Early Tribal Tattoos
These Tribal Tattoos have a very basic and simple form and are most often etched into the skin using only black tattoo ink resulting in a powerful contrast with the open areas of the skin. Tribal Tattoos in our modern day culture are derived from the traditional tattoos of the South Pacific. Originating from the Polynesian word 'tattoo', meaning to tap, tattooing was a ritual in numerous cultures that symbolized many things including courage,
bravery, social belonging, status and religious beliefs. Although primitive forms of tattoos date back at least 5000 years the most noted forms of decorative Tribal Tattoo are traced back to the Polynesians of the South Pacific and the Maori of New Zealand. The South Pacific tattoo played a great part in the traditions and customs of their societies, but were also the beginnings of tattoos as a fashion item. Tribal Tattoos of this era were leaving the realm of religious and spiritual context and began to emerge as marks of beauty and social status. Unfortunately the Polynesian and Maori Tattoos fell victim of a religious crusade that nearly wiped out any existence of the art altogether. We are now experiencing a renaissance of this Ancient Art of Tribal Tattooing. Many of the native cultures that nearly lost their customs forever are making great strides in revitalizing many of the lost lifestyles and arts, like totem carvings and tattooing. Some of the Artist are using a combination of primitive tools and modern day equipment as they bring back the arts of yesteryear.
Tribal Tattooing as we know it today
Tribal Tattoos are one of the most requested tattoo styles today. The Tribal Tattoo design is a favorite of both men and women and can be designed large or small as well as bold or with fine lines. Another great quality of the Tribal Tattoo design is that it is easily adapted to many other subjects. It is quite common to see Tribal Butterflies, Tribal Roses, Tribal Panthers, Tribal Cross and Tribal Skull Tattoos to name a few. Primarily done with black ink, Tribal Tattoos today are often designed using many other colors. Visit almost any tattoo studio and you will see countless numbers of Tribal Tattoo examples. These Tribal Tattoos that are displayed in most tattoo studios today only go back about 25 to 30 years. This art style, that has its roots in tattooing, is so popular that it is being used for all kinds of product enhancements, from motor homes to fashion wear, jewelry to footwear, you name it and 
someone has probably put some tribal art on it. Unbeknown to all these big city marketing agencies is that we all have Leo Zulueta to thank for this incredible contribution to the Tattoo World and the World in general. Leo is the one person responsible for popularizing this new wave of Tribal Tattoos. As the adopted son and student of Su'a Sulu'ape Petelo of Samoa, Leo transformed the Ancient Art of the South Pacific to the contemporary Tribal Tattooing as we know it today.
Where should you place a Tribal Tattoo
The good thing about a Tribal Tattoo is that it is a tattoo that fit anywhere on the body. The Tribal Tattoo design can be done almost any size without losing the dramatic look so familiar with tribal art. It is no doubt the tattoo design of choice to wrap around the biceps as an armband. Women have defined the lower back tattoo as one of the most inked part of the female body, with the tribal design being a popular choice. A visit to see your local professional tattoo artists will provide helpful ideas and suggestions that will make the placement and size of your tattoo work for you. Asking for their expert advice is one of the smartest things anyone can do to ensure their new tattoo is positioned and tattooed as effectively as possible.
Celebrities with Tribal Tattoos 
Tribal tattoos are also popular among Hollywood’s most notable personalities. Here is a short list of high-profile celebrities who sport tribal tattoos:
PAMELA ANDERSON / Model & Actress: Tribal tattoo on lower back
SANDRA BULLOCK / Actress: Tribal tattoo below belly button
JOHNNY DEPP / Actor: Tribal tattoo on upper left arm (heart)
EMINEM / Rapper: Tribal tattoo band around left wrist
DWAYNE “The Rock” JOHNSON / Wrestler: Tribal tattoo sleeve on left arm and shoulder
ANGELINA JOLIE / Actress: Tribal tattoo on lower back (tiger)
MIKE TYSON / Boxer: Tribal tattoo on face
PAMELA ANDERSON / Model & Actress: Tribal tattoo on lower back
SANDRA BULLOCK / Actress: Tribal tattoo below belly button
JOHNNY DEPP / Actor: Tribal tattoo on upper left arm (heart)
EMINEM / Rapper: Tribal tattoo band around left wrist
DWAYNE “The Rock” JOHNSON / Wrestler: Tribal tattoo sleeve on left arm and shoulder
ANGELINA JOLIE / Actress: Tribal tattoo on lower back (tiger)
MIKE TYSON / Boxer: Tribal tattoo on face
