Tribal cross tattoo designs have become an interesting form of ink based self-expression. While most are linked with Christianity, tribal cross ideas take on more individual concepts than simple cross tattoos in black ink. There are no specific patterns to a tribal cross; the layout, placement, and style of cross used depends entirely on the preferences of the individual collecting the tattoo. This allows the subject a greater degree of freedom in style. Many tribal cultures worldwide, including those of the Polynesian Islands, NZ Maori, and the Celtic/Norse of Europe and Scandinavia, opt to tie in their religious faith with unique elements of their society’s tattoo culture. The following collection of 67 tribal cross tattoos showcase many different interpretations of the cross that can provide you inspiration for your next design.

  1. Tribal Cross Tattoos for the Back Source: @artofchee via Instagram Source: @chadreisenwebertattooartist via Instagram Source: @sampique_tatouage via Instagram Source: @stephtattoos99 via Instagram Source: @tattoosbythomgreen via Instagram Source: @trademarcstudio via Instagram
  2. Celtic Themed Tribal Cross Tattoos Source: @adrianlotattoo via Instagram Source: @bar_omeara via Instagram Source: @bikervvitch_tattooer via Instagram Source: @carlozart_90 via Instagram Source: @irishjaytattooer via Instagram Source: @juan_reyes_tattoos via Instagram Source: @kevin_bradleyjr via Instagram Source: @ohitsmejosh via Instagram Source: @robynmarshalltattoo via Instagram
  3. Forearm Tribal Cross Tattoo Ideas Source: @2braveart via Instagram Source: @carloaemos via Instagram Source: @conartistries111 via Instagram Source: @franco.francischastey via Instagram Source: @ittz_paul via Instagram Source: @jandrade8608 via Instagram Source: @matthewbrowntattoo via Instagram Source: @omerta_drk_art via Instagram Source: @s.raven.s via Instagram Source: @saberscribbles via Instagram Source: @tattooist_wolae via Instagram Source: @uncensoredvikaskujur via Instagram Source: @united_ink2424 via Instagram Source: @whittaker_ant_tattoos via Instagram Source: @followyourdreamstattoo via Instagram
  4. Gothic Tribal Cross Tattoos Source: @daviduelh via Instagram Source: @gabriele_doublesoul via Instagram Source: @garyhessstudios via Instagram Source: @kononart via Instagram Source: @kumaratattoostudio via Instagram Source: @notis.compungo via Instagram Source: @paperstreetstudiolancs via Instagram Source: @tattoojuansanchez via Instagram
  5. Tribal Cross Leg Tattoos Source: @lele_kurama_tattoo via Instagram Source: @tattoosby_ak via Instagram
  6. Polynesian Cross Tattoo Ideas Source: @chrissamsoni via Instagram Source: @dat1sa via Instagram Source: @sefoink via Instagram Source: @skinscribe via Instagram Source: @tattoosbytheironrhino via Instagram Source: @tru_manukan via Instagram Source: @vrodtattoos via Instagram
  7. Small Tribal Cross Tattoo Art Source: @ferdylawless via Instagram Source: @bugsy805 via Instagram Source: @denise_tpinto via Instagram Source: @gallery55tattoos_rotorua via Instagram Source: @michaelabarber66 via Instagram Source: @natthetatt via Instagram Source: @shawnohmite via Instagram Source: @yan_tattooist via Instagram Source: @eve.ink.style via Instagram
  8. Upper Arm Tribal Cross Tattoo Ideas Source: @davemcewanillustratecreate via Instagram Source: @donniemartell via Instagram Source: @ellierosetattoo via Instagram Source: @freeartcoloriribelli via Instagram Source: @gamsungpali via Instagram Source: @inkstattoopune via Instagram Source: @lndependentinkbyb via Instagram Source: @mateobradley66 via Instagram Source: @smoothinked via Instagram Source: @susantattoo via Instagram Source: @tattoos_by_jim_eastman via Instagram Source: @the_light_bearer_ via Instagram

Tribal cross tattoo designs have become an interesting form of ink based self-expression. While most are linked with Christianity, tribal cross ideas take on more individual concepts than simple cross tattoos in black ink. There are no specific patterns to a tribal cross; the layout, placement, and style of cross used depends entirely on the preferences of the individual collecting the tattoo. This allows the subject a greater degree of freedom in style. Many tribal cultures worldwide, including those of the Polynesian Islands, NZ Maori, and the Celtic/Norse of Europe and Scandinavia, opt to tie in their religious faith with unique elements of their society’s tattoo culture. The following collection of 67 tribal cross tattoos showcase many different interpretations of the cross that can provide you inspiration for your next design.

