mexico. They lived between the 13^th and 16^th century with most of their activities centered on religion. Hence, it is not surprising that some of the tattoo designs inspired by the Aztecs are created for the gods with most tribal rituals performed with these tattoos. Still, their designs are also helpful in that each tattoo helps define a tribe member. A particular ink is used to determine which tribe a person belongs to and is also used to depict a person’s social status. For example, a warrior’s accomplishments are likely to be displayed on their skin as a message to all his strengths and influences within the tribe. Skin art is so enmeshed in their daily lifestyle that even children sported these tattoos.

As mentioned, most Aztec tattoos are centered on religion with the Sun god, Huitzilopochtili, being at the fore of the list. Modern belief places the sun as a symbol of the afterlife while the Aztec believes that the sun is a guardian of the heavens. Quetzalcoatl is the serpent god of ancient Mexico, considered as the most powerful of all the Aztec gods, he rules over the weather, creativity and fertility. Other tattoo symbols associated with the tribe include cross tattoos, sun and moon tattoos and eagle designs which a warrior believed to be a source of strength.

Nowadays, the varied meanings of the Aztec tattoo designs are seriously being taken into account when having the symbols inked. Hence, those who pick these designs are well rounded about each symbol’s meaning and heritage. Some of the most used symbols are the eagle, princesses and the Aztec calendar. Colors may vary depending on your preferences, but the tribe symbols are normally done in black ink.

The back or the biceps are the most common body parts where the tattoos are places since the designs are usually large. Sun and eagle tattoos may be scaled to smaller sizes that could fit the wrist or ankle. However, the Aztecs were not only mindful of the symbol itself but also its placement. For example, a symbol placed on the chest, wrist or stomach represents a person’s commitment to a certain god.

Ideally, you must first be mindful of the representation of the symbols before having them tattooed on your skin. This shows that the art form is not only for aesthetic reason but also brandishes the pride a person may have for his heritage. Celebrities known for their Aztec tattoos include Brian Green from Terminator and Sarah Connor Chronicles who has an Aztec thunderbird on her shoulder.