Haida Tattoo Meaning

Traditional Haida Style Tattoos

Just as with many other types of popular tribal tattoos, Haida tattoo meanings are separated quite a bit from their original native purpose and symbolic significance. However, unlike most tribal tattoos that are simply based on a design and color combination, it is easier to discern the meaning of a Haida tattoo based on the fact that animals represent key human traits. For instance, the thunderbird is a popular choice for many who get a Haida tattoo. The meaning of this particular type of Haida tattoo is conveyed through the animal choice, which in the case represents a magical or mystical person (versus a great warrior).

Maori Face Tattoos

Other animals provide different Haida tattoo meanings; as another example, the bear represents strength, power and fierceness whereas many sea birds represent peace and godliness. In this culture, each animal is imbued with a particular force, therefore the meaning of Haida tattoos is rooted in the symbolic importance of a given animal according to Haida lore. The meanings of Haida tattoos vary when they are drawn on the flesh of non-native people, often simply because they like the look—but for Haida natives, the Haida tattoo meaning is of great cultural significance.

Haida Fish, Whale, Dolphin Tattoos

One of the most important Haida tattoo meanings no matter what the animal or pattern is has to do with the reflection of one’s status as a warrior. For non-native Haida people, these tattoo meanings are often associated with a sense of strength, power, and a fighting spirit. Accordingly, Haida tattoos are often seen on men who are built, muscular and want to reflect the sense that they are strong and powerful.

Women have different Haida tattoo meanings than men both traditionally and in the modern, non-native world. Women who get Haida tattoos often stick with an animal or pattern that is reminiscent of a Haida full tattoo—but without the embedded cultural meanings.

Various Haida Tattoos

Some people choose to get a Haida tattoo because they are fond of a particular animal and find that a Haida inspired tattoo is a creative format for expressing that. For instance, the frog does not have extreme symbolic value for the Haida but it is a popular choice for a Haida tattoo even without tribal meaning.

Haida Tattoos

Many get their inspiration for a Haida tattoo from the iconic totem poles that are specific to the Haida people. In these, the same meanings for Haida tattoos are present in the animals and crests chosen for the totem pole. Each totem represents a different trait and meaning on the pole, just as every Haida tattoo has its own specific meaning for the person with the tattoo. As with any tribal tattoo choice, make sure that before you get a Haida tattoo simply because you like the way they look, you also investigate the meaning of Haida tattoos to be sure that when asked about what your tattoo means you have a better answer than, “it just looked good in the book.” Many get their inspiration for a Haida tattoo from the iconic totem poles that are specific to the Haida people. In these, the same meanings for Haida tattoos are present in the animals and crests chosen for the totem pole. Each totem represents a different trait and meaning on the pole, just as every Haida tattoo has its own specific meaning for the person with the tattoo. As with any tribal tattoo choice, make sure that before you get a Haida tattoo simply because you like the way they look, you also investigate the meaning of Haida tattoos to be sure that when asked about what your tattoo means you have a better answer than, “it just looked good in the book.”

Haida Tattoo Images

Many get their inspiration for a Haida tattoo from the iconic totem poles that are specific to the Haida people. In these, the same meanings for Haida tattoos are present in the animals and crests chosen for the totem pole. Each totem represents a different trait and meaning on the pole, just as every Haida tattoo has its own specific meaning for the person with the tattoo. As with any tribal tattoo choice, make sure that before you get a Haida tattoo simply because you like the way they look, you also investigate the meaning of Haida tattoos to be sure that when asked about what your tattoo means you have a better answer than, “it just looked good in the book.”