Top of 148 Ancient Egyptian Tattoos – The Most Complex Civilization

Egyptian civilization is considered by many as one of the most fascinating and mysterious that has been in the history of humanity. Many of its icons have transcended over the years and are still very popular today. The mummies, the pyramids, their many gods, the hieroglyphics, the pharaohs and many other elements continue to be an object of continuous study to decipher their meanings. The Egyptians have a rich culture and history; their love for art is reflected in their buildings, paintings, and even tattoos. Ancient Egyptian art is characterized by the use of symbols difficult to decipher (hieroglyphics) that make it something enigmatic, mysterious and admirable in the eyes of everyone.

The same goes for Egyptian tattoos.

According to these experts, the most frequent motivations for tattooing in Ancient Egypt were the connection with divinities, specific tributes or sacrifices for the gods, acquiring an unmissable talisman and generating magical integral protection of the body. These last points are critical to the decision of many people today in the long process of choosing the drawings that will accompany them forever in the skin.

If you are one of those people who have a passion for ancient art and cultures, you might consider tattooing something related to Egypt. To choose the best design for your tattoo you have to investigate its history and the meaning of the symbols or designs that most attract your attention and that can reflect what you feel related to.

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One of the reasons why Egyptian tattoos are trendy is due to their symbolic image and the precious ornaments that accompany them.

For most people it is quite a challenge to decipher the meaning of the Egyptian symbols since this could have different meanings; this makes their art more mysterious and intriguing. They have a delicate and harmonious aesthetic and deep sense. The luxurious Egyptian mythology has given rise to many symbols often chosen for tattoos, both in men and women.

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If we add to this halo of mystery its undoubted aesthetic beauty, we can not be surprised that the Egyptian world is one of the most tattoo designs inspires. Apart from that the Egyptian tattoos are topical, as is the case with Maori tattoos, they were also essential and were present in their time.

As in movies and music, ancient Egypt has managed to set trends in the world of tattooing, and more and more people are choosing to wear a bit of this culture on their skin, but do you know the meaning of the most typical symbols? ?

As we have said, the enormous amount of Egyptian symbols and their multiple meanings, make a variety of designs when it comes to making a tattoo on Egyptian themes is practically infinite. There are many reasons why you should include Egyptian elements in a symbol. Some people feel tremendous admiration for this culture, others feel related to the aesthetics of their features and, in many cases, they feel identified by the many meanings that hide their symbols and signs.

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Whatever the reason, we will explain the meanings of the most representative icons or figures of Egypt, in case you are thinking of including them in a tattoo.

TYPES OF EGYPTIAN TATTOO

There are several types of Egyptian tattoos. Usually, these tattoos make use of a mix of ancient and modern symbols to create a perfect masterpiece. The works of art and Egyptian symbols are unique since they usually have hidden meanings. Today, there are still tons of Egyptian symbols that historians have not been able to decipher. For this reason, some people think that other forces of mystical nature influenced the creation of Egyptian works of art.

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Next, we leave you a collection of different Egyptian tattoo designs and symbologies so you can choose the one that goes with you the most and takes inspiration for the design of your Egyptian tattoo.

TATTOOS OF ANKH

This design is straightforward, but it has a significant meaning for the Egyptians. Ankh is a word of Latin origin whose purpose is “cross”. The representation of the image of a cross is very symbolic since the ancient Egyptians associated it closely with life, presenting itself as the Key of Life. The ankh is the symbol of eternal life. This is probably the reason why the Egyptians and their paintings carry this symbol in one of their hands or both; they were firm believers in life beyond death, that is why they held the ankh as protection in the passage to the other lifetime.

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EGYPTIAN PHARAOH TATTOO

In Ancient Egypt, a pharaoh was the figure that ruled. This figure is comparable to that of a king today. Pharaoh has the highest authority and power during a specific era. If we find this figure in the design of a tattoo, it will indicate energy and body. Generally, in the designs of Egyptian symbols are the first and last pharaohs of the earth those that appear reflected.

Tutankhamon Tattoo

Tutankhamun is the most famous king of Ancient Egypt. His image is a symbol of power, hedonism and royalty. He is one of the most famous Egyptian pharaohs and mistakenly taken as the most important. … Tut-and-Aten, as it was called before changing its name, was a pharaoh of Egypt belonging to the XVIII Dynasty.

TATTOOS OF NEFERTITI

Nefertiti was the most important female figure in Egypt. As a woman, she led a religious revolution and brought monotheism to the entire state. Queen Nefertiti symbolises feminine power, prosperity and progress in life.

 THE EYE OF HORUS TATTOOS

This is, by far, the most famous and known Egyptian symbol worldwide. This symbol was popularised by its presence in movies and books. This symbol has its history, and it is because of it that it turns out to be a symbol very revered by the Egyptians.

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This Eye belonged to an ancient Egyptian God named Horus. The stories say that Horus lost his eye in a battle, and was found somewhere after a long period. Many Egyptians believed that this Eye could see everything that was going to happen to the Egyptian people, being represented as the eye that sees everything. Many people decide to tattoo this image in the centre of their back or on the nape of the neck as an omniscient “third eye”.

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If you decide to include this symbol in the design of your tattoo, or you know someone who has it tattooed, it means protection, energy and strength.

EGYPTIAN GODS TATTOOS

The Egyptians are known, among other reasons, for their entrenched beliefs in gods and goddesses.

ANUBIS TATTOOS

Anubis is the God of the dead. His image is represented with the head of a dog and the human body. His story says that Anubis is responsible for watching those who have passed to the next life, so often his image is located in front of a set of pyramids, representing the tombs of the dead.

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Anubis is synonymous with protection, and if you decide to get a tattoo, we propose a perfect area: between your shoulder blades so that the protecting God always keeps your back.

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BASTET TATTOOS

Bastet is one of the deities of the ancient Egyptians and is a figure highly respected by the Egyptians. It is about the Egyptian goddess in the shape of a cat. Bastet is the protector of Lower Egypt. His story tells that he fought against evil serpents to preserve peace and order throughout Lower Egypt.

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Often his image is usually shown as the silhouette of a black cat.

RA TATTOOS

Ra was the God of heaven, God of the sun, and the origin of life. Ra was the symbol of sunlight, as well as responsible for the cycle of death and resurrection. A man’s body with a falcon’s head on which he wore a solar disk and is a symbol of maximum protection. He is known as the “eternal observer.”

ISIS GOD TATTOOS

Goddess of Egyptian mythology. His name means “throne”, which is represented by the hieroglyph that he carries on his head. His figure is still worshipped today by many people. Known as the “Great Magician”, it represents nature, fertility and motherhood.

SPHINX TATTOO

If we talk about Ancient Egypt, we will find many stories about the figure of the Sphinx. The Sphinx has become an icon not only in Egypt but also in other parts of the world.

A Sphinx is a unique mythical creature. It consists of a human head with the body of a lion. It is famous for being ruthless and treacherous.

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The figure of the Sphinx was created as the king’s guardian. His body occupied a large part of the pyramid, always situated close to the king. Depending on how large the king wanted his Sphinx to be, he could sit on numerous areas of the creature’s body, observing everything that happened in the village.

There is a story that tells that people who were not able to respond to the riddle given by the Sphinx were thrown into a place where ferocious beasts were waiting to feed on their bodies.

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Although its meaning is quite negative, it is widespread for both men and women to include this figure as a design for their tattoos. Among its symbols, we can highlight the riddles, the danger and the game.

PYRAMID TATTOOS

No symbol identifies as clearly with Egypt as these incredible stone monuments. Some people believe that the shape and orientation of each pyramid give them power and energy, the pursuit of goals and stability. So the pyramid tattoos represent strength, endurance and our place in eternity.

URAEUS TATTOOS

Uraeus is a fearsome breeding cobra. Sign of royalty and legitimacy of divine authority. This creature is also identified with the protection of the Egyptian gods. Usually, Uraeus tattoos are located in reasonably large areas of the body such as calves, arms or back.

RISING SUN TATTOOS

For the Egyptians, the dung beetle was a symbol of spontaneity and rebirth. It was an amulet of life and power, represented the Rising Sun and was a symbol of resurrection.

For the Egyptians, the living beetle protected against all evil, giving strength and stability. In death, the one who carried it had the possibility of resurrecting and attaining eternal life.

PHOENIX BIRD TATTOOS

This legendary Egyptian creature was accused of having risen from its ashes to start life again. Many tattoo fans include it as a symbol of resurrection, or to achieve victories in the face of life’s difficulties. If you are thinking of tattooing, the Phoenix Bird always do it in a large area, giving space to this creature so that its wings can unfold.

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The ideal areas for this tattoo are the back and the upper part of the arms.

DJED TATTOOS

The Djed is, literally, the backbone of human life. It is a symbol of stable power and strength. He often appears decorating coffins to help the mummies giving them the energy they need to continue in the afterlife. The perfect place for this tattoo would be covering the entire back, over the spine

The well known – Hieroglyphs Tattoo

Hieroglyphs are one of the most familiar Egyptian symbolic symbols worldwide. They have a great attraction for its enigmatic character and the quality of being a riddle. Even a simple name would make the tattoo intriguing. In this way, you will make those who see your tattoo wonder what it means.

