Haida Tattoos
If you are looking for a tattoo that contains spiritual elements, intricate detailing, and an overall really cool design, consider getting a Haida tattoo.
Haida tattoos feature aboriginal designs and are one of the more elite designs in the world of tattoos today.
Featuring impressive patterns and a focus commonly centered around animal tattoo motifs, you can easily spot a Haida tattoo from across the room.
What is a Haida Tattoo?
Haida tattoos are very distinct in terms of design and are of deep cultural significance and symbolism.
Haida tattoos originated on Canada’s west coast by the Haida tribe.
These tattoos contained subjects of personal significance in the form of family crests, animals, and mythical beings that the Haida tribe considered spiritually significant.
While historically there were over 70 crest figures represented in Haida tattoos, only 20 of these are used today.
In the Haida tattoos of today, symbols can be used individually or together in a comprehensive piece.
Considering how many different symbols are used in Haida tattoos, there are various subjects to choose from.
Here are some of the most popular subjects used in Haida tattoos:
- The Eagle: The Haida eagle tattoo is one of the most popular tattoos for not only Native Americans but common people as well. This is a top choice for men specifically as the Haida eagle is symbolic of power, wisdom, spirituality, and strength. This symbol is usually placed on the back or chest of the wearer to allow room for the wingspan of the eagle, a further representation of power and strength.
- The Great Spirit/The Raven: Ne-kilst-Lass, also known as the Great Spirit, is considered the creator of the world and is represented by the image of a raven. Historically, the raven was featured on the Haida tribe’s totem poles. Many choose to incorporate this imagery into their Haida tattoos today as the raven is of great importance in Haida culture.
- Zoomorphic: In Haida culture, animals are very symbolic and this is evident in Haida tattoos. The Haida tribe viewed animals as more wise than humans and believed they could transform into humans. This is an especially popular subject in the Haida tattoos of today as they allow a lot of room for creativity.
- Matrilineal Lineage: The Haida people typically chose matrilineal lineages in their tattoos. This is a widely used subject for the Haida tattoos of today with many men choosing a female relative of special significance to them as inspiration for the piece.
How to Decide on the Best Haida Tattoo Design For You
If you appreciate the aesthetic and cultural significance of Haida tattoos and want one for yourself, you’ll need to decide on the best design for you.
This may seem like an overwhelming task but it doesn’t have to be.
There are many ways that you can narrow down the options at your disposal and select a design you will be proud to show off.
Tattoo Meaning
As one of the tattoo styles most rooted in meaning and cultural significance, you should start by identifying what you would like your Haida tattoo to mean to you.
If you favor a symbol that represents strength and power, consider the popular Haida eagle.
For those with a special interest in spirituality, the raven tattoo is one of the best choices.
Those who want a unique design that allows their tattoo artist room to get creative may favor a zoomorphic design as the possibilities are endless.
Whether the meaning is deep or based on your love for a certain aesthetic, identifying what you want your tattoo to represent is a great first step in selecting the best design.
Tattoo Placement
One of the most important factors to consider when selecting the best Haida tattoo design for you is placement.
Where you will be wearing your Haida tattoo can have a lot to do with the design options at your disposal.
For example, as previously mentioned, Haida eagles are widely used for men who want chest pieces or back pieces since this design usually requires a lot of space.
If you want to place your tattoo in a spot with a smaller amount of space, plan your design accordingly.
Color Scheme
When it comes to Haida tattoos, it is traditional to base your design around the three primary colors historically used by the Haida tribe: black, blue, and red.
These colors were central to much of the art produced by the Haida tribe and this extended to their tattoos.
This isn’t to say that your design must include all three of these colors (or any of them) but the most recognizable Haida tattoos follow this historical tradition.
Take your desired color scheme into account when creating your design alongside your tattoo artist.
Tattoo Artist
Finally, choosing a Haida tattoo design can be made much easier when considering the skills and specialization of your tattoo artist carefully.
The best Haida tattoo designs are created by tattoo artists specializing in this style so finding an artist with experience is vital.
Even if your chosen tattoo artist doesn’t specialize in the Haida tattoo style, it is imperative that they have years of experience and a portfolio filled with examples of their previous work.
It’s also important to work with your tattoo artist collaboratively when creating your ideal design.
Instead of approaching your tattoo artist with a narrow view of what you’re looking for, allow room for creativity and suggestion.
It’s best to meet with your tattoo artist with an open mind and listen to their suggestions as experts in their field.
By working collaboratively, you may receive input on your Haida tattoo design that you had never previously considered.
Where Should You Place Your Haida Tattoo?
As one of the biggest decisions to make when getting a Haida tattoo, many people aren’t sure where to start in determining the placement.
These tattoos are bold and meaningful and this means that they are typically placed in spots that allow for more space.
If you want to get the most out of your Haida tattoo, consider a spot where your tattoo artist will have the biggest canvas to bring your dream to life.
Some of the most common areas for Haida tattoos are the back, chest, upper arm, and calf.
These spots tend to allow for the most room.
There is a lot of room to work with just how large you’d like your tattoo to be, however.
There is no rule that a Haida tattoo has to cover the entirety of your back, chest, or leg so if you’d like to place your tattoo in a more central area, feel free!
