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egyptian tattoos and their meaning

by Prof. Andreanne Feeney Sr. Published 4 years ago Updated 3 years ago

The meanings and symbolisms that we can find among the Egyptian tattoos are:

  • Ankh: also known as "Key of Life", it is a symbol of life, love and eternity. ...
  • Pyramid: these impressive man-made structures represent strength, toughness and our place in eternity.
  • Sphinx: Like a lion with the head of a woman, the Sphinx is a symbol of riddles, dangers and gambling.

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Full Answer

What does an Egyptian tattoo mean?

What do Egyptian tattoos mean?Egyptian tattoos are beautiful representations of power and prestige. They speak to days of old when pharaohs ruled the land and gods and goddesses were put on high pedestals. It was a different age but the markings have followed people through the generations. Egyptian tattoos are still popular among many people.

What does an Egyptian eye tattoo symbolize?

What does the Egyptian eye tattoo mean? The Eye of Horus (also known as The Eye of Ra) is a symbol of Egyptian origin that stands for health, knowledge, and power. In addition to health and power, it is also believed to give protection to its bearer. … 10 Related Question Answers Found

Where I can find meanings to tribal tattoos?

  • Their symbolism defines the wearer’s passions and identity.
  • Everyone has the basic tribal need to belong, and these tattoos give some a sense of that.
  • As an expression of uniqueness, and one’s personal freedom.
  • They grant one a kind of connection to ancient, mystic, and mysterious activity.

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What are the meanings of Celtic tattoos?

The most common meanings for Celtic tattoos that contain interlocking Celtic knots or spirals are:

  • Eternal Life
  • Resurrection
  • Complexity of Nature
  • Protection from Evil Spirits
  • Good Fortune
  • Cycle of Life

What do Egyptian tattoos symbolize?

One of the globally recognized ancient Egyptian symbols is the Eye of Horus. It is a religious symbol that represents healing, well-being, health, and protection. The symbols of the Eye stems from a mythical conflict between Horus and Set (god of desserts and storms, rival of Horus).

What did ancient Egyptian tattoos symbolize?

In ancient Egypt tattoos had a huge significance and many different meanings. For some it was a symbol that represented their social group and community, for some it was a sign that depicted what they believed, for some it was meant to make their body even more beautiful and attractive.

What tattoos did the Egyptians have?

The 5,000-year-old mummies have tattooed images of sheep, bulls, and mysterious lines. Ancient Egyptians were getting inked up earlier than we thought. A new analysis of two mummies shows the pair were sporting tattoos. The mummies belong to a collection of six found in 1900.

What does an Egyptian Eye tattoo symbolize?

The Eye of Horus is an ancient Egyptian symbol that represents protection, sacrifice, healing, regeneration, and royal power. It is also used to protect both the living and the dead from evil forces.

What does Cleopatra tattoo symbolize?

A Cleopatra tattoo can symbolize women in power and excellent leadership skills. Cleopatra would often dress up as the goddess Isis- not just for the fashion.

What does a sphinx tattoo mean?

as a lion with the head of a woman, the sphinx is a symbol of riddles, danger, and gambling. The ancient Egyptians have fascinated people all around the world for centuries, and their culture continues to resonate with tattoo enthusiasts today.

Are tattoos common in Egypt?

As a result of Egypt turning into more of a religiously led country, with a large Muslim population as well as a strong Coptic Christian population, tattooing is largely seen as taboo and against 'social norms' primarily due to it being seen as a sort of sin by Egypt's religious community.

Are tattoos accepted in Egypt?

It is totally okay to visit Egypt with a tattoo.

Why did Egyptians wear tattoos?

Perhaps, as in the present, the tattoo in ancient Egypt had many meanings aside from amuletic protection or cultic devotion. In the case of the image of Bes, a god known as well for encouraging merriment as providing protection, perhaps it was simply an expression of the joy one found in living one's life.

Is it OK to get an Eye of Horus tattoo?

