Jaguar Tattoo Designs & Meanings
There are many reasons to get a tattoo. They can be used as a form of self-expression, decoration, or even protection. In this blog post we will discuss the symbolism and history behind one type of tattoo: jaguar tattoos.
There is evidence that suggests that people in Ancient Mexico worshipped them as gods! A jaguar tattoo can represent power, beauty, and spirituality – all things worth celebrating!
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Jaguar Tattoo Meaning
In the Western world, tattoos often carry a heavy stigma. There are many reasons to get a tattoo – they can be used as form of self-expression, decoration or even protection. Jaguars have been revered by humans for centuries because they are seen as powerful animals with great spiritual significance.
There is evidence that suggests that people in Ancient Mexico worshipped them as gods! A jaguar tattoo can represent power, beauty, and spirituality – all things worth celebrating!
The word “jaguar” comes from a term used by Central American Indians to refer to their panther god called Yaghawara or Jagwaratha (alternatively known as Jahuactecsco). The Aztecs knew him variously as O’ohtli (“he who yawn the earth”) and Yexotzihuitl (“god of animals”).
The jaguar is a symbol for the Sun, life force, power. The creature has been depicted in many Mesoamerican cultures as an earth-bound god that offers protection to warriors. Jaguars are also considered symbols of fertility because they mate more than once per year (unlike other cats).
In ancient civilizations like the Inca’s, hieroglyphs were used on their temples and monuments to commemorate valiant battles against enemies by depicting two or three tall triangular peaks with one large triangle between them bearing the images of a ferocious animal. It was common practice among these people to create depictions of victorious battles through pictures and figures called “yakah.”
What does a black jaguar tattoo symbolize?
It symbolizes strength, the sun god and power. Jaguars are also considered symbols of fertility because they mate more than once per year (unlike other cats).
The black jaguar tattoo is a powerful mythological creature that possesses an aggressive nature but one filled with great dignity which is why it has been depicted in many Mesoamerican cultures as a symbol of power.
The black jaguar tattoo is also symbolic for the sun god in Mesoamerica and it was customary that people would wear tattoos on their body depicting images of gods to show homage. The culture believed in life after death, so they created these types of decorations on their skin to honor the things they believed in.
What is the significance of a jaguar tattoo?
Jaguars are associated with warriors and have been used as symbols of power by different cultures. They were sometimes believed to be the source of life, death or a messenger between worlds. Jaguar tattoos can also represent personal strength, bravery and protection against enemies.
In Hinduism they symbolize patience, endurance and fearlessness because they will not back down from a fight.
In some cases, jaguars are symbols for women. They’re often depicted as the mother-goddess of the earth with her children or as she who takes care of all creatures on it. Jaguar tattoos may also symbolize fertility and life in general because they mate to create new life while still protecting the old.
In other cases, jaguars are symbols for men. They may represent masculinity and power because of their strength and agility in being able to take down prey like deer or ocelots on a regular basis.
Types of Jaguar Tattoos
Aztec Jaguar Tattoo
Aztec Jaguar Tattoos are often done in black and white, with the exceptions of red. They’re usually a representation of death or destruction because they were seen as the bringer of both good and bad luck to those who saw them.
A symbol can also represent an animal’s qualities that you want to embody like strength, wisdom, etc.
Tezcatlipoca Tattoo
A symbol can also represent an animal’s qualities that you want to embody like strength, wisdom, etc.
Tezcatlipoca is the Aztec god of war and night who was also a symbol for death and darkness.
The Tezcatlipoca tattoo can represent that you’re ready to fight your battles or have conquered them already. The black jaguar may be an omen of bad luck for those in the wrong eye of the storm.
Tezcatlipoca tattoos can also be done in red, representing blood spilled and death – but who knows which way it’ll go?
Traditional Jaguar Tattoo
Jaguar tattoos are one of the earliest and most iconic designs in American traditional work. Sailor Jerry famously used jaguars in his flash sheets and traditional tattoos often, making them an especially important part of American tattooing.
