As most humans are hardwired to make a reaction when serpents are mentioned or seen, they make for intensely powerful tattoo designs. In contemporary Western arm tattoos the snake symbolizes betrayal, mistrust and suspicion, and can demonstrate evil when combined with more positive themes to represent duality. Older religions saw snakes as the symbol for fertility. Snakes are also well-known for their ability to shed their skin and begin anew, and they’ve been revered as creatures of rebirth and healing in other tattoo cultures like Japan. Powerful symbolism combined with their physical characteristics help make snakes are popular arm tattoo option for collectors looking for a daring tattoo guaranteed to elicit reactions. Check out this gallery of 40+ snake arm tattoos to see if it’s the right choice of concept for you.
See more about - Top 105+ Best Snake Tattoo Ideas
See more about - Top 121+ Cool Arm Tattoos
- Delicate Snake Arm Tattoo Ideas Source: @real_lifetattoo via Instagram Source: @zdixtattoo via Instagram Source: @d.usagi_ via Instagram Source: @marcinkiuks via Instagram
- Black and Gray Upper Arm Snake Tattoos Source: @mclametattoos via Instagram Source: @kvntattoos via Instagram Source: @d4rkness.tattoo via Instagram Source: @mongreldave via Instagram Source: @nachdiaz_tattoo via Instagram Source: @tattoo_francis via Instagram Source: @zanca_tattooer via Instagram
- Linework Upper Arm Snake Tattoo Ideas Source: @ixchel.ink_ via Instagram Source: @georole via Instagram Source: @jimottenart via Instagram Source: @flashbacktattoo.horigin via Instagram
- Colorful Upper Arm Snake Tattoos Source: @the_wizard_of_aus_ via Instagram Source: @sinsandneedleshalifax via Instagram Source: @bryanlpn via Instagram Source: @charmayne_ohara via Instagram Source: @mcilroytattoo via Instagram Source: @lionelmonsieurbiz via Instagram
- Dagger and Snake Tattoos Source: @nahum_7lugo via Instagram Source: @ruby_raven_ink via Instagram Source: @storytattoohk.peter_ via Instagram
- Flower and Snake Upper Arm Tattoo Ideas Source: @chloe_kalaratri via Instagram Source: @inkdustrytattoo via Instagram Source: @inkerbelletattoos via Instagram Source: @jorgeriveratattoo via Instagram Source: @themanofmanyskills via Instagram Source: @vitorlordestattoo via Instagram
- Skull and Snake Arm Tattoo Designs Source: @shane_mcloughlin123 via Instagram Source: @jcouchtattoo via Instagram Source: @johnstattoo via Instagram
- Traditional Snake Upper Arm Tattoo Ideas Source: @infrangibiletattooshop via Instagram Source: @jamie_95_tattoos via Instagram Source: @jeedelgado_ via Instagram Source: @jonas_jankus via Instagram Source: @kinglentattoos via Instagram Source: @victor.irvtattoo via Instagram
- Wrap Around Upper Arm Snake Tattoo Ideas Source: @annie.tattoos via Instagram Source: @argentina.black_ via Instagram Source: @ulrichzimmertattoo via Instagram Source: @uniontattooandpiercing via Instagram
As most humans are hardwired to make a reaction when serpents are mentioned or seen, they make for intensely powerful tattoo designs. In contemporary Western arm tattoos the snake symbolizes betrayal, mistrust and suspicion, and can demonstrate evil when combined with more positive themes to represent duality. Older religions saw snakes as the symbol for fertility. Snakes are also well-known for their ability to shed their skin and begin anew, and they’ve been revered as creatures of rebirth and healing in other tattoo cultures like Japan. Powerful symbolism combined with their physical characteristics help make snakes are popular arm tattoo option for collectors looking for a daring tattoo guaranteed to elicit reactions. Check out this gallery of 40+ snake arm tattoos to see if it’s the right choice of concept for you.
See more about - Top 105+ Best Snake Tattoo Ideas
See more about - Top 121+ Cool Arm Tattoos
- Delicate Snake Arm Tattoo Ideas Source: @real_lifetattoo via Instagram Source: @zdixtattoo via Instagram Source: @d.usagi_ via Instagram Source: @marcinkiuks via Instagram
- Black and Gray Upper Arm Snake Tattoos Source: @mclametattoos via Instagram Source: @kvntattoos via Instagram Source: @d4rkness.tattoo via Instagram Source: @mongreldave via Instagram Source: @nachdiaz_tattoo via Instagram Source: @tattoo_francis via Instagram Source: @zanca_tattooer via Instagram
- Linework Upper Arm Snake Tattoo Ideas Source: @ixchel.ink_ via Instagram Source: @georole via Instagram Source: @jimottenart via Instagram Source: @flashbacktattoo.horigin via Instagram
- Colorful Upper Arm Snake Tattoos Source: @the_wizard_of_aus_ via Instagram Source: @sinsandneedleshalifax via Instagram Source: @bryanlpn via Instagram Source: @charmayne_ohara via Instagram Source: @mcilroytattoo via Instagram Source: @lionelmonsieurbiz via Instagram
- Dagger and Snake Tattoos Source: @nahum_7lugo via Instagram Source: @ruby_raven_ink via Instagram Source: @storytattoohk.peter_ via Instagram
- Flower and Snake Upper Arm Tattoo Ideas Source: @chloe_kalaratri via Instagram Source: @inkdustrytattoo via Instagram Source: @inkerbelletattoos via Instagram Source: @jorgeriveratattoo via Instagram Source: @themanofmanyskills via Instagram Source: @vitorlordestattoo via Instagram
- Skull and Snake Arm Tattoo Designs Source: @shane_mcloughlin123 via Instagram Source: @jcouchtattoo via Instagram Source: @johnstattoo via Instagram
- Traditional Snake Upper Arm Tattoo Ideas Source: @infrangibiletattooshop via Instagram Source: @jamie_95_tattoos via Instagram Source: @jeedelgado_ via Instagram Source: @jonas_jankus via Instagram Source: @kinglentattoos via Instagram Source: @victor.irvtattoo via Instagram
- Wrap Around Upper Arm Snake Tattoo Ideas Source: @annie.tattoos via Instagram Source: @argentina.black_ via Instagram Source: @ulrichzimmertattoo via Instagram Source: @uniontattooandpiercing via Instagram
As most humans are hardwired to make a reaction when serpents are mentioned or seen, they make for intensely powerful tattoo designs.
In contemporary Western arm tattoos the snake symbolizes betrayal, mistrust and suspicion, and can demonstrate evil when combined with more positive themes to represent duality.
Older religions saw snakes as the symbol for fertility. Snakes are also well-known for their ability to shed their skin and begin anew, and they’ve been revered as creatures of rebirth and healing in other tattoo cultures like Japan.
Powerful symbolism combined with their physical characteristics help make snakes are popular arm tattoo option for collectors looking for a daring tattoo guaranteed to elicit reactions.
Check out this gallery of 40+ snake arm tattoos to see if it’s the right choice of concept for you.
See more about - Top 105+ Best Snake Tattoo Ideas
See more about - Top 121+ Cool Arm Tattoos
1. Delicate Snake Arm Tattoo Ideas
Source: @real_lifetattoo via Instagram
Source: @zdixtattoo via Instagram
Source: @d.usagi_ via Instagram
Source: @marcinkiuks via Instagram
2. Black and Gray Upper Arm Snake Tattoos
Source: @mclametattoos via Instagram
Source: @kvntattoos via Instagram
Source: @d4rkness.tattoo via Instagram
Source: @mongreldave via Instagram
Source: @nachdiaz_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @tattoo_francis via Instagram
Source: @zanca_tattooer via Instagram
3. Linework Upper Arm Snake Tattoo Ideas
Source: @ixchel.ink_ via Instagram
Source: @georole via Instagram
Source: @jimottenart via Instagram
Source: @flashbacktattoo.horigin via Instagram
4. Colorful Upper Arm Snake Tattoos
Source: @the_wizard_of_aus_ via Instagram
Source: @sinsandneedleshalifax via Instagram
Source: @bryanlpn via Instagram
Source: @charmayne_ohara via Instagram
Source: @mcilroytattoo via Instagram
Source: @lionelmonsieurbiz via Instagram
3. Dagger and Snake Tattoos
Source: @nahum_7lugo via Instagram
Source: @ruby_raven_ink via Instagram
Source: @storytattoohk.peter_ via Instagram
5. Flower and Snake Upper Arm Tattoo Ideas
Source: @chloe_kalaratri via Instagram
Source: @inkdustrytattoo via Instagram
Source: @inkerbelletattoos via Instagram
Source: @jorgeriveratattoo via Instagram
Source: @themanofmanyskills via Instagram
Source: @vitorlordestattoo via Instagram
6. Skull and Snake Arm Tattoo Designs
Source: @shane_mcloughlin123 via Instagram
Source: @jcouchtattoo via Instagram
Source: @johnstattoo via Instagram
7. Traditional Snake Upper Arm Tattoo Ideas
Source: @infrangibiletattooshop via Instagram
Source: @jamie_95_tattoos via Instagram
Source: @jeedelgado_ via Instagram
Source: @jonas_jankus via Instagram
Source: @kinglentattoos via Instagram
Source: @victor.irvtattoo via Instagram
8. Wrap Around Upper Arm Snake Tattoo Ideas
Source: @annie.tattoos via Instagram
Source: @argentina.black_ via Instagram
Source: @ulrichzimmertattoo via Instagram
Source: @uniontattooandpiercing via Instagram
See more about - Top 105+ Best Snake Tattoo Ideas
See more about - Top 121+ Cool Arm Tattoos
What does a snake tattoo symbolize?
