EGYPTIAN TATTOOS: POPULAR MOTIFS AND SYMBOLS WITH MEANING

Ankh Tattoo

Ankh Tattoo 1
Credit: @tattoosbyking

Also referred to as ‘the key of life’, Ankh is an ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic symbol used to represent words like ‘life’ and ‘living’ (it is believed it also meant ‘mirror’ and ‘floral bouquet’). As such, it became the symbol of life and was commonly held by the ancient Egyptian deities.

Ankh is of a cross shape; however, instead of the upper bar, there is a teardrop-shaped loop. The origins of this design are unknown, but even to this day, it is one of the most decorative elements in Egypt and neighboring cultures. Ankh is also one of the most popular motifs for tattoo designs in terms of ancient Egyptian concepts.

Ankh Tattoo 2
Credit: @coffinkitsch
Ankh Tattoo 3
Credit: @morriganblackart
Ankh Tattoo 4
Credit: @tattoozgskare
Ankh Tattoo 5
Credit: @mejorartestudio
Ankh Tattoo 6
Credit: @jackiecatanio

Pharaoh Tattoo

Pharaoh Tattoo 1
Credit: @theartoftattooingofficial

A pharaoh in ancient Egypt was a monarch and ruler from the First Dynasty. It is believed that a pharaoh was an intermediary between the deities and the people. Therefore, a pharaoh was both, a religious and a civil ruler and administrator. The pharaoh was responsible for the whole land, owned almost all of it, enacted laws ad officiated religious ceremonies.

Pharaoh was and still is, a symbol of power and exceptional ruling ability. It is one of the most common Egyptian symbols as well. That is why a Pharaoh tattoo would be an excellent way to celebrate ancient Egypt, since it is bold, outstanding, truly mysterious, and unique, just like a Pharaoh.

Pharaoh Tattoo 2
Credit: @ziho_gallery
Pharaoh Tattoo 3
Credit: @_dudink_
Pharaoh Tattoo 4
Credit: @tetoviracnica
Pharaoh Tattoo 5
Credit: @eitanart
Pharaoh Tattoo 6
Credit: @eseblacktattoo

Nefertiti Tattoo

Nefertiti Tattoo 1
Credit: @bernartattoo

Nefertiti was an ancient Egyptian queen and the Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten. After her husband died, it is believed that Nefertiti continued to rule Egypt, which would make her one of the most powerful women from this era.

It is safe to say that Nefertiti is one of the most iconic and recognizable female personalities in the history of the human race. This Nefertiti bust, for example, is one of the most copied works of ancient Egypt. Without a doubt, almost every person in the world would know to describe how Nefertiti looks. That is why, if you want a tattoo that celebrates ancient Egypt, but also female power, beauty, and energy, Nefertiti is the tattoo to go for.

Nefertiti Tattoo 2
Credit: @anlotatts
Nefertiti Tattoo 3
Credit: @tattooist.louie
Nefertiti Tattoo 4
Credit: @federicoviolet.tattoo
Nefertiti Tattoo 5
Credit: @kokosmaedchen
Nefertiti Tattoo 6
Credit: @oracletattooshop

Anubis Tattoo

Anubis Tattoo 1
Credit: @angel_javierr

Anubis, also known as Anpu, was an ancient Egyptian deity. Generally depicted as a man with a jackal head, Anubis was a god of the dead as well as the good of the afterlife and mummification. It is believed that Anubis was also an embalmer. Because of its association with death, Anubis’ head is often black. The belief is that the black color actually has a positive connotation, symbolizing the rich Nile soils and rebirth.

As a tattoo, Anubis will be a bold design to carry. It is pretty intense, especially when fully colored. An Anubis tattoo is a statement piece, with a deep meaning. So, if you’re looking for a bold, unique tattoo, that translates the ancient Egyptian concept but is also meaningful, then consider getting an Anubis design.

Anubis Tattoo 2
Credit: @josemazatattoo
Anubis Tattoo 3
Credit: @jantattoo_2018
Anubis Tattoo 4
Credit: @rereeka.tattoo
Anubis Tattoo 5
Credit: @cjrtattoos
Anubis Tattoo 6
Credit: @rayando_madrestattoo

Cleopatra Tattoo

Cleopatra Tattoo 1
Credit: @fermatattoo

Another powerful female figure of ancient Egypt is Cleopatra. She was the last active ruler of the Egyptian kingdom before it became a province of the Roman Empire. Cleopatra was known to be highly intelligent, resilient, and tenacious. Her work ethic has made her powerful and successful, and to this day, alongside Nefertiti, Cleopatra is one of the major historic symbols of feminine power, energy, and sensuality.

So, if you want an Egyptian tattoo with symbols of female power, female energy, feminism overall, as well as beauty and sensuality, then the Cleopatra tattoo is the one to go with. Her appearance may be less recognizable, but regardless, her beauty and intelligence always shine through a tattoo design.

Cleopatra Tattoo 2
Credit: @louisesargenttattoos
Cleopatra Tattoo 3
Credit: @diegomeztattoo
Cleopatra Tattoo 4
Credit: @saintmandy_
Cleopatra Tattoo 5
Credit: @dyemtattoos
Cleopatra Tattoo 6
Credit: @gi_studio8

Pyramid Tattoo

Pyramid Tattoo 1
Credit: @artworkbykeely

One of the most famous, oldest, and globally recognized symbols of ancient Egypt is the pyramid. Now, pyramids are surrounded by mystery; no one really knows how they were constructed ad built, nor how the materials for their construction have been brought deep into the desert.

But, what we know is that the Egyptian pyramids served as the place where the pharaoh, for example, would enjoy his afterlife. Ancient Egyptians believed that every human has a second self known as the Ka; so, the belief is that the Ka would spend its life in the pyramid.

So, if you want to get a truly Egyptian tattoo, then what better design to go for than the pyramid. In most cases, the pyramid design is accompanied by other ancient Egyptian symbols as well, to further the imagery and meaning. But, if you want to go with just the pyramids, you’ll still get an equally effective and bold tattoo.

Pyramid Tattoo 2
Credit: @s.q.u.i.d.vicious
Pyramid Tattoo 3
Credit: @greeneye_tattoos
Pyramid Tattoo 4
Credit: @renoirsurblanc
Pyramid Tattoo 5
Credit: @mattymemory
Pyramid Tattoo 6
Credit: @ikarus.abendwind

Isis Tattoo

Isis Tattoo 1
Credit: @tatoreis.tattoo

Isis was one of the most important goddesses in the religion of ancient Egypt. She and her husband, Osiris, were the most widely worshipped Egyptian deities. Isis was so respected that even Greeks worshipped her; Isis was generally worshipped across the Mediterranean world.

The goddess is generally depicted as a human with a throne-like hieroglyph on her head, as well as wings. She was believed to be a healer and protector, as well as that she had great magical powers.

Isis was also believed to be a great feminine influence since she was the protector of marriage, fertility, and love. So, if you want to celebrate ancient Egypt, but also honor and celebrate the feminine energy and power, then the Isis tattoo might be just for you.

Isis Tattoo 2
Credit: @liv.merces
Isis Tattoo 3
Credit: @alex_newspaper
Isis Tattoo 4
Credit: @eli_thezoomtattoo
Isis Tattoo 5
Credit: @ogitattooer
Isis Tattoo 6

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