When most people think of tribal tattoos they think of the large scale, intricate Polynesian pieces or fearsome face tattoos of the NZ Maori. Others think of massive black ink designs popular for all sorts of different people in the early 2000s. The truth is that some of the most symbolic, interesting tribal designs are etched very small but pack in the same arresting qualities of their larger counterparts. As with tribal designs from many tattoo cultures, small pieces are etched with precise linework, and almost uniformly in black ink to create symbols of animal motifs and totems, family scenes, or designs of personal protection guidance, protection and strength. The following collection of beautiful small tribal designs will captivate and give you inspiration for a significant cultural tattoo of your own.

  1. Animal Themed Small Tribal Tattoo Ideas Source: @_tiny_ink via Instagram Source: @brokenchainstattoo via Instagram Source: @brunorua.ink via Instagram Source: @dagmarakokocinska via Instagram Source: @laineytattoo via InstagramSource: @dragonalien1 via Instagram Source: @leolisboa_tattoo via Instagram Source: @mira_ghost via Instagram Source: @mr.wilsontattoo via Instagram Source: @shonmatushak via Instagram Source: @verotattooine via Instagram Source: @taylorpaigetattoos via Instagram
  2. Small Tribal Tattoos for the Ankle and Lower Leg Source: @anna_karagkouni via Instagram Source: @datutatu via Instagram Source: @elotattoo_ via Instagram Source: @izzi_tattoo_gt via Instagram Source: @rafa_ferrari_tattoo via Instagram Source: @street_art_tattoo via Instagram Source: @tattoojuj via Instagram Source: @priscillaspreafico via Instagram
  3. Upper Arm Small Tribal Designs Source: @dc14_tattoos via Instagram Source: @dtf_tattoo via Instagram Source: @eddieborneoink via Instagram Source: @fungusart via Instagram Source: @garydoestattoos via Instagram Source: @goodman.tattoo via Instagram Source: @miguelfigini via Instagram Source: @colorofmysoul via Instagram
  4. Innovative Technical Small Tribal Tattoo Ideas Source: @nativeonetattoostudio via Instagram Source: @michael_tattoo_pierc via Instagram Source: @tessiaelise via Instagram Source: @baku.tattoo.kauai via Instagram
  5. Small Tribal Tattoo Designs for the Back Source: @raskinstyle via Instagram Source: @raskinstyle via Instagram Source: @adasiya_kahina via Instagram Source: @dineshtattoo via Instagram Source: @eddieborneoink via Instagram Source: @extinction.ink via Instagram Source: @kerlynweaver via Instagram Source: @raskinstyle via InstagramSource: @elinorab via Instagram Source: @tatakbyayla via Instagram Source: @xochipilitattoo via Instagram
  6. Small Tribal Leg Tattoos Source: @eddieborneoink via Instagram Source: @thejuca via Instagram Source: @abhishekchaurasia_plur via InstagramSource: @windhorse_vajra via InstagramSource: @vajratattoosgallery via Instagram Source: @basafababak via Instagram Source: @eddieborneoink via Instagram Source: @erwinprimitif_ via Instagram Source: @jonytattoo_ via Instagram Source: @tatakbyayla via Instagram Source: @thejuca via Instagram
  7. Small Tribal Tattoo Bands Source: @blacktalontattoos via Instagram Source: @dakine702tattoo via Instagram Source: @ereslarazatattooer via Instagram Source: @kokin_tattoo via Instagram Source: @lordneytattoo_ via Instagram Source: @nickblacktattoo via Instagram Source: @tattooist_showhwan via Instagram Source: @woodyeightfoldtattoo via Instagram
  8. Small Tribal Tattoos for the Shoulder Source: @eddieborneoink via Instagram Source: @raskinstyle via Instagram Source: @eddieborneoink via Instagram Source: @jerome_titeca_tattoo via Instagram Source: @lovelucktattoo via InstagramSource: @joolio_tribal_tattoos via Instagram Source: @raskinstyle via Instagram
  9. Simple Small Tribal Tattoo Ideas Source: @lisa_el_ayacha via Instagram Source: @miss_butterfly_ink via Instagram Source: @oculus_tattoo via InstagramSource: @marmargarit via Instagram Source: @synergeticexhibit via Instagram Source: @thejuca via Instagram
  10. Small Tribal Sun Tattoo Designs Source: @abd_waheed1 via Instagram Source: @ana4art_ via Instagram Source: @dick_verdammt via Instagram Source: @giokay via Instagram Source: @oxtattooz via Instagram Source: @robrom07 via Instagram Source: @romanordtattoo via Instagram Source: @tattoozbygourav via Instagram

When most people think of tribal tattoos they think of the large scale, intricate Polynesian pieces or fearsome face tattoos of the NZ Maori. Others think of massive black ink designs popular for all sorts of different people in the early 2000s. The truth is that some of the most symbolic, interesting tribal designs are etched very small but pack in the same arresting qualities of their larger counterparts. As with tribal designs from many tattoo cultures, small pieces are etched with precise linework, and almost uniformly in black ink to create symbols of animal motifs and totems, family scenes, or designs of personal protection guidance, protection and strength. The following collection of beautiful small tribal designs will captivate and give you inspiration for a significant cultural tattoo of your own.

