An Aztec tattoo is an excellent way to show your admiration for this ancient culture and history. These designs are captivating and can be inked onto any part of the body. The Aztec people had a complex culture that valued battles, human sacrifices to appease their gods, and body art.
Feathered Serpents
These depictions typically featured snake heads carved into walls alongside relief carvings of feathers or birds. The feathered serpent symbolized themes such as rainfall, wind-power, rulership over territory, and war-fighting. It was seen as powerful and imposing, placed in public areas or important shrines and temples throughout the region.
Eagles
Eagles were revered by the Aztecs as symbols of strength and power. Eagles are frequently featured as tattoo designs across cultures, including Christian ones. The Aztecs were considered masters of color, using vibrant hues to convey various ideas and concepts in their art. They used symbols such as skeletons, the sun, and animals like hummingbirds and eagles for decorative purposes and to honor their gods. Eagles were seen as symbols of loyalty and courage, often tattooed on the bodies of warriors.
Aztec Eye Tattoo
An important symbol of the Aztecs was their eye, known as Nahui Ollin. This emblem symbolizes wisdom and movement. Colored ink is recommended for Aztec eye tattoos to make the design stand out and showcase individual style. These tattoos are symbolic and can be beneficial for those going through changes or transitions in their lives. They represent the belief in transformation from darkness into light.
Mictlantecuhtli
Mictlantecuhtli, also known as Nextepehua and Ixpuztec, was an Aztec god of death who ruled over Mictlan, the city of the dead. The Aztecs believed in the afterlife and viewed the Underworld as a kind of limbo where souls went after death. Mictlantecuhtli guided souls to their home after death and maintained order in the Underworld. Despite his association with death, he was not seen as an evil god. Some people choose to tattoo Mictlantecuhtli as a tribute to those who have passed away or as a reminder of the preciousness of life.
Goddesses
The Aztecs had a highly structured society, and tattoos served to honor gods. The sun god Huitzilopochtli, represented as either an eagle or hummingbird, symbolized renewal, warmth, and strength. Various goddesses were also worshipped, such as Coyolxauhqui associated with the sun, and Xochiquetzal, a goddess of love and beauty. Xochiquetzal tattoos can attract love, express beauty and femininity, or showcase intricate detail and vibrant colors.
An Aztec woman tattoo is a way to show your culture, heritage, creativity, and individual style. These designs can be fun and help you feel proud of your body.
