Egypt always has been a land of intrigue. The ancient Egyptian civilization worshipped many gods and goddesses. They even considered certain symbols as sacred. All their religious activities and rituals were based on building a greater cosmic connection and manifesting the desired in their lives.
Small Egyptian tattoos for men and women show how their polytheistic religion and love for esoteric symbols have inspired their body art since time immemorial.
Further, you have to remember that Egypt is the land of hieroglyphics. The unearthed hieroglyphic inscriptions come with the most mysterious messages. So, the spectrum of inspiration for your next Egyptian tattoos is vast.
Do you want to know more about small Egyptian tattoo designs? Here is a comprehensive guide for you.
Why Are Small Egypt Tattoos Unique?
Egyptian tattoos, irrespective of the simplicity or complexity of the design, have always been much more than they appear. Worn on arms, neck, and other body parts, Egyptian tattoos showed how the mortals worked upon building connections with the gods and goddesses.
Further, the tattoos found on the mummies give us a sneak peek at some socio-religious aspects of ancient Egyptian society. They speak of how women actively took part in religious activities and how many women played the role of healers.
In this context, I must mention the discovery of the mummy of goddess Hathor’s priestess. The priestess was known as Amunet. She had tattoos depicting geometrical symbols on her thighs, breasts, and abdomen.
With the discovery of 5000-year-old tattooed mummies kept in the British Museum, we have more opportunities to learn why Egyptian tattoos are unique.
Here, I have jotted down some reasons, and it is an attempt to show why Egyptian tattoos in ancient and modern times are something to have a deeper look at.
Egyptian Tattoo Designs Provided Medical Protection & Paid Ode To Gods & Goddesses
According to conventional beliefs, women in Egypt used to have tattoos. However, with the discovery of tattooed mummies, it was found that even men in the ancient Egyptian civilization wore tattoos as the symbol of power and virility.
Further, some historical figurines found with tattoos on them showed that tattooing was associated with social status, and people of the upper class used to wear them.
Nevertheless, you must note that women wore tattoos on their pelvis, thighs, and stomachs to seek blessings for labor and childbirth. Sometimes, women living by the Nile but having different religious beliefs also wore small tattoos on their bodies.
In this context, I must mention the discovery of the remains of a woman in a Sudanese cemetery. The woman had a small tattoo of the Archangel Michael on her right inner thigh.
So, beyond religious beliefs, these tattoos became symbols of protection from diseases or evil forces. Some even believe that tattooing in ancient Egypt was done as a form of acupuncture. It helped people in alleviating pain and discomfort related to arthritis.
However, you cannot deny that many people wore tattoos inspired by their favorite gods and goddesses to pay an ode to them. Some even saw tattooing as an act of sacrifice to please their favorite deity.
The Tattooing Process Was Unique
Egyptian tattoos, bearing such massive importance, also had a unique tattooing process. Did you know that in ancient Egypt, a flat tattooing brush made of 3, 7, or 9 needles was used for tattooing?
Charcoal soot and indigo powder were used as the ink for tattooing on your body. These ingredients were used for tattooing as both had antiseptic properties. Further, the color intensity of these elements helped in the proper depiction of the designs.
Ancient Egyptian people also used different types of oils and herbs to promote faster healing of the tattoo. Also, these elements ensured the sealing of the coloring agents for a longer shelf life.
Small Egypt Tattoos Continue To Influence Modern Egyptian Culture
By now, you know that Egyptian tattoos have versatile reference points. Gods and goddesses, esoteric symbols, and even various natural elements inspire this meaningful body art.
However, the beauty of Egyptian tattoos lies in how they continue to remain relevant even in modern times. For many, these tattoos are ways of paying homage to their favorite deity. Some see them as tools for imbibing the virtues of the gods and goddesses and cultivating noble qualities.
Further, some people see these tattoos as instruments of seeking spiritual guidance and building a stronger connection with the universe.
Above all, these tattoos can be the depiction of one’s emotions, beliefs, and the things one wants the most in one’s life.
So, even today, you can give an Egyptian tattoo a modern interpretation, or you can attach some personal meaning to it.
Hieroglyphics In Small Egypt Tattoos
Are you a connoisseur of tribal art and tattoos? What can be more fascinating than a Hieroglyphic tattoo? Now, you may ask me why I am getting so much into the history and religious beliefs of Egypt when all I need to speak about is some exciting tattoo designs.
The reason behind me delving deeper into these aspects is to unearth the secrets behind body art, which started in ancient times and still continues to intrigue us. Also, tattooing is a permanent way of getting inked. So, you must know everything about the design you are going to flaunt.
Nevertheless, there are primarily three reasons why Hieroglyphics are very popular in big and small Egypt tattoos.
Hieroglyphics Tattoos Are Visually Interesting
Hieroglyphics have the charm and the rawness of an ancient art form. Further, it gives you the freedom to be creative even while depicting the smallest tattoo design.
You can use hieroglyphic symbols as the standalone subjects of your Egyptian tattoo. You can even pair them with Egyptian religious symbols and the figures of gods and goddesses to have visually interesting body art.
Hieroglyphics Tattoos Are Packed With Meaning
You can create the most powerful design or message with the creative placements of hieroglyphic symbols. Further, these tattoos help you build a connection with an ancient civilization that celebrated spirituality and has been evoking the highest curiosity for years.