  1. Animal Themed Small Tribal Tattoo Ideas Source: @_tiny_ink via Instagram Source: @brokenchainstattoo via Instagram Source: @brunorua.ink via Instagram Source: @dagmarakokocinska via Instagram Source: @laineytattoo via InstagramSource: @dragonalien1 via Instagram Source: @leolisboa_tattoo via Instagram Source: @mira_ghost via Instagram Source: @mr.wilsontattoo via Instagram Source: @shonmatushak via Instagram Source: @verotattooine via Instagram Source: @taylorpaigetattoos via Instagram
  2. Small Tribal Tattoos for the Ankle and Lower Leg Source: @anna_karagkouni via Instagram Source: @datutatu via Instagram Source: @elotattoo_ via Instagram Source: @izzi_tattoo_gt via Instagram Source: @rafa_ferrari_tattoo via Instagram Source: @street_art_tattoo via Instagram Source: @tattoojuj via Instagram Source: @priscillaspreafico via Instagram
  3. Upper Arm Small Tribal Designs Source: @dc14_tattoos via Instagram Source: @dtf_tattoo via Instagram Source: @eddieborneoink via Instagram Source: @fungusart via Instagram Source: @garydoestattoos via Instagram Source: @goodman.tattoo via Instagram Source: @miguelfigini via Instagram Source: @colorofmysoul via Instagram
  4. Innovative Technical Small Tribal Tattoo Ideas Source: @nativeonetattoostudio via Instagram Source: @michael_tattoo_pierc via Instagram Source: @tessiaelise via Instagram Source: @baku.tattoo.kauai via Instagram
  5. Small Tribal Tattoo Designs for the Back Source: @raskinstyle via Instagram Source: @raskinstyle via Instagram Source: @adasiya_kahina via Instagram Source: @dineshtattoo via Instagram Source: @eddieborneoink via Instagram Source: @extinction.ink via Instagram Source: @kerlynweaver via Instagram Source: @raskinstyle via InstagramSource: @elinorab via Instagram Source: @tatakbyayla via Instagram Source: @xochipilitattoo via Instagram
  6. Small Tribal Leg Tattoos Source: @eddieborneoink via Instagram Source: @thejuca via Instagram Source: @abhishekchaurasia_plur via InstagramSource: @windhorse_vajra via InstagramSource: @vajratattoosgallery via Instagram Source: @basafababak via Instagram Source: @eddieborneoink via Instagram Source: @erwinprimitif_ via Instagram Source: @jonytattoo_ via Instagram Source: @tatakbyayla via Instagram Source: @thejuca via Instagram
  7. Small Tribal Tattoo Bands Source: @blacktalontattoos via Instagram Source: @dakine702tattoo via Instagram Source: @ereslarazatattooer via Instagram Source: @kokin_tattoo via Instagram Source: @lordneytattoo_ via Instagram Source: @nickblacktattoo via Instagram Source: @tattooist_showhwan via Instagram Source: @woodyeightfoldtattoo via Instagram
  8. Small Tribal Tattoos for the Shoulder Source: @eddieborneoink via Instagram Source: @raskinstyle via Instagram Source: @eddieborneoink via Instagram Source: @jerome_titeca_tattoo via Instagram Source: @lovelucktattoo via InstagramSource: @joolio_tribal_tattoos via Instagram Source: @raskinstyle via Instagram
  9. Simple Small Tribal Tattoo Ideas Source: @lisa_el_ayacha via Instagram Source: @miss_butterfly_ink via Instagram Source: @oculus_tattoo via InstagramSource: @marmargarit via Instagram Source: @synergeticexhibit via Instagram Source: @thejuca via Instagram
  10. Small Tribal Sun Tattoo Designs Source: @abd_waheed1 via Instagram Source: @ana4art_ via Instagram Source: @dick_verdammt via Instagram Source: @giokay via Instagram Source: @oxtattooz via Instagram Source: @robrom07 via Instagram Source: @romanordtattoo via Instagram Source: @tattoozbygourav via Instagram

When most people think of tribal tattoos they think of the large scale, intricate Polynesian pieces or fearsome face tattoos of the NZ Maori.