At the same time, many ultimately decide to turn their Haida tattoo into a comprehensive piece containing various symbols.
For these types of designs, it’s best to get a half sleeve, full sleeve, or complete body piece.
If this isn’t your style, you can always get multiple Haida tattoos on different locations of the body.
How Much Do Haida Tattoos Cost?
One of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to Haida tattoos is how much it will cost.
As with any style of tattoo, the answer can vary based on a variety of different factors.
Here are a few of the factors that you can use to get an idea of what you will pay for your Haida tattoo:
Tattoo Artist
The tattoo artist that you select for your Haida tattoo is an important decision not only for the quality of your tattoo but for costs as well.
In the tattoo industry, it’s a well-known fact that you get what you pay for.
If you choose an artist that specializes in Haida tattoos (which is highly recommended), you should expect to pay more.
This is due to the fact that such artists are usually in high demand.
Location
Believe it or not, how much your Haida tattoo will cost can be dependent upon the location of your tattoo shop.
Tattoo artists charge different hourly rates based on their location and cities usually have higher rates than smaller towns.
If you live in a big city and want to save a chunk of change when getting your Haida tattoo, consider branching out.
Search for skilled and talented tattoo artists in smaller towns and compare rates.
Remember that cheaper hourly rates based on location don’t necessarily mean a difference in skill level.
Size/Time
As you probably know, the size of your Haida tattoo has a huge effect on how much it will cost.
A larger tattoo results in a higher price because it will take longer for your tattoo artist to complete.
Considering the fact that tattoo artists figure overall costs based on an established hourly rate, a large chest piece will be more expensive than a smaller design on the upper arm.
Keep this in mind when selecting the size of your Haida tattoo.
Design
There are many components that make up a Haida tattoo design.
From size and detail to color and shading, your design will cost as much as it takes to complete.
Again, you get what you pay for, and considering how bold and impressive Haida tattoos are, it’s best to be ready to pay for a high-quality tattoo design.
Haida Tattoo Designs
Now that you have all of the necessary information to embark on choosing the best Haida tattoo design for you, it’s time for some examples.
Browsing the Internet for examples of high-quality tattoos completed in the style you’re looking for is a great way to get inspiration.
Haida Eagle Chest Piece
As previously mentioned, the Haida eagle is the most popular subject of Haida tattoo in the world today.
Those looking to express their masculinity and power choose this meaningful design and wear it with pride.
The boldest place to show off an eagle tattoo is front and center as a chest piece.
This allows enough room for intricate line-work and detailing as well as offering enough space for the wingspan of this majestic animal.
Haida Raven Forearm Tattoo
For men in touch with spirituality and respect for the culture of Haida tattoos, there are few better symbols than the Haida raven.
Due to the creative freedom allowed by this particular subject, a Haida raven tattoo is well fit for a smaller forearm tattoo.
For those who want an impressive tattoo that they can wear proudly for all to see, a Haida raven forearm tattoo is the way to go.
Haida Salmon Tattoo
A Haida salmon tattoo is deeply significant in Haida culture.
It embodies meanings like prosperity and abundance.
Additionally, it represents a profound respect for the natural world and a commitment to its preservation.
The spiritual element comes into play as well, as salmon are considered messengers between the human and spirit realms.
Beyond its cultural symbolism, a Haida salmon tattoo can also convey personal attributes such as resilience, endurance, and the ability to overcome challenges.
Haida Armband Tattoos
Armband tattoos are commonly associated with tattoos of a tribal style.
Considering that there are many similarities between Haida tattoos and other popular tribal tattoo styles, an armband tattoo is a great placement.
Armband tattoos are representative of masculinity and a fighter’s spirit, with many cultures using them to mark their most skilled warriors.
Is it OK to get a Haida tattoo?
Getting a Haida tattoo can be a beautiful way to express your appreciation for Haida culture and artistry.
Still, it’s essential to approach this decision with sensitivity, respect, and cultural awareness.
Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
- Respect and Understanding: Before getting a Haida tattoo, take the time to learn about Haida culture, its history, and the significance of its art. Understanding the cultural context of the tattoo you’re getting is crucial.
- Consultation: If possible, consider consulting with a member of the Haida community or an Indigenous cultural expert. They can provide guidance on the design, its appropriateness, and whether there are any cultural protocols to follow.
- Cultural Appreciation, Not Appropriation: Ensure that your intention is to appreciate and honor Haida culture, rather than appropriating it. Cultural appropriation involves taking elements of a culture without permission or understanding, and it can be offensive and harmful.
- Choose a Skilled Artist: Find a tattoo artist who has experience with Haida art and understands the cultural significance. They can work with you to create a design that respects Haida traditions while reflecting your personal connection.
- Consider Placement: Think about where you want to place the tattoo. Some placements may be more culturally sensitive than others, and discussing this with your chosen artist is important.
- Honor the Culture: If you decide to get a Haida tattoo, make an effort to honor and support Haida culture in other ways. This could involve learning more about their history, supporting Indigenous artists, or contributing to causes that benefit Indigenous communities.
In summary, it can be okay to get a Haida tattoo if you approach it with respect, cultural awareness, and a genuine desire to honor and appreciate Haida culture.
The key is to consult with experts and make thoughtful choices that align with the principles of cultural respect and understanding.
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