Unmatched Intrigue
The cryptic shapes and esoteric symbols of Hieroglyphics tattoos always create a sense of intrigue about these tattoos. So, even if your friends or acquaintances don’t have any idea about Egyptian civilization, they will feel interested in them and will be willing to know the meanings of the designs.
Having a Hieroglyphics tattoo on your arm or black can also present you as an interesting person who is into spiritual and intuitive practices.
Different Small Egypt Tattoos With Their Meaning
Get ready to be familiar with the mysterious world of ancient Egypt. It is astonishing to find out how even the smallest design becomes alive with the deepest meaning.
Protection Egyptian Tattoos
For many Egyptian people, tattoos were their personal talismans for protecting them against evil and negative energies. So, they wore protection tattoos, and the Ankh, the Eye of Ra, and scarab beetles were most popular in the designs of Egyptian protection tattoos. Let’s decode these designs.
The Ankh Tattoo
You will find the presence of the Ankh symbol in many evil eye tattoos. However, in ancient Egyptian culture, this symbol, consisting of a cross and a loop on the top, was seen as the key to life and the river Nile.
It also stands for the never-ending cycle of life and the connection between the divine beings and the mortals.
The Eye Of Ra
The Eye of Ra stands for the power of the Egyptian Sun god Ra. This symbol is worn in tattoos or jewelry to keep negative energies at bay.
Further, this has a connection to life after death and that is something that ancient Egyptians always found fascinating. According to Egyptian beliefs, the soul travels to a different plane after the demise of a mortal. The Eye of Ra protects the soul in its journey to the afterlife.
Scarab Beetle Tattoo
In ancient Egypt, many people used to wear amulets with scarab beetle designs in the pursuit of renewal and protection. These creatures are also associated with the Sun God Ra, who announces new beginnings and the advent of life.
So, if transformation is what you seek and you want to have one of the most meaningful small Egypt tattoos, you must choose a scarab beetle design.
Small Egypt Tattoos With Cat Designs
Cats were worshipped in ancient Egypt as the animal form of the goddess Bastet. She was the deity of home and fertility. With nurturing qualities, Bastet also symbolized the quintessential feminine energy.
Further, cats stand for the balance of gentility and aggression, which is crucial for the protection of their families. So, if you can perceive an Egyptian cat or Bastet tattoo as the symbol of balance.
Snake Egyptian Tattoo
Snakes stand for the duality of our lives. With venomous fangs, snakes denote the end of life and regeneration at the same time. Further, in connection to the incidents of snakes shedding their old skin, you can see these reptiles as symbols of transformation.
Snakes are also preferred in various body art for their aesthetic appeal. Consider getting a small snake tattoo design on your wrist.
Cartouche Hieroglyphics Tattoo
You must have seen various stone tablets with inscriptions at different sites where archaeological excavations are going on. These stone tablets are called cartouches.
You can take inspiration from these cartouches with Hieroglyphics for small Egypt tattoos. With these stone tablets as inspiration, your tattoo design will have a rustic feel.
Hieroglyphics And Cleopatra Tattoo
Cleopatra, one of the most celebrated female icons in Egyptian culture, was associated with eternal beauty. With unmatched intellect and wisdom, she was a force of power in major political decisions.
With her intellect and strong influence on many, she built her persona as a living goddess. Today, many people see her as the quintessential symbol of feminism.
Plan a small Egyptian tattoo with the face of Cleopatra in the middle and let Hieroglyphic characters surround it for the creation of a beautiful design.
Falcon And Hieroglyphics Tattoo
Like many other ancient civilizations, Egypt also celebrated the depiction of celebrated gods and goddesses through symbols and intriguing characters. Falcons were seen as the symbols of Horus or the god of the sky.
So, in many Egyptian art or even in tattoos, you will find the presence of falcons. However, to be more specific, Egyptians used a figure with the head of a falcon and the body of a human being to denote Horus.
You can use Hieroglyphic symbols denoting virtues like protection, healing, and leadership, associated with Horus to make your tattoo more meaningful.
Scarab Beetle And Hieroglyphics Tattoo
Scarab beetles were the protectors of departed human souls in ancient Egyptian culture. They also announced the new beginning or renewal of life after one’s death.
It is fascinating to know how these creatures, related to the Sun god Ra, were seen in many talismans found with the mummified bodies of distinguished Egyptian personalities.
You can make the scarab tattoo more meaningful by accompanying it with a small prayer written in Hieroglyphics. This tattoo will look great on your back or wrist.
Eye Of Horus And Hieroglyphics Tattoo
The Eye of Horus is another protective Egyptian tattoo. Many people consider the Eye of Ra and the Eye of Horus the same. However, as the name suggests, the Eye of Horus is related to Horus or the sky god.
This symbol means healing, and you can wear it as a protective talisman against sickness and negative energies.
You can wear the Eye of Horus symbol with Hieroglyphic designs on your biceps or arm sleeve. Beautiful to look at, this tattoo will denote resilience and protection.
Final Words
Small Egypt tattoos are packed with meaning and they are heavily inspired by religious and social practices of ancient Egypt. Egyptian tattoos are mostly spiritual in nature, and especially the ones with esoteric symbols seek to establish a superior connection with the universe.
Further, thanks to smaller and minimalist designs, these tattoos can be easily placed on various parts of your body.
So, are you planning to get a small Egyptian tattoo as your next body art? You can check out the design options I have discussed here. Also, do you have more insight about Egyptian tattoos and the art of tattooing in ancient Egypt? Don’t forget to share your knowledge with us.
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