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MEANING OF THE EGYPTIAN TATTOO

Egyptian tattoos and symbols are entirely free to interpret. There are still ancient Egyptian symbols that historians are still trying to decipher today. The meaning of Egyptian tattoos varies greatly depending on the logos included in the design. Some tattoos symbolize positive characteristics, while other models of Egyptian tattoos have connotations of negative meanings.

Generally, Egyptian tattoos represent spiritual connections. Tattoos with this meaning usually include the figure of Egyptian gods in the total design.

Some Egyptian tattoos are made to pay tribute to gods, goddesses, or various Egyptian tribes.

These types of tattoos usually include the face of God who is paid tribute. The meaning of these tattoos is based more on the religious aspect of life. If you think about tattooing something of this style it would mean that you believe in that god, in its history, values ?? and ideology. Many Egyptian tattoos serve as amulets or protection. Although there is not any proof that affirms this fact, many people decide to tattoo a specific Egyptian symbol since this way it feels protected and free of any damage.

EGYPTIAN CAT TATTOO

For the Egyptians, the cats were considered as sacred animals, intimately associated with the concept of divinity. They believed that in their bodies lived the soul of Bastet, goddess who represents hope, joy, harmony and feminine virtues.

CLEOPATRA EGYPTIAN TATTOOS

Cleopatra was a recognised queen of Egypt, who assumed power with only 18 years. Owner of a good education and beauty, Cleopatra is the protagonist in many designs of Egyptian tattoos. His face transmits peace, harmony and intelligence. Dressed with beautiful Egyptian ornaments, this tattoo can be seen very well on any part of the body, provided there is enough space. In this case, it is on a girl’s leg.

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MAAT TATTOOS

Maat, daughter of Ra, is the goddess of justice, morals and balance. It is represented as a female human form with two large stretched wings. This image represents universal harmony, balance and balance. It can certainly be a beautiful design for a tattoo.

SHEN TATTOOS

The Shen is an Egyptian symbol that represents eternity. It is a ring held by ropes, as a symbol of infinity. In some cases, inside the Shen, some hieroglyphs are drawn.

THE EYE OF HORUS TATTOO

According to Egyptian mythology, Horus was a hawk god, son of Osiris. Trying to avenge the death of his father in a battle, Horus lost an eye. When finalising the fight, the Gods decided to return the eye to Horus, but this one did not accept it, and it dedicated it to the memory of its father. Therefore, a tapping of the eye of Horus can be done in honour of a loved one who is no longer on this Earth, or as a symbol of protection or hope.

ANKH TATTOO

The Ankh is the symbol of eternal life. It appears in many hieroglyphics. In some images, the dates hold this symbol in their hands or support it on someone’s lips. The ancient Egyptians believed that in this way the gods could offer the breath of life necessary to continue existing after death.

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Beyond its meaning, related to the eternal and the infinite, it is a symbol that looks beautiful in any tattoo. It is also effortless to do; it is like a cross with a bow on top.

EGYPTIAN TATTOO OF GOD RA

Ra is one of the most important Egyptian gods, a figure of high power and strength, the giver of life. He was considered responsible for the cycles of life and death, and resurrection. It is represented with the figure of the sun, or like the head of a hawk, also wearing typical Egyptian garments and a sacred sceptre.

TATTOOS OF THE SUN

Another of the designs of Egyptian tattoos that can be seen frequently is that of the Sun. Many of the emblems of Egyptian gods carry a symbol that refers to the Sun, although this symbol can be an independent tattoo since the Egyptian culture attributed powers magical and worshipped the Sun, including it in the representation of many of their deities.

OSIRIS TATTOOS

Osiris, the father of Horus, was represented with an eye and a throne, was the president of the court in charge of judging people after his death, the court had to prove in this trial that he had acted correctly. During the process, the god Anubis intervened, who weighed the heart of the deceased, if he passed the examination favourably, he was taken to the land of fortune, a kind of Egyptian paradise.

Tattoos of Osiris have many interpretations about the role of this god; the most common is usually the concept of justice or correct behaviour, often depicted mummified with green or black skin and a crown. Osiris tattoos can also represent fertility, resurrection or regeneration.

TATTOO OF BA

Ba is represented in Egypt as a bird with a human head. According to the Egyptian belief, Ba is the part of the soul capable of flying and holding the body of the diffused with the celestial world. Every day, the Ba fell off the frame and ascended to the “other world,” but every night he had to return to the grave and reunite with his Ka, who remained in the tomb. The Ba and the Ka are two elements that always have to go together.

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That is why the bodies were embalmed so that the Ba could return at night. Statues of the dissemination were also carved so that, in case the body deteriorated, the Ba could continue to have shelter. A tattoo of Ba represents the belief of the union of the natural and spiritual world.