Aztec was a cultural group living in  South Central Mexico in between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries, until the arrival of the Spanish Explorers brought about the destruction of their society. The Aztecs were religious people and believed in human sacrifices for pleasing their Gods. The several characters and designs are equally popular today and are also used as symbols in tattoos. These tattoos are known as Aztec tattoos. They are easily recognized as most Aztec Tattoo designs are brightly colored and highly stylized.

Aztec Tattoos, more than any other, are a reflection of a people, their culture and their society. Aztec people believed that making tattoos of religious symbols would portray their devotion to the Gods and hence, tattoo making was a common practice. Sometimes, tattoos were also used as a mark of distinction between different tribes.

All the symbols belonging to the Aztec culture have certain meanings related to them. The Sun God was believed as the guardian of the heaven and hence, was very much respected. The Aztecs also believed in ‘after life’ which was similar to the setting and the rising of the sun. The eagle represents power, strength and vigor. It was also believed to be the source of inspiration for the warriors during wars.

Although Aztec tattoos can be made in different colors, the tribal Aztec tattoos are in vogue these days. Made with black or blue ink, they do not fail to catch the eye of the onlooker. Aztec designs and symbols look attractive when made larger in size, therefore, you can have them made on shoulders, stomach or the back. If you do not wish to have large tattoos, you can have their smaller versions made on the wrist, ankle or back of the neck.

Today, the Aztec tribal tattoos are one of the most popular tattoo designs that people would love to have. Even though the artistry is more rudimentary compared to other tribal tattoos that are curvier and spirally in nature, people who asked to have an Aztec tribal tattoo usually do so to give respect to a once great civilization or have found their ancestry dating back to these great people. And there are hundreds of thousands of tattoo enthusiasts who have fallen in love with Aztec tattoos, and more will surely adore these astonishing forms of art.