Snakes are often viewed through negatively thanks to the role they play in many religious texts, particularly the Christian creation story. In Western tattoo culture, especially those that have religious roots in Christianity (such as the US, UK, and Australia), the snake symbolizes betrayal, suspicion, and mistrust. The serpent also provides an element of duality to tattoo when combined with other more positive associations, such as the heart, or rose. In other tattoo and older cultures, the snake is a powerful motif of immortality, re-birth and fertility due to the reptile’s ability to shed its skin, and it lacks the negative associations taught through Christianity from the Garden of Eden. A common snake tattoo from the past is one of the snake God swallowing its tail. This creates a cycle of repeating life and death, which many ancients believed to be a representation of existence.
What does a Japanese snake tattoo mean?
The Japanese snake tattoo, or hebi, can have a few different symbolic connotations. It’s often seen as a phallic/sexual symbol but also linked with the element of water and protection. Unlike in predominantly Christian cultures, it lacks the ties with evil and temptation that many in the US have grown up with. Serpent tattoos, as in many other cultures and mythologies, can also be tied to rebirth and immortality due to the reptile’s ability to shed it skin and start again. A hebi themed tattoo will often be paired with a secondary motif (keshoubori) such as peonies and cherry blossoms, as these flowers match up with the snake’s cycle of movement in spring.
What type of snake arm tattoo should I get?
The most popular snake arm tattoos emphasis the reptile’s body shape and physical characteristics such as coils, fangs, and eyes as much as the symbolism a serpent conjures. Popular styles and applications for use on snake tattoos include:
Fine detailed single needle Realism tattoo (incorporates tree limbs, coils, scales, color) American traditional designs Traditional black and gray shading and gradation Japanese Style ½ and full sleeve tattoos Technical dot and linework black ink tattoos
What does a snake tattoo symbolize?
Snakes are often viewed through negatively thanks to the role they play in many religious texts, particularly the Christian creation story. In Western tattoo culture, especially those that have religious roots in Christianity (such as the US, UK, and Australia), the snake symbolizes betrayal, suspicion, and mistrust. The serpent also provides an element of duality to tattoo when combined with other more positive associations, such as the heart, or rose. In other tattoo and older cultures, the snake is a powerful motif of immortality, re-birth and fertility due to the reptile’s ability to shed its skin, and it lacks the negative associations taught through Christianity from the Garden of Eden. A common snake tattoo from the past is one of the snake God swallowing its tail. This creates a cycle of repeating life and death, which many ancients believed to be a representation of existence.
Snakes are often viewed through negatively thanks to the role they play in many religious texts, particularly the Christian creation story.
In Western tattoo culture, especially those that have religious roots in Christianity (such as the US, UK, and Australia), the snake symbolizes betrayal, suspicion, and mistrust.
The serpent also provides an element of duality to tattoo when combined with other more positive associations, such as the heart, or rose.
In other tattoo and older cultures, the snake is a powerful motif of immortality, re-birth and fertility due to the reptile’s ability to shed its skin, and it lacks the negative associations taught through Christianity from the Garden of Eden.
A common snake tattoo from the past is one of the snake God swallowing its tail. This creates a cycle of repeating life and death, which many ancients believed to be a representation of existence.
What does a Japanese snake tattoo mean?
The Japanese snake tattoo, or hebi, can have a few different symbolic connotations. It’s often seen as a phallic/sexual symbol but also linked with the element of water and protection. Unlike in predominantly Christian cultures, it lacks the ties with evil and temptation that many in the US have grown up with. Serpent tattoos, as in many other cultures and mythologies, can also be tied to rebirth and immortality due to the reptile’s ability to shed it skin and start again. A hebi themed tattoo will often be paired with a secondary motif (keshoubori) such as peonies and cherry blossoms, as these flowers match up with the snake’s cycle of movement in spring.
The Japanese snake tattoo, or hebi, can have a few different symbolic connotations. It’s often seen as a phallic/sexual symbol but also linked with the element of water and protection.
Unlike in predominantly Christian cultures, it lacks the ties with evil and temptation that many in the US have grown up with.
Serpent tattoos, as in many other cultures and mythologies, can also be tied to rebirth and immortality due to the reptile’s ability to shed it skin and start again.
A hebi themed tattoo will often be paired with a secondary motif (keshoubori) such as peonies and cherry blossoms, as these flowers match up with the snake’s cycle of movement in spring.
What type of snake arm tattoo should I get?
The most popular snake arm tattoos emphasis the reptile’s body shape and physical characteristics such as coils, fangs, and eyes as much as the symbolism a serpent conjures. Popular styles and applications for use on snake tattoos include:
Fine detailed single needle Realism tattoo (incorporates tree limbs, coils, scales, color) American traditional designs Traditional black and gray shading and gradation Japanese Style ½ and full sleeve tattoos Technical dot and linework black ink tattoos
The most popular snake arm tattoos emphasis the reptile’s body shape and physical characteristics such as coils, fangs, and eyes as much as the symbolism a serpent conjures.
Popular styles and applications for use on snake tattoos include:
- Fine detailed single needle
- Realism tattoo (incorporates tree limbs, coils, scales, color)
- American traditional designs
- Traditional black and gray shading and gradation
- Japanese Style ½ and full sleeve tattoos
- Technical dot and linework black ink tattoos
