Egyptian Tattoos and Egyptian Ankh Tattoos

Posted by James Young in Egyptian TattoosMar 26th, 2010 | No Comments

Those who are interested in Egyptian history are often attracted to Egyptian tattoos – many of the scenes and images depicted in these tattoo designs are taken directly from Egyptian art and artifacts. These tattoos are a great way to express a fascination with Egyptian history, myths, and legends.

Egyptian gods and deities are often used in these tattoos to represent different meanings. For example, Anubis, the dog-headed god of the afterlife, frequently appears in Egyptian tattoos. Horus, a god with the body of a man and the head of a hawk, is used to create a sense of ”all seeing and all knowing” among tattoo wearers. Bastet, the cat goddess, is also used to symbolize power and feminine energy.

Although the phoenix is primarily known as a Native American symbol of rebirth, it can also be rendered in Egyptian tattoo art to represent rising from difficult circumstances. The phoenix is sometimes accompanied by hieroglyphics or other Egyptian symbols.

A pyramid can be used to create a simple, linear tattoo design. Pyramids also appear as part of landscapes in tattoo art – this option allows the wearer to create a large design that can cover the chest, the stomach, or even the entire back.

The Egyptian cross, called an ”ankh”, is often used to symbolize eternal life. Ankhs can be quite large, often appearing as part of full back pieces; however, they can also be made small enough to look good on the ankle, wrist, or shoulder.

Heiroglyphic characters are sometimes used in tattoo art to spell names, quotes, or phrases. These Egyptian tattoos can be quite beautiful by themselves, although they are frequently used as part of larger works of body art.

Dolphin Tattoos

Posted by James Young in Dolphin TattoosMar 21st, 2010 | No Comments

Dolphin tattoos are quite popular today, largely because of their versatility and symbolism. Because dolphins represent different things to different people, they can be used in numerous ways to convey a variety of meanings through tattoo art.

Traditionally, only women chose dolphin tattoos; however, more and more men are also selecting designs that feature dolphins. Men who enjoy being near the ocean are particularly attracted to these tattoo designs.

The most common type of dolphin tattoo depicts the dolphin leaping out of the water, with a spray cascading behind it. An experienced tattoo artist can render this scene quite beautifully, adding realistic elements to both the dolphin and the water. The result is a stunning, colorful piece that captures attention and invites many compliments.

Other types of dolphin tattoos are also becoming popular. Rather than using realistic waves, some wearers choose designs that use colored tribal patterns or scrollwork to represent water. Others choose non-traditional scenes, such as two dolphins enmeshed to create a yin-yang, or two dolphins touching noses and tails to form a heart.

Dolphins can also be coupled with Celtic knotwork – this combination has gained quite a bit of attention in recent years. The dolphin may be encircled by a Celtic pattern, or may appear on top of a pattern or symbol. Three dolphins may even be used to create a Celtic knot by overlapping their tails.

Dolphin tattoos are used to express grace, kindness, wisdom, and other ideas. Thus, they often hold deeply personal meanings for their wearers. Dolphins can be used to create works of body art that are both beautiful and highly symbolic.