The Aztecs Indians were a highly civilized and culturally advanced tribe that existed from the 13th to the 16th century in the state now known as Mexico. The prosperity of Aztec civilization came to a halt upon the Spaniard conquest. Despite its nonexistence as a people today, Aztec influences are still very much alive and appreciated, not the least of which is their beautiful and symbolic tattoo art.
It is important to note that Aztec tattoos were considered very sacred. Aztec tattoos are widely popular for their ornate and meticulous patterns. They remain distinguished in present day, even though the tribe did not have a written language to chronicle their history and even though little is known about their tribal ways of life. Still, Aztec tattoo designs are frequently used today, sometimes without people even knowing it. Some tattoo images, such as the sun, are very Aztec in character, and are inherently beautiful and very symbolic. The sun was a figure of reverence for the Aztecs. It was the subject of most Aztec tattoos because it was believed to guard heavens. The Aztec calendar itself is all about the images of the sun, giving it various facial features and portrayed in different forms in all throughout the calendar.
Like most civilizations that delved into tattooing in ancient times, the Aztecs practiced the art of tattooing in connection to religious beliefs and was deeply embedded in their cultural practices. Even Aztec children were tattooed regardless of their youth. Ancient Aztec tattoo designs were crafted not just for decorative purposes, but for a variety of religious and social reasons, some of which are the following:
* Aztec tribal tattoos inked during rituals and always in honor of a particular god.
* Tattoo designs were used to identify and separate members of different tribes.
* Aztec tattoo designs were used to denote a person’s status and to establish a warrior’s rank and accomplishments.
It is important to note that Aztec tattoos were considered very sacred. Aztec tattoos are widely popular for their ornate and meticulous patterns. They remain distinguished in present day, even though the tribe did not have a written language to chronicle their history and even though little is known about their tribal ways of life. Still, Aztec tattoo designs are frequently used today, sometimes without people even knowing it. Some tattoo images, such as the sun, are very Aztec in character, and are inherently beautiful and very symbolic. The sun was a figure of reverence for the Aztecs. It was the subject of most Aztec tattoos because it was believed to guard heavens. The Aztec calendar itself is all about the images of the sun, giving it various facial features and portrayed in different forms in all throughout the calendar.
Like most civilizations that delved into tattooing in ancient times, the Aztecs practiced the art of tattooing in connection to religious beliefs and was deeply embedded in their cultural practices. Even Aztec children were tattooed regardless of their youth. Ancient Aztec tattoo designs were crafted not just for decorative purposes, but for a variety of religious and social reasons, some of which are the following:
* Aztec tribal tattoos inked during rituals and always in honor of a particular god.
* Tattoo designs were used to identify and separate members of different tribes.
* Aztec tattoo designs were used to denote a person’s status and to establish a warrior’s rank and accomplishments.
Religion and their many gods were very important in the Aztec culture. A big part of the Aztecs’ daily life was reserved to pay homage and please the gods. Quetzalcoatl was another very popular Aztec tattoo as it was a feathered serpent deity who commanded tremendous respect from the people. Below are some of the more popularly used Aztec gods and figures in tattoo designs:
* Huitzilopochtili, the Aztec sun god. Today, an Aztec sun tattoo symbolizes belief in an afterlife.
* Quetzalcoatl – the feathered serpent god of ancient Mexico, also the god of weather, creativity and fertility, was the most powerful of all Aztec gods.
* Tezcatlipoca, the god of warriors.
* The Aztec calendar.
* Eagle: Aztec warriors drew strength from the eagle.
* Cross tattoos and sun & moon tattoos.
Tattoos were so sacred for the Aztecs. Their tattoo art is definitely immersed in the ancient cultural history, and while one need not be a descendant in blood of the tribe, perhaps a study of Aztec culture is appropriate before choosing to wear their tattoo design in respect for an extinct civilization that gave us the art.
Article from : http://www.tattooletteringblog.com/
