The Aztecs were an ancient civilization that existed in Central Mexico in the 14th to 16th centuries. They used tattoos for several purposes, including to honor the gods or intimidate their enemies during wartime, of which there was much. The markings on an individual’s body could also indicate the tribe they belonged to and their accomplishments. The images and symbols from this time have inspired beautiful and detailed tattoos for men. They are visually striking but also rich in symbolism. You can show the world your interest in Aztec culture or honor your heritage and so much more with an Aztec tattoo. Your chosen placement is also just as important as the design. Some spots are more daring and rebellious, while others appeal to men who want their body art to be concealed.
1. Aztec Arm Tattoo
An arm tattoo is one of the most popular placements for men to get tattooed because it is so versatile. The arm provides you with enough space to get a large and detailed piece, but smaller and more minimalistic inkings look just as great here. There are several spots to choose from; the upper or inner arm for those who want a more concealed design. Arm tattoos can be stylish and are easy to show off or cover. You can also see them every day, reminding yourself of the symbolism associated with your Aztec design. The arm is low on the tattoo pain chart scale because of thick skin, muscle, and fat.
2. Aztec Chest Tattoo
A chest tattoo can make a powerful statement. It is an area that is high on the tattoo pain chart scale, and as such, should be reserved for designs that mean the most to you. The sensitive skin, lack of fat and muscle, and the proximity to bone make the chest a painful location for tattoos. They can be easily covered up, making your piece more personal and providing a large enough area to get something big and detailed, if you so wish. Your Aztec chest tattoo can highlight your muscle definition or be worn for protection or strength; you may want to channel the Aztec warriors with tribal markings or important symbols.
3. Aztec Shoulder Tattoo
Aztec tattoos are much more than decorative; they are also symbolic. When deciding on your design, you should also consider the placement. If it is a large and detailed piece, you need somewhere big enough to account for it, and the shoulder is the perfect spot. Shoulder tattoos are popular with men because they are a symbol of strength. It can be considered a masculine part of the body. The area is not high on the tattoo pain chart scale and can be covered up easily, making this a versatile option. It is also not susceptible to stretching and will not fade as fast as other locations; the hand and foot, for example, do not age well.
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4. Aztec Hand Tattoo
Some people want their body art to be easily hidden; others want to show it off and make a statement. A hand tattoo makes your ink hard to ignore, which adds a rebellious and cool vibe to it. It is also a painful area to get inked because of the thin skin, proximity to bone, and lack of muscle and fat. The hand is a sensitive area with a high concentration of nerve endings, and your tattoo will fade faster and need to be retouched more frequently. This is due to the exposure to the elements and frequency of use. Choosing this placement should be a well-thought-out decision because it can affect your job possibilities; unfortunately, there is still a stigma attached to body art. That said, your hand is the perfect spot for an Aztec design that you want to look at every day and proudly display.
5. Aztec Neck Tattoos
If you are getting tattooed on your neck, you are not afraid of pain. You may also have a rebellious side to you, as neck tattoos are often associated with those on the fringes of society. It can have a tough and edgy appearance and make a statement. It will show the world you are a risk-taker and someone who doesn’t want to conform. An Aztec tattoo on your neck can be small and to the side or cover the entire area, depending on how badass you want to look. That, and your pain threshold. Body art here will hurt, and it is among the most painful locations for getting inked because of the sensitivity of the area and the thin skin.
6. Aztec Back Tattoo
The back is one of the most versatile locations for body art, and it can also be one of the sexiest. Your design can draw attention to one of the most masculine parts of the male form and enhance muscle tone and shape your body. There is a lot of appeal for this placement, as it allows you to cover up your tattoo easily and provides enough space that you are not restricted in terms of designs. Back tattoos are not high on the tattoo pain chart scale because of the muscle, fat, and thick skin; the closer you ink to the shoulder blades, spine, and hip, the more pain you will experience. You may not see your inking every day, but some men don’t feel this is necessary.
7. Aztec Leg Tattoo
What is not to like about a leg tattoo? Getting inked on the leg is an excellent choice because it is so versatile. Many areas, including the upper part of the leg, allow you to cover your tattoo easily. It is also low on the tattoo pain chart scale, although the closer you ink to the bone, the more painful it will be. For example, a knee tattoo can be agony. Your Aztec design can be something meaningful and symbolic or a pattern that highlights your muscle definition. There is no right or wrong option, and both small and large tattoos look fantastic here.
8. Forearm Aztec Tattoos
The forearm is a visible location that can also be covered up, giving you the best of both worlds. Forearm tattoos are popular for men to get inked because they are not particularly painful, big enough to allow for a piece with some detailing, and they’re cool! Small ink can also look just as good here. Your Aztec design could be an armband. Or it can be a warrior or symbol that has great importance. The placement allows you to look at it every day, which makes it even more appealing.
9. Aztec Half Sleeve Tattoos
A half sleeve tattoo is a way to get inked with several images that are meaningful to you. A half sleeve is usually a creative and artistic choice but is less commitment and easier to wear than a full sleeve. It can be easily covered, especially if you only ink the upper arm, but there is still enough space to allow for detailing. The arm is not a particularly painful location for tattoos because of the thick skin, muscle, and fat, which adds to its appeal. That said, your piece can be time-consuming and will cost a lot of money. This is especially true if you opt for an Aztec design that requires a lot of detail and shading.
10. Aztec Sleeve Tattoo
If you want your body art to tell a story, there is no better option than a sleeve tattoo. As the name suggests, a sleeve covers the entire arm, like a piece of clothing would do. It is a bold choice and makes a statement, but because it is easy to cover the arm, it is not a location that will limit your job opportunities and can still cover it up when needed. Sleeves are creative and cool and often involve a specific theme or are done in the same technique throughout; for example, traditional American tattoos or photorealistic. For an Aztec design, this is great as you can choose several aspects of the culture that you find interesting and symbolically, allowing your artwork to tell a story. Sleeve tattoos will take several sessions to complete, and you can expect to pay a lot for them.
11. Aztec Armband Tattoo
An armband tattoo can make a statement and is usually something incredibly visible. It should wrap around the arm and could be for decorative purposes or be symbolic. For some men, their artwork honors a loved one or the death of someone who has passed. It can also be connected to strength and power. An Aztec armband tattoo usually involves a pattern of symbols that were important to the ancient civilization. You can combine several elements to make your design unique, so work with your tattoo artist to find what is best for you. You can also stick to black ink, which is more common, or opt for a brightly colored piece.
