16 Most Popular African Tattoos Styles In 2022

The African continent is considered as the “cradle of humankind”. Also, it is de facto the origin of tattoos. Signs of symbolic tattoos used to be discovered on the bodies of ancient Egyptian mummies.

In ancient Africa, these symbols fulfill the function of symbolizing social hierarchy and kinship, curing diseases, and praying for blessings. For these reasons, the symbols were used for decorating their bodies, which is akin to modern tattoo culture.

Here are some quintessential African tattoos. If you are interested in Medusa tattoos, this CNC article “10+ Beautiful Medusa Tattoos Not To Be Missed in 2023” is dedicated to the meaning and styles of Medusa tattoos.

Adinkra tattoo

Adinkra, one of the earliest tattoos, which originated from West Africa, is a collection of various symbols.

Dwennimmen tattoo

Dwennimmen is portrayed as bird view of two colliding ram horns, representing humbleness and power.

Duafe tattoo

Duafe features a wooden comb, representing kind-hearted African women who are cleanly.

Sankofa tattoo

Sankofa, often heart-shaped or showing a bird moving its beak backward, is the name of a bird in a fairy tale in Akan in Ghana, Africa. Sankofa can be frequently seen in traditional Akan arts and it plays an important role among African-Americans and African wanderers, standing for the necessity of reviewing the past and achieving a successful future.

Ankh tattoo

“Ankh” used to be hieroglyph traditionally in ancient Egypt, meaning “life” or “breath of life”.

Tribal-style tattoo

Tribal-style usually consists of several patterns that feature African tribal style.

African warrior tattoo

It is the symbol of bravery and fearlessness.

South-African national flag tattoo

African women portrait tattoo

Africa is considered to be the nation of all humankind. Therefore, many people choose African women portrait as their tattoos for they symbolize attractiveness, bravery and wisdom.