  1. Tribal Cross Tattoos for the Back Source: @artofchee via Instagram Source: @chadreisenwebertattooartist via Instagram Source: @sampique_tatouage via Instagram Source: @stephtattoos99 via Instagram Source: @tattoosbythomgreen via Instagram Source: @trademarcstudio via Instagram
  2. Celtic Themed Tribal Cross Tattoos Source: @adrianlotattoo via Instagram Source: @bar_omeara via Instagram Source: @bikervvitch_tattooer via Instagram Source: @carlozart_90 via Instagram Source: @irishjaytattooer via Instagram Source: @juan_reyes_tattoos via Instagram Source: @kevin_bradleyjr via Instagram Source: @ohitsmejosh via Instagram Source: @robynmarshalltattoo via Instagram
  3. Forearm Tribal Cross Tattoo Ideas Source: @2braveart via Instagram Source: @carloaemos via Instagram Source: @conartistries111 via Instagram Source: @franco.francischastey via Instagram Source: @ittz_paul via Instagram Source: @jandrade8608 via Instagram Source: @matthewbrowntattoo via Instagram Source: @omerta_drk_art via Instagram Source: @s.raven.s via Instagram Source: @saberscribbles via Instagram Source: @tattooist_wolae via Instagram Source: @uncensoredvikaskujur via Instagram Source: @united_ink2424 via Instagram Source: @whittaker_ant_tattoos via Instagram Source: @followyourdreamstattoo via Instagram
  4. Gothic Tribal Cross Tattoos Source: @daviduelh via Instagram Source: @gabriele_doublesoul via Instagram Source: @garyhessstudios via Instagram Source: @kononart via Instagram Source: @kumaratattoostudio via Instagram Source: @notis.compungo via Instagram Source: @paperstreetstudiolancs via Instagram Source: @tattoojuansanchez via Instagram
  5. Tribal Cross Leg Tattoos Source: @lele_kurama_tattoo via Instagram Source: @tattoosby_ak via Instagram
  6. Polynesian Cross Tattoo Ideas Source: @chrissamsoni via Instagram Source: @dat1sa via Instagram Source: @sefoink via Instagram Source: @skinscribe via Instagram Source: @tattoosbytheironrhino via Instagram Source: @tru_manukan via Instagram Source: @vrodtattoos via Instagram
  7. Small Tribal Cross Tattoo Art Source: @ferdylawless via Instagram Source: @bugsy805 via Instagram Source: @denise_tpinto via Instagram Source: @gallery55tattoos_rotorua via Instagram Source: @michaelabarber66 via Instagram Source: @natthetatt via Instagram Source: @shawnohmite via Instagram Source: @yan_tattooist via Instagram Source: @eve.ink.style via Instagram
  8. Upper Arm Tribal Cross Tattoo Ideas Source: @davemcewanillustratecreate via Instagram Source: @donniemartell via Instagram Source: @ellierosetattoo via Instagram Source: @freeartcoloriribelli via Instagram Source: @gamsungpali via Instagram Source: @inkstattoopune via Instagram Source: @lndependentinkbyb via Instagram Source: @mateobradley66 via Instagram Source: @smoothinked via Instagram Source: @susantattoo via Instagram Source: @tattoos_by_jim_eastman via Instagram Source: @the_light_bearer_ via Instagram

Tribal cross tattoo designs have become an interesting form of ink based self-expression.

While most are linked with Christianity, tribal cross ideas take on more individual concepts than simple cross tattoos in black ink.

There are no specific patterns to a tribal cross; the layout, placement, and style of cross used depends entirely on the preferences of the individual collecting the tattoo.

This allows the subject a greater degree of freedom in style.

Many tribal cultures worldwide, including those of the Polynesian Islands, NZ Maori, and the Celtic/Norse of Europe and Scandinavia, opt to tie in their religious faith with unique elements of their society’s tattoo culture.

The following collection of 67 tribal cross tattoos showcase many different interpretations of the cross that can provide you inspiration for your next design.

