Mesoamerican Tattoos

Mesoamerican tattoos are inspired mainly by ancient Mayan civilization, with influences from the Aztec Empire.

Warriors and prominent members of Mayan society tattooed every part of their body as a display of bravery and strength of spirit. Body modification was integral to daily life and served a very important role in sociopolitical status.

The Aztec Empire was shorter lived than the Mayan civilization. While they’re believed to have also practiced tattooing, there is not as much physical evidence. As such, modern tattoo tributes to Aztec heritage rely thematically on their artifacts: masks, pottery, statues, mosaics and painted walls. The same is often true for modern Mayan-inspired tattoos, which pull designs from their relics, not always from their tattoo culture.