The classical Maya civilization is an attraction for many. But the Maya are often talked about in the past tense. It is essential to note that the Maya are still in the modern world. There are about 6 million Maya in the world today. Most Maya tribes are settled in Mexico.
Following the Maya umbrella, there are 31 separate tribes. Though all the linguistics and customs come from identical roots, there are distinct variations among them.
Mayan tribal tattoos are an indispensable part of this culture. But, as with many tribal cultures, tattoos were seen as a natural and unrefined way of expression when Christian colonialism got to the area.
Mayan tribal tattoos were customarily religious in symbolism. However, with the Mayan culture centred around both logical and cultural pursuits, the focus of this culture is apparent in the analogy found in their distinct tattoo style.
In Mayan culture, making a tribal tattoo was seen as an order to satisfy the gods. Adjacent piercings, tattooing was an excellent body modification tradition inside the culture. Mayan tattoos have also been deemed a mark of power and courage, but there was yet another plan to their tribal tattoos- considering outlaws.
Upon gaining a victory over conflicting tribes, the Mayans would identify the surviving members of the rival tribe with a tattoo. Likewise, criminals within their community were also marked with tattoos to symbolize their dishonesty.
Common Elements in Maya Tribal Tattoos
- Sun: The Sun is a holy symbol in the Maya belief order and is fundamental to many practices.
- Earth: The Earth symbolizes the ages in the Maya calendar and a reverence for nature.
- Eagle: Eagle can fly so amazingly high. It is deemed a divine creature. It symbolizes wisdom because of its bird’s eye panorama on the planet.
- Bats: Bats symbolize the underworld, as they were considered to be guardians there. They can describe the duality of human nature: The impermanence about life and the virtue of rebirth.
- Calendar: Because the Maya calendar is so different and the thought of so much speculation, carrying one is a sign of Maya pride. Survey results display a will by the live music community to build safe spaces, take individual responsibility for ourselves and each other, and begin to reopen each venue securely.
Maya: Where Do Come From?
The Maya civilization originated in Mesoamerica. Mesoamerica derives from the Hellenic title “middle America.”
The territory begins in central Mexico and runs into Central America, including Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala. Thus, the term “Mesoamerica” comes from being spread out over North and Central America. The Mayan civilization is one of the more prominent ones in the area, along with the Aztecs.
Maya Tribal Tattoo: Customs
The Maya have erroneously been characterized as a wild culture that used to take part in human sacrifice. It was because when some ancient Maya vaults were uncovered, bones were missing. It is now thought to be because the remains are likely held to be moved at some point. The Maya did not perform human sacrifices, but they did consider offering lifeblood to Gods. As a component of custom, getting a Maya tattoo was a sacred act. They had many body alteration customs, many of which were for their spirits. Others were for solely aesthetic goals. These were not unlike the myriad of information we do now to make us feel pretty.
The Mayan form of tattooing included inking a design onto a person’s skin, then creating cuts and markings. The inky hole was the tattoo. As you may have imagined, this kind of tattooing left someone exposed to side effects. To receive a tattoo and hold the pain involved was deemed an act of courage and commitment.