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Abyssinian Cat Tattoos - The Abyssinian is a breed of domesticated cat with a distinctive ticked coat. There are many stories about its origins, often revolving around Egypt, but the actual origins are uncertain. The Abyssinian has become one of the most popular breeds of shorthair cat in the USA. Abyssinians are extrovert, willful and intelligent, but are usually not "lap cats", being too preoccupied with exploring and playing as they would in their natural habitat... more

Acorn Tattoos - In ancient cultures, the acorn was taken as a talisman to ward off evil spirits. In Britain, to carry around an acorn meant long life, good luck, and guidance when lost. Old English folklore says that a woman who carried an acorn on her person kept wrinkles at bay. For Thor, the Norse god of thunder, the oak was sacred because it withstood lightning strikes. The acorn motif is found in ancient statues and carvings -- on Greek statues of Artemis, goddess of the hunt, and on the necklace of her Roman equivalent, Diana... more

Alligator Tattoos - Alligators and crocodiles are both members of the 'crocodilian' family, one of the few species on earth that don't hesitate to treat humans as food. That puts them at the top of the food chain, challenging human supremacy. Alligators and crocodiles are powerful symbols of stealth, patience, and 'hidden danger'. Their protruding, retractable eyes are like binoculars, resting just above... more

Alphabet Tattoos - This alphabet, the one we’re using to write and read these very words, is known either as the Latin alphabet or the Roman alphabet, and is the most widely used alphabetic writing system in the world. Its origins can be traced back to the first primitive impressions painted on the walls of caves.... more

Ambigram Tattoos - An ambigram tattoo is a graphical figure that spells out a word not only in its form as presented, but also in another direction or orientation. The text can also consist of a few words, and the text spelled out in the other direction or orientation is often the same, but can also be a different text. Ambigrams are popular with graphic artists, due not only to their unique symmetry but to their mysterious quality so readily appreciated on music albums and book jackets... more

American Shorthair Cat Tattoos - The American Shorthair is the 8th most popular breed of cat in the United States according the Cat Fancier's Association for 2006-2007. The breed is believed to be descended from English cats (the forebears of today's British Shorthairs) brought to North America by early British settlers to protect valuable cargo from mice and rats.... more

Anamorphosis Tattoos - Anamorphosis is an artistic technique that creates an optical illusion that tricks the eye and by which the artist may conceal messages or images within a design. When viewed straight-on, the hidden element appears unrecognizable. Only when the observer shifts position and views the drawing or painting from a specific angle is the distorted image reconstituted into its proper perspective. The earliest examples of anamorphosis in fine art can be seen in the Renaissance paintings of Leonardo Da Vinci, and the 16th century Flemish artist Hans Holbein... more

Anarchy Tattoos - The usual symbol for anarchy is a stylized "A" within a circle. As a tattoo symbol and design, the anarchy "A" has been very popular with groups whose members have considered themselves as being on the fringes of accepted society... more

Anchor Cross Tattoos - The traditional anchor cross appears in various forms. One variation manages to include three crosses-by 'crossing' the two barbs of the double hook. This symbolism may represent the Holy Trinity to some, or perhaps the three crosses on Calvary. As a nautical motif, the anchor has long implied a steady course through the stormy straits of life, or refuge in a secure harbor protected from turbulent seas and approaching storms... more

Anchor Tattoo Designs - The Anchor tattoo is a design that has been a fixture of modern western tattooing for the better part of two centuries, and has even more ancient symbolic roots going back several millennia. The anchor is a favorite of individuals who are associated with marine or naval careers. In ancient times the anchor, like the fish, was a symbol with ties to the early Christian church. An anchor tattoo can be thought of as holding one steadfast, like an anchor holding a great sailing ship safe in harbour, against winds and currents that might carry it astray... more

Anemone Flower Tattoos - The Anemone is a flower often associated with death and sleep. The anemone, of course, has come to symbolize the memorial to fallen soldiers of the two World Wars in the form of a poppy. The Anemone is featured in the myth of Aphrodite mourning the death of Adonis -- the flower sprung from her tears. .... more

Angel Tattoos - An angel tattoo design is an overtly religious symbol. Angels are anthropomorphic - meaning in the shape of men - winged forms intended to transmit the word of God to humankind. Angels personify divine will and are the messengers of God. As a tattoo design, an angel is a symbol of devotion, spirituality and faith and signifies a relationship with God... more

Ankh - The ankh is a fascinating hybrid of two nearly universal symbols, ones found in many cultures all over the world, the cross and the circle. The shape of the ankh suggests the sunrise, with the loop depicting the sun rising over the horizon, symbolized by the crossbar, with the vertical line representing the path of the sun. One theory holds that its unique shape represents the... more

Ankle Tattoos - When we think of gender specific tattoos, or feminine tattoos meant solely for girls and women, we usually conjure up the image of a delicate design -- flowers, or butterflies, perhaps -- located on a body part like the lower back, the bikini line or breast, the wrist or perhaps the ankle. And for good reason. The ankle is a delicate part of the body, and for that reason, very sexy, and uniquely so to the female of our species. Wherever tattoo styles wander, the ankle is likely to remain an attractive and popular patch of the human canvas for tattoos for girls... more

Apple Tattoos - Apples have long symbolized fertility, love, sensuality and sexuality, temptation and sin. No doubt apple enthusiasts eagerly anticipated the ripening of the fruit of the apple tree with its promise of sweetness to come as they turned from green to red in the rays of the sun. An apple is literally ripe with promise. The most famous apple undoubtedly belongs to Eve. In fact, it was an unnamed fruit from the Tree of Knowledge that Eve offered to Adam in the Garden of Eden, later called 'apple' by Renaissance artists who were inspired by the Greek legend.... more

Aquarius Tattoos - The Western astrological sign of Aquarius forms part of the tropical zodiac (January 20 - February 18) and of the sidereal zodiac (February 13 - March 14). Aquarius is associated with the classical element Air, and thus called an Air Sign (with Libra and Gemini)... more

Aries Tattoos - The Western astrological sign of Aries is occupied by the Sun from March 21st to April 19th in the tropical zodiac. Aries is associated with the classical element Fire, and thus called a fire sign (along with Sagittarius and Leo)... more

Armband Tattoos - Armband tattoo designs are arguably one of the most popular tattoo designs around. You see them wherever you look - in urban realms and rural hideouts, on CEO's and bikers, on young women and old men. Whether hidden beneath a sleeve or proudly displayed at the beach, an armband is a classic choice... more

Aztec Tattoos - In the daily life of an Aztec -around 600 years ago- pleasing the gods was a priority. No god was more important than Huitzilopochtili, the sun god, the giver of life and guardian of the heavens. He is depicted as a blue character with a headdress of hummingbird feathers. And fully armed. Today, that Aztec sun tattoo might very well symbolize a belief in the afterlife, which may explain why this celestial character was often depicted in a serious mood... more

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