The Eye of Horus can also represent improving yourself. This would be an excellent choice for someone who has overcome a difficulty. As with many eye symbols in the spiritual world, an Eye of Horus tattoo can also be a protective symbol.

Is it okay to tattoo the Eye of Horus?

The god Horus and his magical eye is just one of the brilliant symbols from Ancient Egypt. It's relationship to protection, healing, and good luck within Egyptian art means it's a great modern tattoo choice for those with a love of Ancient Egyptian symbol tattoos.

What does Anubis tattoo mean?

In Egyptian mythology, Anubis was a symbol of death and the Underworld. This print as a tattoo could represent your role of trying to fight off evil spirits and bad energy. You can also use this tattoo as your symbol of protection and power in your own spiritual way.

What is the meaning of tattoos in Egypt?

Egyptian Tattoos: Symbolism and Meaning. Written by Christopher Owers in Symbolism/Meaning. Tattoos relating to the wonders of Ancient Egyptian art and its rich mythology and culture are one way in which Egyptian culture is still celebrated today. Popular motifs include Tutankhamun himself and hieroglyphic signs, ...

What is the most famous tattoo in Ancient Egypt?

Finds from the tombs of Ancient Egypt have, quite literally, become iconic. The extraordinary death mask of Tutankhamun is a popular tattoo choice, but there are many other options, such as the famous stone carving of the head of the beautiful Queen Nefertiti, or the elegant bronze and gold Gayer-Anderson cat.

What is the symbol of Tutankhamun?

Popular motifs include Tutankhamun himself and hieroglyphic signs, such as the ankh and the Eye of Horus. Related symbols from Near and Middle Eastern cultures that are much loved in contemporary tattoo art include the Eye of God, also known as the Eye of Providence, that also features in Hinduism and Buddhism.

What does the Ankh tattoo mean?

The ankh is actually a hieroglyphic sign meaning ‘life’, but it could also symbolize air and water, the essentials for life.

What is the eye of Horus tattoo?

Eye of Horus Tattoo. Images relating to the deities of Ancient Egypt also regularly feature in tattoo designs. The Eye of Horus, the falcon-headed sky god, is derived from hieroglyphics. It was – and still is – associated with protection and good luck.

What is an OM tattoo?

An om tattoo is ideal for anyone interested in yoga, or eastern spirituality generally. As with the other tattoos discussed here, it evokes great civilizations and the most profound religious beliefs of some of the world’s greatest ever cultures.

What does the pyramid of the eye mean?

Here the pyramid often appears instead as a simple triangle enclosing the eye. This refers to the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). The eye is also often shown with rays of light emanating from it and radiating downward, representing the divine gaze.

Egyptian Tattoos Placement Ideas

Hand or finger placement – Egyptian tattoos that work best on the hand would be the ones featuring hieroglyphs and small but meaningful motifs like the Ankh or the Eye of Hours. Some people even get small pharaoh tattoos on their hands.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this article was informative and helpful for those interested in getting an ancient Egypt-inspired tattoo. We tried to go into detail with the meanings, so you really know what kind of tattoo you’re getting. For more interesting tattoo ideas, make sure to check out or other articles; there are tattoo designs and ideas for everybody.

What is the most ancient Egyptian tattoo?

Another wonderful tattoo from ancient Egypt is the vulture goddess Nekhbet. Nekhbet is the most ancient of Egyptian oracles, that’s there even before the dynastic era of Egypt! Anybody who is looking for a design that represents grace, beauty, and truth altogether, then Nekhbet is for her!

What is the best tattoo for men in Egypt?

Here are top 30 Amazing Egyptian Tattoo Ideas for Men and Women! 1. The Wadjet. The Wadjet makes for an amazing Egyptian tattoo. The Wadjat is an ancient Egyptian symbol that represents the circle of life that predates dynastic Egypt. This beautiful symbol came into being even before the pharaohs came to rule Egypt.

What is a nemes tattoo?

Nemes is the name of the headdresses worn by Egyptian pharaohs in ancient Egypt, who was considered God by the masses in ancient Egypt. Nemes were worn by only Egyptian pharaohs that symbolizes royalty and power. You can get this tattoo either in larger size or if you are looking for something smaller in size, then Nemes is a perfect tattoo design from ancient Egypt. You can get this one on your hand, or finger. It will look perfect.

What is the Egyptian Pantheon?

The ancient Egyptian Pantheon makes for an ultimate tattoo design. This design basically represents everything about Egypt such as Isis, Ra, Anubis, Horace, and more. It comes out as a beautiful collage etched on your body. And trust me it looks great! Get it anywhere!!

What is the meaning of Anubis tattoo?

Anubis is the design for you to get if you are really looking for something unique for yourself. This tattoo looks perfect when etched on hand.

What is the best tattoo for Tutankhamen?

And the best thing about this tattoo is you can get this one either in large size or in smaller size. The tattoo inked on your body will have intense effects, especially when done on your finger in a small size.

What does the scarab tattoo represent?

The sacred scarab holding up the sun looks amazing tattoo design. The combination simply represents the fearless power and breathe. This beautiful tattoo can be etched on your shoulder, neck, nape, or near the ear.

Most Popular Egyptian Tattoos

The ancient Egyptians, have fascinated many people around the world for decades and, nowadays, this the world for decades and, nowadays, this fascination has moved to the world of tattoos. to the world of tattoos. The ancient Egyptians were the first known known culture that used tattoos, they had an alphabet based on images (the hieroglyphs).

Meaning and Symbolism of Egyptian Tattoos

Egyptian tattoos are characterized by representing a balance of power. It is very common to see the gods of this mythology and their main symbols tattooed on the skin. At that time, the gods were the center of the culture and people used tattoos as a way to connect with them.

Egyptian Tattoos for Men

Generally, Egyptian tattoos, have a delicate and harmonious aesthetic, and, as you have seen, with a deep meaning. Egyptian mythology has given origin to many symbols chosen for tattoos for both men and women. But usually, the Egyptian tattoos that men prefer are large and with many details. Usually on the arms, chest or back.

Egyptian Tattoos for Women

Women tend to choose smaller, more discreet tattoo designs. But that doesn't mean that their tattoos don't have the meaning they want to give them. Some examples of Egyptian tattoos that women usually choose are:

Small Egyptian Tattoos

Most of the Egyptian symbols are usually represented with small tattoos. These, in many cases are in discreet areas, although, as always, it depends on the taste of each one since a tattoo is personal. Below, you can see some examples of small Egyptian tattoos:

Large Egyptian Tattoos

In this case, tattoos are usually made with a lot of details, made with different types of lines and even giving them depth effect with shadows. Some examples can be:

Egyptian tattoos on body parts

While in most types of tattoos, the most common body part by far when it comes to getting tattoos is the arm and, more specifically, the shoulder, in Egyptian tattoos, we find a wide variety of body parts that are usually tattooed.

Why do people get tattoos with phoenix?

Those who choose this as a focal point for their tattoo do so because of the connection to rebirth, having left behind the struggles from earlier in life.

What does the pyramid symbol mean?

Easily the most recognized in all Egyptian tattoos, the pyramid is a symbol of power, energy, and stability. This is the perfect anchor piece for a full back tattoo as it encompasses the spine, lower leg, and upper arms all in one.

What does the eye of Cleopatra represent?

This ancient symbol looks like the eyes of Cleopatra and is representative of the all-seeing eye . This is actually a symbol of the God of the Sky, who scarified his own eye during the course of battle.

What is the meaning of the sphinx?

The Sphinx is the second most recognized of all Egyptian tattoos, and it is representative of protection, guardianship, and security. The job of the Sphinx was to protect the body of the king.

What is the goddess of tattoos?

Egyptian Goddess Isis was the mother of Horus. She was considered as the goddess of poor people and mother of nature and magic. A cool idea for Egyptian tattoos for females would be to try isis tattoo on full back. 22. There are many Egyptian goddesses that could be the inspiration for your next tattoo.