Others think of massive black ink designs popular for all sorts of different people in the early 2000s.

The truth is that some of the most symbolic, interesting tribal designs are etched very small but pack in the same arresting qualities of their larger counterparts.

As with tribal designs from many tattoo cultures, small pieces are etched with precise linework, and almost uniformly in black ink to create symbols of animal motifs and totems, family scenes, or designs of personal protection guidance, protection and strength.

The following collection of beautiful small tribal designs will captivate and give you inspiration for a significant cultural tattoo of your own.

1. Animal Themed Small Tribal Tattoo Ideas

Source: @_tiny_ink via Instagram

Source: @brokenchainstattoo via Instagram

Source: @brunorua.ink via Instagram

Source: @dagmarakokocinska via Instagram

Source: @laineytattoo via InstagramSource: @dragonalien1 via Instagram

Source: @leolisboa_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @mira_ghost via Instagram

Source: @mr.wilsontattoo via Instagram

Source: @shonmatushak via Instagram

Source: @verotattooine via Instagram

Source: @taylorpaigetattoos via Instagram

2. Small Tribal Tattoos for the Ankle and Lower Leg

Source: @anna_karagkouni via Instagram

Source: @datutatu via Instagram

Source: @elotattoo_ via Instagram

Source: @izzi_tattoo_gt via Instagram

Source: @rafa_ferrari_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @street_art_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @tattoojuj via Instagram

Source: @priscillaspreafico via Instagram

3. Upper Arm Small Tribal Designs

Source: @dc14_tattoos via Instagram

Source: @dtf_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @eddieborneoink via Instagram

Source: @fungusart via Instagram

Source: @garydoestattoos via Instagram

Source: @goodman.tattoo via Instagram

Source: @miguelfigini via Instagram

Source: @colorofmysoul via Instagram

4. Innovative Technical Small Tribal Tattoo Ideas

Source: @nativeonetattoostudio via Instagram

Source: @michael_tattoo_pierc via Instagram

Source: @tessiaelise via Instagram

Source: @baku.tattoo.kauai via Instagram

5. Small Tribal Tattoo Designs for the Back

Source: @raskinstyle via Instagram

Source: @adasiya_kahina via Instagram

Source: @dineshtattoo via Instagram

Source: @extinction.ink via Instagram

Source: @kerlynweaver via Instagram

Source: @raskinstyle via InstagramSource: @elinorab via Instagram

Source: @tatakbyayla via Instagram

Source: @xochipilitattoo via Instagram

6. Small Tribal Leg Tattoos

Source: @thejuca via Instagram

Source: @abhishekchaurasia_plur via InstagramSource: @windhorse_vajra via InstagramSource: @vajratattoosgallery via Instagram

Source: @basafababak via Instagram

Source: @erwinprimitif_ via Instagram

Source: @jonytattoo_ via Instagram

7. Small Tribal Tattoo Bands

Source: @blacktalontattoos via Instagram

Source: @dakine702tattoo via Instagram

Source: @ereslarazatattooer via Instagram

Source: @kokin_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @lordneytattoo_ via Instagram

Source: @nickblacktattoo via Instagram

Source: @tattooist_showhwan via Instagram

Source: @woodyeightfoldtattoo via Instagram

8. Small Tribal Tattoos for the Shoulder

Source: @jerome_titeca_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @lovelucktattoo via InstagramSource: @joolio_tribal_tattoos via Instagram

9. Simple Small Tribal Tattoo Ideas

Source: @lisa_el_ayacha via Instagram

Source: @miss_butterfly_ink via Instagram

Source: @oculus_tattoo via InstagramSource: @marmargarit via Instagram

Source: @synergeticexhibit via Instagram

10. Small Tribal Sun Tattoo Designs

Source: @abd_waheed1 via Instagram

Source: @ana4art_ via Instagram

Source: @dick_verdammt via Instagram

Source: @giokay via Instagram

Source: @oxtattooz via Instagram

Source: @robrom07 via Instagram

Source: @romanordtattoo via Instagram

Source: @tattoozbygourav via Instagram

                        What do tribal tattoos symbolize?

Many different tribal patterns are associated with strength, good luck, feats of physical strength and spiritual guardians. Traditionally tribal tattoos would tell the wearer’s story as well as working to bring them good luck and keep them safe in battle, although in modern times this deeper significance is not always as clear as it was in the past. Many patterns across tribal style are drawn from nature, with the layered designs referencing the fishing, hunting and warrior lifestyle that sustained many different tribal peoples.

