Aztec Tattoos

The Aztecs were probably one of the most powerful peoples in history, dominating the area we now call Mexico in between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries, until the arrival of the Spanish Explorers brought about the destruction of their society and an almost complete genocide. Aztec society was extremely structured and had an exacting social and spiritual code which dominated their daily lives. Aztec tattoos, as we refer to them, formed an important part of that culture.

The image of Aztec Culture that most of us have is a relic of the tales of the Conquistadores. These described a savage society that was only interested in pacifying their gods by spilling blood in hideous ways. It is in our nature to judge other cultures by our own criteria and in doing that we lose several important aspects of a society. What went missing here was the incredibly beautiful artwork of the Aztecs, and Tattoos were an important part of that.

The nature of Aztec society meant that almost everyone had some training the arts, even if it was just creating simple, but beautiful, pots and utensils. Their architectural skills were outstanding and the buildings were decorated and carved on every available surface to show the emotions of the people and their loyalty to their goods and their tribe.

Aztec Tattoos grew from both the religious and cultural aspects of their society. In common with manysuch societies Rites of Passage from one stage of life to another were marked with ceremonies, both boys and girls would have Tattoos to mark their coming of age and other milestones. Tribal affiliation was also exhibited visibly by the type, style and colors of the Tattoos.

Devotedness to a particular god was also displayed by the Tattoos, particularly those of the Warriors. Tezcatlipoca, the god of Warriors, was a always a popular choice. The driving force of the Aztec religion was the Sun, many Aztec Tattoos honor the Sun god, Huitzilopochtili. This is probably one of the most popular Aztec Tattoo designs used today.

Aztec tattoos were, first and last, a symbol of the veneration of a people for their gods. On a llower level, they represented the status and tribe to which you belonged as well as your achievements in life.

A large part of any Aztecs every day routine was dedicated to satisfying the gods and securing success in life and in battle so to bear symbols of that devotion on the body was considered to be all important. The placement of the Tattoos were not left to chance either and depended on the god whose support you wanted.

Tattoos were put on from an early age for both sexes and were seen as part of the process of growing up. As the children grew to maturity, they would get more, expressing their life story.

The main influence on Aztec life was the Sun, they developed an accurate calendar which was beautifully illustrated. The effect of the Sun, in it's constant rising and setting was seen to be the certain proof of an afterlife and consequently the Sun god was most highly revered. The Aztec language, Nahauti, was pictorial and the symbols for the Sun were, and still are, used as Tattoo designs.

Traditional Aztec Tattoos designs are misleading in their simplicity. There is almost none of the fine blending that we consider to be part of modern tatto artistry. They are bold and make a statement. Animal and Bird images were often used to give the wearer the attributes of that animal, but most common were images of the gods.

The god of warriors, Tezcatlipoca, with his fierce face was a popular choice. He is often depicted with his tongue sticking out.

Uitzilopochtle, the god of the Sun was tattooed in many different forms, and also the Calendar was used often depicting the date of an event that was particularly important in that persons life, maybe a battle, the birth of a child or the death of a King or tribal leader.