What goddess is the inspiration for tattoos?

There are many Egyptian goddesses that could be the inspiration for your next tattoo. My favorite would be Maat (goddess of law and justice), Input, Anuket (Goddess of river Nile), Bast (Goddess of cats) and Hathor (Goddess of Love). 23. Egyptian God Anubis was also cited as a protector of law and justice.

What does an ankh tattoo mean?

Egyptian Ankh symbolizes life and it is in the form of a cross. While many like to have a simple Egyptian ankh tattoo you can have a modified version like this. 6. I don’t think it’s a cool idea to have an ancient Egyptian tattoo on the full-back but still many people love to have them.

What is the symbol of the Egyptian god?

Egyptian God Horus was cited as the god of the sky by ancient Egyptians. His symbol was that of an eye. The eye of Horus represented magical powers and blessings from deities. Here is an Egyptian eye tattoo that will look meaningful to people who believe in ancient mythology.

Can you get a tattoo of Horus on both hands?

According to Egyptian tattoos history people of ancient egypt used to have tattoos of their cats. 44. Even though it’s not a meaningful idea to have the eye of Horus tattoo on both hands but it will look cool if you have such matching tattoo with your sibling.

Who is the most popular Egyptian queen?

Here is an egyptian queen tattoo that shows the re-imagination of egyptian queens. 29. Cleopatra is surely the most popular Egyptian queen of all time but the land of ancient Egypt was ruled by many powerful females. You can try tattoos of those queens.

Do Egyptian pharaohs have tattoos?

The Egyptian pharaohs often used to glorify themselves. You can have a tattoo of Egyptian tombs that had been molded according to the face of pharaohs. 26. Egyptian pharaohs used to have a long beard on their chin so make sure you show that In your Egyptian pharaoh tattoos.

What is the symbol of ancient Egypt?

The Ankh, ancient Egyptian symbol. Ankh is one of the most popular symbols of ancient Egyptian history. If you are watching the symbol for the first time, it may seem ordinary as it comes with only a stick figure without legs. The symbol held significant meaning for ancient Egyptians.

What does the tattoo of King Tut mean?

You can use a different colour to make the tattoo of King Tut attractive. The tattoo of King Tut is best for men, as it symbolizes power and domination. These are many Egyptian tattoos to choose from.

What is the meaning of the Ankh symbol?

The symbol held significant meaning for ancient Egyptians. For ancient Egyptians, the symbol of Ankh was considered a symbol of eternal life. Ancient Egyptians believed the Ankh symbol provided protection in their journey from the Earth to Heaven. Ankh is one of the best Egyptian tattoos that you can choose to do.

What does the statue of Anubis represent?

You can encounter the statue of Anubis in almost all Pyramids of Egypt. It is one of the best ancient Egyptian symbols you can pick for a tattoo. It will signify a symbol of protection.

What is the symbol of the Sphinx?

The structure comprises a human head attached to the body of a lion. Historians aren’t clear about its significances but many believe it was constructed as a symbol of guards of the great Pyramids.

Can you get Egyptian tattoos?

However, if too many designs have confused you, we suggest ancient Egyptian symbols can also be a great idea. And remember, Egyptian tattoos are quite popular across the world.

Can you get a full figured sphinx tattoo?

A full-figured Sphinx will be a good choice if you consider a large tattoo. The head of the Sphinx can be perfect for a small-sized tattoo. You may google sphinx tattoos to see how they look on different body parts.

Who wrote about tattoos in ancient Egypt?

Louis Keimer, who authored a key text on tattooing in ancient Egypt, wrote that all tattooed women in Egypt were "prostitutes of dubious morality.". Yet in recent decades, the surging popularity of tattoos has shifted perceptions. More articles have been published since 2000 on ancient tattoos than in the entire 20th century.

Why did Hathor get tattoos?

By tattooing in public regions of the body, the tattoos were intended to permanently mark the woman as associated with religious worship.

What is the tattoo on the Ramesside Temple?

