Guide Jul 06

36 Best Tribal Dragon Tattoo Ideas

Written by

Natasha Kirmse

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Table of Contents

About Tribal Dragon Tattoos

It’s always tough to know where to start when it comes to getting a tattoo. Whether new to the world of it with a completely blank canvas or someone coming in with little space to spare, it takes time and dedication to determine exactly what should go where.

Rather than focus on clichés or designs that may fade in meaning over time, why not go for a classic like the tribal dragon tattoo?

The word alone may not mean a lot to those reading this, but I promise that the designs themselves are quite common and will likely jog some memories once I start showing off examples.

Of course, I know that some need more than just a pretty image to sell them on a design, which is why I’ll be checking out tribal dragon meaning, placements, costs, and more to offer up some solid suggestions of ideas for the next visit to the tattoo shop.

What Do Tribal Dragon Tattoos Mean And Symbolize?

Here’s the deal – the dragon has a lot of history behind it which alters its meaning according to location and time. Tribal dragon tattoo designs typically alter symbolism depending on the individual and their personal history with the subject.

While I’m a big believer in the fact that meaning is subjective and individual, I also have to note that there are some larger themes that these figures seem to have going for them:

Power – in almost every folklore and mythology, the dragon stands for power. Whether serving as a force of good or evil, there’s no question that these creatures stand tall and strong as either an ally or obstacle. I won’t argue that having a tribal dragon tattoo offers some reach towards greater power for the self.
Honor – I mentioned history before and with that I have to note that a big part of the power behind the tribal dragon tattoo came from its prestige.
In ancient times, these tattoos weren’t to be displayed by just anyone. Only the highest of status and ability were honored with the design and, while that may not follow as closely in the modern-day, the symbolism remains quite strong.
Nobility – outside of Asian dragons (which I’ll get into more detail on soon), the European belief tended more toward dragons as a means to an end or a foe to defeat for ultimate glory.
Often slain in stories by knights upon a quest, these creatures stood not only as the villain of the tale, but an obstacle faced only by the greatest of knights, making them an average part of the noble culture.
Chinese Dragon – while I won’t spend too much time getting specific, I did want to take a minute to note the differences in tribal dragon ideas. I can’t speak for all dragons in Chinese culture, however, many speak to wisdom, good luck, and good omen. Who wants to refuse that?
Japanese Dragon – similar in nature, the Japanese Dragon steps up in representing not only the good but the overall balance in life. Standing to balance the yin and yang for a harmonious life, this dragon is all about equilibrium and finding a balanced state of life.

Where To Get A Tribal Dragon Tattoo

When it comes to actually sitting down to get a tribal dragon tattoo, there are a few key things to keep in mind. There’s no single placement that works the best for everyone as the natural shape and tones of the body alongside personal preference can alter the optimum location.

There are pros and cons to just about every spot on the body and a lot of it comes down to personal taste, but there are a few locations that tend to stick out above the rest:

Inner arm – the arm is a huge one for tattoo placement. I’ll admit that I’ve seen many go for the upper arm/bicep for its larger canvas. Totally fair.
The one thing to keep in mind here is lasting time. Due to its orientation, the inner arm often sits protected from UV rays, leaving the ink stronger for a longer span of time before touch-ups are needed.
Ribs – those looking for an expanse of skin that will support a larger style should take a look at the ribs. I know that it’s not the typical spot for everyone to check out first, however, I’d argue that it may offer the best of both worlds.
Easy to display on beach days and large enough for detailed tribal dragon tattoo designs, this space tends to retain its size over years as the skin here is largely unaffected by weight loss and gain.
Back – another larger canvas, the back is a great location for those who want a bigger design that’s easy to show off. Similar to the ribs, the back doesn’t fluctuate with weight loss and gain, meaning skin elasticity won’t break down the ink. In addition, the back is typically kept covered from sun exposure, leaving the details lasting a little longer.

How Much Do Tribal Dragon Tattoos Cost?

Much like with any other style, tribal dragon tattoo designs typically don’t come in a single cost range. It’s rarely down to the design itself to determine pricing, but the idea definitely makes a difference in that total cost.

Whether the perfect tribal dragon tattoo design has already been found, or the search is still on, I wanted to consider the overall pricing that anyone may be looking at before they commit to sitting in the chair. I’ll break down a few key factors that go into determining price.

Artist – the artist is a big factor in determining the overall cost. Different artists have different backgrounds. That’s everything from education and training to years on the job. These factors all come together to create a general price list that the artist will set for their work. It’s all about how they value their own time based on history and training.
Design – a huge aspect that plays into cost is the design itself. There are a number of styles available in the world of tattoos and, while tribal dragon tattoo designs usually have a general style about them, each artist has their own piece to add.
Design costs typically come down to the details of the piece as more details equal more time and money – minimal work tends to lead to lower costs.
Size – the last piece of the trio, size really does define cost as bigger and bold means more money. No work is cheap, but a bigger tribal dragon tattoo can easily hit the hundreds.
Mini tattoos tend to start around the $50 mark, but larger, detailed pieces can quickly hit the thousands for the ink and artist’s time. It’s all a matter of paying for the time we’re given.

Even if it’s not a tribal dragon tattoo you’re after, pricing typically remains the same (as in calculated by these factors). The easiest way to know costs is to reach out with a design and size and simply ask the artist for a quote. The worst they can do is say no.

36 Best Tribal Dragon Tattoo Designs

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History Of Tribal Dragon Tattoos

I can’t take time to write about tribal dragon tattoo ideas without actually considering the history behind them. While the designs themselves are fascinating to look at, there’s actually quite a lengthy history behind the style.

Tribal art tattoos are some of the oldest, tracing throughout history in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Originally done by cutting the skin and filling in the space with a paste, I’m happy to say that the practice has moved along to a much less painful method in modern times.

Despite the pain these individuals underwent, the meaning related to more than just folklore, myths, and magic.

I’ve already touched on the symbolism of the dragon above, but I have to restate here that the tribal dragon tattoo was truly a high honor. Those who were privileged enough to display the stunning creature on their body were revered in the community.

While we’re not nearly as selective these days regarding who can display the dragon on their body, the history remains. It’s an honor and true symbol of power and prestige to show off tribal dragon designs on one’s body.

Which Celebrities Have A Tribal Dragon Tattoo?

I wouldn’t recommend getting a tattoo solely based on if other celebrities have the same image, however, I can’t deny that sometimes knowing a celebrity likes something can really seal the deal for us.

I’m not sure if all of these listings necessarily count as a tribal dragon tattoo, but there are quite a few celebrities who are toting dragons on their body.

Here are some of the top names: