

Many cultural influences are present in different wolf tattoo styles.įor example, Japanese-style tattoos are usually centered on spirituality, as that’s a reflection of the culture.įrom dot work to single needle tattoos, you can choose between a minimalist tattoo or a more traditional tribal style that celebrates thick lines. Whether you are looking for a minimalist geometric wolf tattoo or a bold American traditional wolf, wolf tattoos have something for every taste. The style can be dictated or influenced by the artist, traditions and of course, the person getting the tattoo. Not do the wolf’s actions in the wild determine different wolf tattoo meanings, but the style of the piece can have an influence too. The main themes in wolf tattoos are based on symbolism.įocusing on the likes of body parts, actions, and other tattoo motifs, the wolf tattoo is elevated beyond just your ordinary design.Īny of these popular tattoo designs will let you seize on the idea and traditions of the wolf and put your own unique spin on them! Growling Wolf TattoosĪ growling wolf is a wolf that’s engaged and ready to defend anyone as soon as they need to.įrom free-flowing line work to watercolor tattoos and intricate detail, the wolf can be transformed into something that looks forever moving. Your body is a canvas, so go ahead and let the wolf tattoo express your creativity. There are plenty of powerful animal themes that stand out as options for wolf and wolf imagery.Īs always, a tattooist can work with you in finding a tattoo design that sparks your imagination. That way you know what your wolf tattoo means to you. When you decide to get this tattoo, it’s best to decide on an intention going in. The wolf tattoo can be an amulet of sorts, on your arm back, or wherever you choose to have it, to watch over you and bring you strength on your journey. The wolf means different things for many people and translates into several personality traits. One last example: the wolf tattoo signifies protection. Not only that, but the wolf tattoo can symbolize that life only lasts so long and that the end is inevitable. In fables and fairy tales, wolves often represent danger and our most primal desires.Īlternatively, the wolf may mean leadership and strength in one’s decisions. The wolf may represent independence in life and moving on from the dependence of others. Style and trends will come and go: tattoos are no exception.īut one consistent theme seems to be the wolf tattoo. The Pawnee believe the wolf was the first creature to experience death.Wolf tattoos are one of the most popular tattoo designs and can be drawn in any tattoo style.īut how did we get so fascinated with wolves and what does a wolf tattoo mean? The Milky Way itself was the path they took, which the tribes referred to as the “Wolf Road.”


The “Wolf People”Īccording the organization Wolf Song Alaska, the Pawnee Indians have such a powerful kinship with wolves that their hand sign for “wolf” is the same as it is for “Pawnee.” Indeed, other local tribes called the Pawnee the “Wolf People.”īoth the Pawnee and the Blackfoot tribes viewed the appearance and disappearance of the (Wolf) star Sirius as a sign that wolves were traveling to and from the spirit world. Some tribes believe that wolves howl at the moon because they are having a spiritual experience and are singing to the gods. Native Americans view the wolf as a creator, a guide, and a brother or sister.

While every Native American tribe has their own unique customs and beliefs, one theme that is common to virtually all of them is the belief in the wolf as an extremely powerful being. They also thought of the Wolf as a spiritual pathfinder, which symbolized intelligence and leadership. They modeled themselves after the wolf in hunting methods, cooperation and efficiency, valuing them as proud hunters, loyal friends and intelligent teachers. Native American Indians perhaps had the greatest symbolism for wolves.