Other tattoos, like a bent-lotus plant, appear as graffiti on the stones of the Ramesside temple to Hathor at Deir el Medina. This hieroglyph served as a link between Hathor and papyrus marshes. Additionally, open lotus blossoms abound on the graffiti of the temple floor and were tattooed on either hip.

What is the significance of the tattoos on the Deir el Medina?

Yet, in the case of the Deir el Medina mummy, a tattooed woman clearly had an important connection to religion. While we cannot give her a priestly title, the permanent, public and religious nature of her tattoos indicates that women’s religious roles in ancient Egypt were more complex than titles suggest.

Where is the Eye of Horus?

The Eye of Horus was placed on the throat, the two shoulders and the back ; from any angle when one looked at this woman, a pair of divine eyes peered back. These divine eyes were written together with the hieroglyph nefer. This combination forms the phrase “to do good.”.

Culture

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Egyptians have a rich culture and history. Egyptians were among the many people who practiced ancient art. The Egyptians love for the ancient art is present in their structures, paintings and even tattoos. The thing about Egyptian art is that it uses symbols that are hard to decipher which make their art even more admirable and i…
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Causes

  • There are several types of Egyptian Tattoos you can get today. These tattoos use both ancient and modern symbols to create a perfect masterpiece. The Egyptian artworks and symbols are quite unique because they have well-hidden meanings. Today, there are still tons of Egyptian symbols historians have yet to find out the meaning. For this reason, some people think that oth…
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Story

  • When you talk about Ancient Egypt, you will always encounter countless stories about the Sphinx. The Sphinx has become very iconic, not only in Egypt but in other parts of the world as well. A Sphinx is a mythical creature that is quite unique. It consists of a human head, but has the body of a lion. It is famous for being merciless and treacherous. There is a story about some people wh…
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Benefits

  • Many Egyptian tattoos serve as amulets or protection. Although there is really no concrete proof to the claims, many people still believe that when you use a certain Egyptian symbol as a tattoo, you will be spared from any harm.
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Use

  • The placement of Egyptian tattoos depend on how big the design is, or what kind of symbol is used in the design. Decide on the placement of your tattoo before going to any tattoo shop. The reason for this is to facilitate faster and more efficient tattoo procedure. After choosing your tattoo design, the next thing you should consider is where to put that particular tattoo. If you put …
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Example

  • For example, an Ankh tattoo will look great on the wrists or at the back of the neck. Since Ankh tattoos are usually small in size, it would fit the narrow space on your wrist. When you put it at the back of your neck, it will make you look sexier than ever. This is applicable to both men and women.
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Appearance

  • The Sphinx tattoo will look attractive when placed on the back or on the chest. This is because the ornate design of the Sphinx will be fully noticeable in those areas. The bigger the Sphinx is, the more attractive it becomes.
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Preparation

  • Before getting all excited on having your Egyptian tattoos, you need to prepare yourself. If this is your first time getting a tattoo, then you had better get a good nights sleep a night before the scheduled appointment. This will help you stay relaxed during the entire procedure.
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Miscellaneous

  • You shouldnt also forget to eat before going to your tattoo artist. You will need all the energy that you can get because tattoo procedures can be a bit painful. It would also help to bring a friend you can converse with during the entire procedure. Chatting with your friend will take your mind off the pain.
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Cost

  • Average Service Cost and Standard Prices of Egyptian Tattoos Egyptian tattoos have ornate and intricate designs. Normally, tattoos that have complicated designs are priced more than the regular ones. For black ink Egyptian inspired tattoos, it will probably cost about $100 $200 per tattoo. If you go to local tattoo shops near your area, then you might get your tattoo done at a lo…
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Treatment

  • There are several aftercare tips that you need to follow after getting your Egyptian tattoos. Right after getting your tattoo, the artist usually covers it with some sort of a thin bandage. Its highly advisable to leave this bandage on for at least 3 hours. After the first 3 hours, you can take the bandage and clean the tattoo area with water and soap. You must do this gently to avoid rubbin…
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