The beginning of tattooing in Egypt is still the subject of much debate, but substantial evidence shows that tattooing in Egypt has its roots, if not earlier, in the early years of the Middle Kingdom (2040 to 1782 BC). Numerous legends and explorations show that only Egyptian women had markings on themselves for various reasons.
Egyptian women’s tattoos were either a mark that represented servitude, or a mark that represented their specific service, such as prostitution. they were a means of promoting fertility and protecting future generations. Researchers believe that tattooing in ancient Egyptian women had a therapeutic role and had the importance of a permanent amulet to protect them in the most difficult time of pregnancy and childbirth.
With the passage of time, researchers found substantial evidence that tattoos became equally important for men as well. While female tattoos were a representation of status, magical knowledge, and bravery, men tattoos are symbols of virility and strength.
early archaeologists believed tattoos in egypt were exclusive to women, but the oldest surviving tattoos are found on a mummified corpse known as otzi, the iceman, who lived approximately 5,300 years ago. he is the oldest naturally preserved mummy, with 61 tattoos.
Numerous research shows that tattoos for the Egyptians had a similar meaning to the one they have for people today. the most common designs were dots and lines used to indicate the flow of energy within the human body. on the other hand, different Egyptian symbols serve as permanent magical amulets and sacred objects to avoid possible evils, disasters or diseases.
Among the numerous Egyptian symbols, a pyramid tends to be one of the most accepted tattoo designs. pyramids always denote a great achievement for people for many years. In a literal sense, the pyramids represent the great abilities of the ancient Egyptian civilization. it is also a symbol of unity and determination, the two most influential factors in the creation of magnificent monuments.
The pyramids served as a burial place for pharaohs and upper-class Egyptians. Ancient Egyptians believed in a variety of gods and the idea that the deceased could walk to the heavens directly from the pyramids. for this reason, the pyramids were built in perfect alignment with lunar events.
In fact, the Egyptians’ knowledge of the stars and the universe was so remarkable that researchers are still confused as to how they came to a complete understanding of the solar system. Pyramid tattoos have different meanings for different people, such as protection, determination, perseverance, unity, spirituality, dedication, and intelligence, to name a few.
The three-sided polygon is quite popular among people nowadays. There are several different styles that you can choose from to have a pyramid style tattoo, such as neck, wrist, and arms.
Following are some of the most popular pyramid style tattoo and their meaning:
egyptian pyramid tattoo design
These basic pyramid tattoo styles embody the essence of the Egyptian civilization, with a focus on their gods. unfilled waves hold the entire tattoo together and illustrate the ultimate power of god in the afterlife for a pharaoh.
Aztec pyramid tattoo idea
Aztec tattoos represented honoring and differentiating their own cultures and belonging. For this reason, each Aztec tattoo has a different meaning for the wearer depending on their choice of design. for example, a left-handed hummingbird symbolizes a sun god. therefore, the meaning of the Aztec sun tattoo will be the “belief in the afterlife”.
Similarly, the Aztec pyramids are pieces of art formed by the Mayans (natives of southern Mexico) nearly 3,000 years ago. anyone who visits central america will surely be mesmerized by its attractive designs.
old school pyramid tattoo
The traditional landscape of a pyramid design takes people to the land of mysteries. one aspires to appreciate the brief time spent inside these majestic monuments or aspires to do so one day. Regardless of the reason, people prefer to have the design completely black to give it a nostalgic and preserved feel.
eye in pyramid tattoo
The eye inside the pyramid is one of the few symbols that generated much debate in the past. In ancient Egypt, the eye symbol represented the eye of Horus or Ra. represents the person who has achieved full enlightenment through various incarnations and is aware of the mystery of god.
horus is the same as the holy spirit of christianity, shiva of hinduism and sangha of buddhism. Over the years, the eye has become widely associated with various sects, including the Illuminati, Freemasons, Founding Fathers, and the Great White Brotherhood, to name a few.
black and gray pyramid tattoo design
People can combine other Egyptian symbols of their choice to customize their tattoo design to their preference. for example, the tattoo above shows a pyramid that has an eye of god on top, which watches over all the creatures of the world.
Meanwhile, wings are a depiction of high aspirations through hard work and dedication, and the snake on the sword is an old Egyptian symbol used by Pharaohs for strength and courage.
pyramid tattoo on the wrist
One of the most common reasons individuals prefer to have pyramid tattoo is because of their capacity to be three-dimensional and two-dimensional. Moreover, one can never go wrong with minimalist tattoos, as shown above. They are an ideal choice for individuals who prefer to symbolize specific milestones in their lives.
neotraditional pyramid tattoo design
Neo tattoos are a modern variation on traditional and old school American tattoos. Unlike old school designs, the neo-traditional keeps things more modern by adding bold lines and colors within the tattoo design.
The tattoo above translates to ‘the ordinary people (lower half of the pyramid) being watched by higher powers and they are giving them the courage to conquer hurdles in the path of wisdom’.
pyramid sleeve tattoo design
The magnanimous designs of the pyramids are more suitable for areas with a lot of space. therefore, people tend to designate an entire side of their arms for their preferred style. some even choose to have pyramid style tattoos that will complement other tattoos on their arms.
outline pyramid tattoo idea
A classic two-dimensional pyramid design looks even more sophisticated with sharp contours. these types of designs are an illustration of the extreme level of physical exertion of the workers/slaves at the time, and how the long and tedious process resulted in something so magnificent.
Even a simple design as this one has the ability to get the person to stop wasting their time and getting them on the right track to fulfill their dreams.
clock pyramid tattoo design
Clock tattoos generally represent life and can incorporate various good and bad times experienced by the individual. combining them with individual pyramids formulates its distinctive set of meaning.
For example, only the wearer knows the exact meaning of the tattoo above, but by placing the pyramid in the center of the clock, a period of dedication and strength can be inferred that the person wishes to treasure forever. on the other hand, the person knows that his time is passing, as represented by the doves, but wishes to hold on to the time that is of most value to him.
Egyptian symbols linked to pyramids
The following are some of the most commonly used Egyptian symbols with conventional pyramid designs:
- ankh symbol represents the Egyptian belief in the afterlife and its power to carry their loved one to the next life safely. it’s a cross symbol with a round loop above it.
- anubis tattoo is an Egyptian god who has the body of a human and the head of a jackal. he usually has a stick in one hand and an ankh cross in the other. Anubis is the god of death, and is engraved on the deceased to indicate that Anubis is watching over them.
- The ba tattoo represents a legendary bird, known as a ba, who works tirelessly all day before returning to his nest the next day. the bird symbolizes perseverance.
Before getting a permanently inked pyramid tattoo, there are a few things to keep in mind. Always do your research on each minor symbol first. they are your designs and you should have a deep connection with them.
Also, never rush into getting a tattoo. people who get tattoos on impulse often tend to regret it some time later. remember that you will wear this tattoo for the rest of your life so think twice before making your final decision.