A traditional jaguar tattoo is a great gift for the person who likes tattoos but doesn’t want something too colorful. Traditional pieces work well on your arm, leg and back.
Tribal Jaguar Tattoo
Tribal designs are typically done in black and white, with the exception of red. They’re usually a representation of death or destruction because they were seen as the bringer of both good and bad luck to those who saw them.
A symbol can also represent an animal’s qualities that you want to embody like strength, wisdom, etc.
Yin Yang Jaguar Tattoo
The ying and the yang are a symbol in eastern culture that represent opposites. This is why you see them as black on one side, with an opposing color on the other- or vice versa. The design represents how there’s always some good mixed into all of life’s experiences no matter how bad it might seem.
This tattoo is a representation of the idea that life has balance– no matter how tough things are, there’s always some good mixed into all your experiences and memories.
The yin and yang also represent male and female balances in nature: dark/light; cold/warm; negative/positive forces etc.
And in eastern culture, the yin and yang represent how female energy is necessary to balance out male energy.
Jaguar Paw Prints Tattoo (on back of neck)
The paw prints symbolize family or clan markings (like lions do) with each print representing an ancestor from ancient times back up until now. In other cultures it can mean “born on this planet” as well- so you’ll see them on newborn babies’ foreheads for example. Sometimes they’re used to represent allegiance to a team or group.
The paw prints can also be seen as the steps of life, they’re often done with baby footprints at the bottom which is symbolic for just starting out in this world and growing up until you have full grown feet that are ready to take on anything. This tattoo might symbolize feelings such as being grounded or feeling like your family’s always there with you no matter what happens.
A jaguar hairline shape around these paw prints could add more meaning- maybe it represents protection from harm (like an animal would do) because when one falls down, another will stand next to them to help them back up again.
Jaguar Spots Tattoo
One other meaning that is often seen in a jaguar tattoo is the spots. This could represent animal instincts and how they are able to sense danger better than we can, which might also be why so many people choose this as their first tattoo since it’s symbolic for protection from harm.
This tattoo might also symbolize a fighter who’s always up for anything.
The jaguar tattoo is not only symbolic, but it can also be an attractive design to get (especially with the spots).
Jaguar Knight Tattoo
Some people are also drawn to the jaguar knight tattoo because of its mix between a human and an animal.
This is often seen as brave, which might be why it is so popular among athletes who want to show that they’re always up for a challenge. Because this tattoo has mixed symbols in it- both human features (the head, the legs) and animal features (the ears), it is also symbolic of balance.
I believe that this tattoo symbolizes bravery in a person who’s always up for anything. The jaguar knight tattoo might be especially important to people with physical disabilities because it can help them feel more empowered and like they’re not too different from others.
Jaguar Head Tattoo
The jaguar head tattoo is also a symbol of protection, but this time it’s from other animals. Jaguars are predators- strong enough to take down prey and survive in the jungle.
Jaguars have been seen as messengers between people on earth and the gods, so they’re often used for that meaning too (in Maya culture).
In Aztec mythology, there was an era called “jaguar sun” which means power over all things – including rulership. They were usually depicted with spots or stripes since these symbols meant good fortune while most cats had no markings at all because that would mean bad luck like death.
The tattoos can represent authority, leadership qualities, intelligence or wisdom depending on how they’re portrayed.”
Jaguar Back Tattoo
Back tattoos are often a little more difficult to heal because the skin is usually thinner and it’s not easy for your body to produce Vitamin D from sunlight.
The jaguar tattoo has meanings that are deeply connected with its natural environment.
Since jaguars are so closely associated with different animals in mythology (from other predators like leopards to messengers between people on earth), they’re often used as symbols of these traits too.
Jaguars have been seen as powerful creatures since ancient times; whether this means strength enough to take down prey or abilities to survive in high-risk environments.”
Mayan Jaguar Tattoo
The jaguar, or “balam” in Mayan culture, was revered for its strength and power. They were seen as a god that could commune with the sun god to bring messages back to humans on earth.”
Sizes of these tattoos can vary depending on body type (with smaller arm tattoos being more popular).
Jaguars are often depicted wearing the clothes of their human counterparts with items like belts, loin cloths and necklaces. Some designs also include flowers to represent fertility because the jaguar is considered the king of all animals.”
Geometric Jaguar Tattoo
Geometric jaguar tattoos are made up of geometric shapes and lines that have been drawn in black ink. These may represent a more modern take on the animal symbol.”
The design is often stylized to accentuate different features like stripes or spots which can be done in various colors, but not as many colors as some other types of tattoos.
“Geometric tattoos can range from being very intricate to more simplistic in their design.”
Some people might get a geometric tattoo of the jaguar for its symbolism as a protector or warrior, while others may be drawn to the simplicity and clean lines of it.”
Forearm Jaguar Tattoo
Forearm tattoos are often large in size, since the arm is relatively small and not able to hold as much detail.”
The jaguar has long been a symbol of strength. In ancient Mayan culture, the cat was revered for its ability to take down prey with ease – making it an excellent representation of power and stability.
Jaguar Tattoo on Shoulder
Shoulder tattoos can be a great choice for people that want to cover up large amounts of their arm. The jaguar tattoo on the shoulder, in some cases may represent someone who is strong and protective.”
The meaning behind this type of symbolism stems from the fact that Jaguars are often seen as protectors or warrior animals.
Jaguar Tattoo on Chest
Chest tattoos are a great choice for people that want to add some larger, more detailed designs. The jaguar tattoo on the chest is no exception.”
The meaning behind this type of symbolism stems from the fact that Jaguars were seen as protectors or warriors in ancient Mayan culture – making them an excellent representation of power and stability.
Neotraditional Jaguar Tattoo
“Neotraditional tattoos are usually composed of bright colors and linear lines, which make it a perfect style for someone who is looking to stand out.”
The neotraditional jaguar tattoo may show that the person wearing it has an independent personality. Jaguars often represent strength and intelligence in Mexican culture – making this design a symbol of power and protection.
Japanese Jaguar Tattoo
Japanese tattoos are typically comprised of black outlines with dark colors that make the tattoo stand out.
This design is often inked on the leg or arm, which means it can be seen very easily by others – making a strong statement to those who see it. It may also represent how Japanese people feel about their country and its culture.”
What does a panther head tattoo mean?
Panther head tattoos can mean a number of things depending on the artist and the meaning they want to convey. Some may symbolize an animal totem, while others could represent wisdom or strength.”
“Others might just look for some inspiration from the panthers in their life: friends, family members or past lovers.”
What does a puma tattoo mean?
Puma tattoos can be symbolic of power, strength and the animal’s balance between being a predator and prey. The puma is also known as “The Bridegroom”, which could represent love.”
What are jaguar tattoos?
This monochromatic approach to tattoo design is especially well suited to jaguar tattoos thanks to their unmistakable spots: even without color, anyone who sees one of these pieces will now instantly what kind of big cat is being depicted.
What Are The Best Colors For A Jaguar?
Their unique pattern, with the stark black spots over a tawny yellow background, provides artists with ample opportunity to show off their skill when applying a gradation of color tones.
What is the best way to tattoo jaguars?
A growing trend in the world of tattoo design sees more people eschewing the intricate shading that is often associated with black and gray work, taking a more subtle approach that uses simplified designs and black line work to create interesting tattoos.
What are the most popular jaguar tattoos?
It’s no surprise then that many people choose jaguar tattoos incorporating motifs that draw on warrior and animal totem inspiration from this ancient and fascinating jungle culture.
What are the elements of an Aztec tattoo?
Some people choose to integrate the cat into a tribal tattoo design recreating Aztec art, while others choose an Aztec idea for the opportunities they provide to bring other elements into a tattoo: the eagle, warrior and jungle scenes are all important elements in Aztec symbolism that can help create more exciting and unique jaguar tattoos.