Skull tattoo: history of origin and symbolism - VeAn Tattoo
Skull
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Skull tattoo

Tattoo is one way to express yourself, to reveal your beliefs and individuality.


Among the various themes and images, skull tattoos take a special place, due to their mysterious and expressive symbolism. They can have different meanings for different people and cause interest, due to their unusual aesthetics.

In fact, skull tattoo is very popular, regardless of sex, age and kind of activity, because it has so many stylings and different styles of performance that everyone can choose their perfect tattoo.

Skull tattoo
Skull tattoo

History and symbolism of skull tattoos

The skull has always aroused great interest among people and has been the subject of many legends and beliefs.


For a long time, it was considered not only a symbol of death, but also a guard against dark forces and dangers. Skulls have become a popular topic for tattoos and have their own unique symbolism.

In tattoo styles such as the Old-school and Chicano, images of the skull became known thanks to Santa Muerta, the Mexican goddess of death. Here women’s skulls are decorated with flowers, creating an amazing harmony between life and death. Such tattoos symbolize the irresistible power of nature, the beauty of the sensation and remind us that life and death are inextricably linked. At the same time, in Indian mythology, for example, the tattoo of the skull is a symbol of life itself, its transience and at the same time, another reminder that life is important to value and enjoy every moment.

Skull sketches not only have aesthetic possibilities, but also have a serious symbolic meaning, which is revealed by unique styles and images.

Skull tattoo
Skull tattoo
Skull tattoo

Along with the skull often add a variety of images and symbols that deepen the significance of the drawing or give it meaning:

  • Flowers: flowers accompanying the image of the skull can symbolize beauty, tenderness and life. It’s an extra focus on the interaction of life and death, an indication that even in the darkest moments, there is beauty.
  • Crown: The image of a crown on a skull may indicate power, strength, or even fate. It can symbolize a desire for leadership or a quest for control over one’s life.
  • Clock: The clock next to the skull reminds us of the inevitability of time and the instantaneous nature of life. They can reveal the desire to value every moment and remember the fleeting of existence.
  • Butterfly: The butterfly, as a symbol of transformation and rebirth, can add a new value to the skull tattoo, showing that change and development are important in life.
  • Raven: This is a bird symbolizing wisdom, but combined with the skull, it is often an occult sign. Such tattoos are preferred by people who believe in the other world or have similar beliefs.
  • Snake: It is a symbol of cold intelligence, thoughtful action, often even coldness. Depending on the style of the tattoo, a snake with a skull in tandem can have sinister meanings, symbolizing death.



These additional symbols may vary depending on individual beliefs and choices, and they make skull tattoos even more special and rich.

Skull tattoo
Skull tattoo

What body places for skull tattoos are most common

The most popular are those places where you can place a 3D tattoo, because usually this image has additional elements.


When ordering a tattoo sketch of the skull, be sure to take into account the features of the skin area to take into account all the details. Shoulders, hips and forearms are those areas that are most commonly used to create volumetric tattoos, but there are also options on the ankles or on the chest. In fact, here, as in any other tattoo variants, the importance of individuality and personal vision of your tattoo is very important. Skull tattoo is no exception, it can also be found on the hands and even on the neck.

Another popular variant (so to speak, widely known in narrow circles) is the tattooing of a skull in the rib area. The area is quite sensitive, so it is rarely elected as a place to be tattooed, but at the same time, there are enough brave, especially among those who chose for themselves as a sketch of a skull tattoo.

Skull tattoo
Skull tattoo
Skull tattoo

Original skull tattoos for men

One popular motif for a skull tattoo is still the Corsair symbol: a stylized version of the Jolly Roger used on the flags.


To create such tattoos, use different pirate paraphernalia: bones, blades, pirate triangle, parrot or a bottle of rum.

Often these tattoos are applied by men and guys who are not afraid of death, love adrenaline and dangerous entertainment. This type can also include skull tattoos in fire - such can often meet with bikers. The subject of death and attitudes to it finds expression in the tattoos of a woman with a scythe or different images of death in different cultures.

In recent years, you can often find colored bright skull tattoos in both men and women, such tattoos become an original and completely universal decoration of your body.

Skull tattoo
Skull tattoo
Bull skull tattoo

These tattoos are incredibly original, but at the same time a little intimidating, as everyone knows what symbolizes the skull of this animal.


One of the most recognizable occult symbols in the world, shrouded in mystery and causing involuntary anxiety. At the same time, modern interpretations combined with floral motifs in women look very original.

Today, the tattoo skull has a huge palette of semantic shades that are worth choosing, avoiding negative interpretations. In order to choose the perfect sketch for yourself, you need not only to choose the style of the work and the wizard, but also to clarify the meaning of the chosen symbol and additional details of the drawing. Skull tattoo is unrestricted, but full of prejudices to which you should be prepared before applying the drawing. Therefore, it is believed that such tattoos put people brave, who are not afraid of others opinion.

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Attention! Attention! The article was written by journalists and is informational in nature. All images are illustrative and were selected to visually complement the text material. If you have found an error or disagree with the content, please let us know at [email protected]
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