                        Why choose small tribal tattoos?

Large tribal designs can be time consuming, expensive pieces of body art despite ostly being etched in black ink. For many people looking to get tattoos of a tribal nature they prefer to start small, with something symbolic or hugely personal that is important to their tribal culture. From there they have the option to build on the original design with more tribal work, augment with a different style of tattoo, or stay put with a simple expression. As far as sizes go, a small tattoo is usually one that is 4 inches or smaller from point to point. If you’re looking to go smaller than that, a tiny tattoo is 2 inches or less. Medium sized tattoos fall in the 4-6 inch range, while anything bigger than that is either a large tattoo or sleeve. A tribal band is often larger than most classically sized small tattoos, however in comparison to the extremely large and precise, technical tribal designs they still take up a lot less room than most tribal designs even at a width of 4 inches and stretching around a limb.

                        Where can I place my small tribal tattoo?

Small tribal tattoos allow for a range of positions. They’re often displayed beautifully when etched cleverly along bone and flow of muscle or arranged into a distinctive tribal band. Traditional positions for tribal ink include:

The lower forearm and upper arm (especially for bands) The lower leg, ankle and foot The center of the back or along the shoulder blade The shoulder and upper chest The upper thigh

                        What do tribal tattoos symbolize?

Many different tribal patterns are associated with strength, good luck, feats of physical strength and spiritual guardians. Traditionally tribal tattoos would tell the wearer’s story as well as working to bring them good luck and keep them safe in battle, although in modern times this deeper significance is not always as clear as it was in the past. Many patterns across tribal style are drawn from nature, with the layered designs referencing the fishing, hunting and warrior lifestyle that sustained many different tribal peoples.

Many different tribal patterns are associated with strength, good luck, feats of physical strength and spiritual guardians.

Traditionally tribal tattoos would tell the wearer’s story as well as working to bring them good luck and keep them safe in battle, although in modern times this deeper significance is not always as clear as it was in the past.

Many patterns across tribal style are drawn from nature, with the layered designs referencing the fishing, hunting and warrior lifestyle that sustained many different tribal peoples.

                        Why choose small tribal tattoos?

Large tribal designs can be time consuming, expensive pieces of body art despite ostly being etched in black ink. For many people looking to get tattoos of a tribal nature they prefer to start small, with something symbolic or hugely personal that is important to their tribal culture. From there they have the option to build on the original design with more tribal work, augment with a different style of tattoo, or stay put with a simple expression. As far as sizes go, a small tattoo is usually one that is 4 inches or smaller from point to point. If you’re looking to go smaller than that, a tiny tattoo is 2 inches or less. Medium sized tattoos fall in the 4-6 inch range, while anything bigger than that is either a large tattoo or sleeve. A tribal band is often larger than most classically sized small tattoos, however in comparison to the extremely large and precise, technical tribal designs they still take up a lot less room than most tribal designs even at a width of 4 inches and stretching around a limb.

Large tribal designs can be time consuming, expensive pieces of body art despite ostly being etched in black ink.

For many people looking to get tattoos of a tribal nature they prefer to start small, with something symbolic or hugely personal that is important to their tribal culture.

From there they have the option to build on the original design with more tribal work, augment with a different style of tattoo, or stay put with a simple expression.

As far as sizes go, a small tattoo is usually one that is 4 inches or smaller from point to point. If you’re looking to go smaller than that, a tiny tattoo is 2 inches or less.

Medium sized tattoos fall in the 4-6 inch range, while anything bigger than that is either a large tattoo or sleeve.

A tribal band is often larger than most classically sized small tattoos, however in comparison to the extremely large and precise, technical tribal designs they still take up a lot less room than most tribal designs even at a width of 4 inches and stretching around a limb.

                        Where can I place my small tribal tattoo?

Small tribal tattoos allow for a range of positions. They’re often displayed beautifully when etched cleverly along bone and flow of muscle or arranged into a distinctive tribal band. Traditional positions for tribal ink include:

The lower forearm and upper arm (especially for bands) The lower leg, ankle and foot The center of the back or along the shoulder blade The shoulder and upper chest The upper thigh

Small tribal tattoos allow for a range of positions. They’re often displayed beautifully when etched cleverly along bone and flow of muscle or arranged into a distinctive tribal band.

Traditional positions for tribal ink include:

  • The lower forearm and upper arm (especially for bands)
  • The lower leg, ankle and foot
  • The center of the back or along the shoulder blade
  • The shoulder and upper chest
  • The upper thigh