1. Tribal Cross Tattoos for the Back

Source: @artofchee via Instagram

Source: @chadreisenwebertattooartist via Instagram

Source: @sampique_tatouage via Instagram

Source: @stephtattoos99 via Instagram

Source: @tattoosbythomgreen via Instagram

Source: @trademarcstudio via Instagram

2. Celtic Themed Tribal Cross Tattoos

Source: @adrianlotattoo via Instagram

Source: @bar_omeara via Instagram

Source: @bikervvitch_tattooer via Instagram

Source: @carlozart_90 via Instagram

Source: @irishjaytattooer via Instagram

Source: @juan_reyes_tattoos via Instagram

Source: @kevin_bradleyjr via Instagram

Source: @ohitsmejosh via Instagram

Source: @robynmarshalltattoo via Instagram

3. Forearm Tribal Cross Tattoo Ideas

Source: @2braveart via Instagram

Source: @carloaemos via Instagram

Source: @conartistries111 via Instagram

Source: @franco.francischastey via Instagram

Source: @ittz_paul via Instagram

Source: @jandrade8608 via Instagram

Source: @matthewbrowntattoo via Instagram

Source: @omerta_drk_art via Instagram

Source: @s.raven.s via Instagram

Source: @saberscribbles via Instagram

Source: @tattooist_wolae via Instagram

Source: @uncensoredvikaskujur via Instagram

Source: @united_ink2424 via Instagram

Source: @whittaker_ant_tattoos via Instagram

Source: @followyourdreamstattoo via Instagram

4. Gothic Tribal Cross Tattoos

Source: @daviduelh via Instagram

Source: @gabriele_doublesoul via Instagram

Source: @garyhessstudios via Instagram

Source: @kononart via Instagram

Source: @kumaratattoostudio via Instagram

Source: @notis.compungo via Instagram

Source: @paperstreetstudiolancs via Instagram

Source: @tattoojuansanchez via Instagram

5. Tribal Cross Leg Tattoos

Source: @lele_kurama_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @tattoosby_ak via Instagram

6. Polynesian Cross Tattoo Ideas

Source: @chrissamsoni via Instagram

Source: @dat1sa via Instagram

Source: @sefoink via Instagram

Source: @skinscribe via Instagram

Source: @tattoosbytheironrhino via Instagram

Source: @tru_manukan via Instagram

Source: @vrodtattoos via Instagram

7. Small Tribal Cross Tattoo Art

Source: @ferdylawless via Instagram

Source: @bugsy805 via Instagram

Source: @denise_tpinto via Instagram

Source: @gallery55tattoos_rotorua via Instagram

Source: @michaelabarber66 via Instagram

Source: @natthetatt via Instagram

Source: @shawnohmite via Instagram

Source: @yan_tattooist via Instagram

Source: @eve.ink.style via Instagram

8. Upper Arm Tribal Cross Tattoo Ideas

Source: @davemcewanillustratecreate via Instagram

Source: @donniemartell via Instagram

Source: @ellierosetattoo via Instagram

Source: @freeartcoloriribelli via Instagram

Source: @gamsungpali via Instagram

Source: @inkstattoopune via Instagram

Source: @lndependentinkbyb via Instagram

Source: @mateobradley66 via Instagram

Source: @smoothinked via Instagram

Source: @susantattoo via Instagram

Source: @tattoos_by_jim_eastman via Instagram

Source: @the_light_bearer_ via Instagram

                        What does a tribal cross tattoo symbolize?

A cross is primarily known as a symbol for sacrifice, unity and love. It is the universal reference point for Christianity.  There are varied purposes for getting inked with the cross. It’s often symbolic for both individuals and groups of believers, but also reveals stories of hope, triumph, and joyful celebrations. 

                        What does a Celtic cross tattoo mean? 

The Celtic Cross is famed in tattoos around the world, but the true meaning behind this ancient symbol is still contested.    Some believe that the circle on the cross represents the Roman Sun god Invictus, while others say it symbolizes Jesus’ halo when he was nailed to the cross.   Still others say that it is simply a holdover from pagan religions, arguing that the iconic image is a combination of an armed cross within a circle—a common pagan symbol —and the Christian cross.  

                        What do Polynesian cross tattoos mean?

Polynesian crosses are the intersection of religious faith and cultural/societal ink.  Most Polynesian Islanders are followers of God, so like to match their faith with their societal beliefs in tattoo culture, incorporating the cross into storytelling designs and rites of passage. 

                        Do I have to get a cross tattoo from a specific culture?

No, many tattoo collectors who want a cross tattoo want to create a more individual experience than just inking a simple wooden cross. By getting a tribal themed tattoo, you can add personal flair, whether it’s with color, patterns and shape, size, or the type of cross tattoo used.

                        What kind of cross should I use for my tribal style tattoo?

There is an amazing amount of worldly cross designs you can get for your religious/tribal fusion tattoo. Some possibilities include: 

A wooden cross  Latin cross  Greek cross  Egyptian Ankh  Tau cross  Maltese cross 

For the lapsed or unbelieving, the Gothic cross or inverted cross may be applied but may create issues with practicing Christians, while the iron cross’ relationship with Nazism and white supremacy make it a definite no no. 

                        What does a tribal cross tattoo symbolize?

A cross is primarily known as a symbol for sacrifice, unity and love. It is the universal reference point for Christianity.  There are varied purposes for getting inked with the cross. It’s often symbolic for both individuals and groups of believers, but also reveals stories of hope, triumph, and joyful celebrations. 

A cross is primarily known as a symbol for sacrifice, unity and love. It is the universal reference point for Christianity. 

There are varied purposes for getting inked with the cross. It’s often symbolic for both individuals and groups of believers, but also reveals stories of hope, triumph, and joyful celebrations. 

                        What does a Celtic cross tattoo mean? 

The Celtic Cross is famed in tattoos around the world, but the true meaning behind this ancient symbol is still contested.    Some believe that the circle on the cross represents the Roman Sun god Invictus, while others say it symbolizes Jesus’ halo when he was nailed to the cross.   Still others say that it is simply a holdover from pagan religions, arguing that the iconic image is a combination of an armed cross within a circle—a common pagan symbol —and the Christian cross.  

The Celtic Cross is famed in tattoos around the world, but the true meaning behind this ancient symbol is still contested.   

Some believe that the circle on the cross represents the Roman Sun god Invictus, while others say it symbolizes Jesus’ halo when he was nailed to the cross.  

Still others say that it is simply a holdover from pagan religions, arguing that the iconic image is a combination of an armed cross within a circle—a common pagan symbol —and the Christian cross.  

                        What do Polynesian cross tattoos mean?

Polynesian crosses are the intersection of religious faith and cultural/societal ink.  Most Polynesian Islanders are followers of God, so like to match their faith with their societal beliefs in tattoo culture, incorporating the cross into storytelling designs and rites of passage. 

Polynesian crosses are the intersection of religious faith and cultural/societal ink. 

Most Polynesian Islanders are followers of God, so like to match their faith with their societal beliefs in tattoo culture, incorporating the cross into storytelling designs and rites of passage. 

                        Do I have to get a cross tattoo from a specific culture?

No, many tattoo collectors who want a cross tattoo want to create a more individual experience than just inking a simple wooden cross. By getting a tribal themed tattoo, you can add personal flair, whether it’s with color, patterns and shape, size, or the type of cross tattoo used.

No, many tattoo collectors who want a cross tattoo want to create a more individual experience than just inking a simple wooden cross.

By getting a tribal themed tattoo, you can add personal flair, whether it’s with color, patterns and shape, size, or the type of cross tattoo used.

                        What kind of cross should I use for my tribal style tattoo?

There is an amazing amount of worldly cross designs you can get for your religious/tribal fusion tattoo. Some possibilities include: 

A wooden cross  Latin cross  Greek cross  Egyptian Ankh  Tau cross  Maltese cross 

For the lapsed or unbelieving, the Gothic cross or inverted cross may be applied but may create issues with practicing Christians, while the iron cross’ relationship with Nazism and white supremacy make it a definite no no. 

There is an amazing amount of worldly cross designs you can get for your religious/tribal fusion tattoo. Some possibilities include: 

  • A wooden cross
  • Latin cross
  • Greek cross
  • Egyptian Ankh
  • Tau cross
  • Maltese cross

For the lapsed or unbelieving, the Gothic cross or inverted cross may be applied but may create issues with practicing Christians, while the iron cross’ relationship with Nazism and white supremacy make it a definite no no.