There are dozens of different tribal styles of tattoos; many traditional peoples used ink to mark their bodies to different extents. The most popular of these styles right now are definitely the Polynesian and Maori inspired pieces, thanks in large part to one specific actor and wrestler (looking at you Dwayne).
Celtic knots are also considered tribal, although sometimes they are overlooked because they are not as exotic as other styles. Many people choose to get designs inked that are inspired by the ancient Mesoamerican cultures of the Aztecs and Mayans, whose fierce and often macabre designs translate perfectly into tattoos.
The Iban people of Sarawak in Borneo also have distinctive body art that has made it into the world of modern tattoo culture. Their designs feature bold black ink with a limited use negative space to create floral designs that are often worn on the shoulders, facing forward.
Some people even consider Egyptian inspired pieces like the Eye of Horus and sphinx tattoos to be tribal, but we’ll leave that up to the experts. With the plethora of different tribal styles, anyone interested in these powerful cultural designs will find a piece that suits their tastes.