80 Warrior Aztec Tattoo Designs & Meaning

 

The Aztecs were an ancient civilization that existed in Central Mexico in the 14th to 16th centuries. They used tattoos for several purposes, including to honor the gods or intimidate their enemies during wartime, of which there was much. The markings on an individual’s body could also indicate the tribe they belonged to and their accomplishments. The images and symbols from this time have inspired beautiful and detailed tattoos for men. They are visually striking but also rich in symbolism. You can show the world your interest in Aztec culture or honor your heritage and so much more with an Aztec tattoo. Your chosen placement is also just as important as the design. Some spots are more daring and rebellious, while others appeal to men who want their body art to be concealed.

 

1. Aztec Arm Tattoo

An arm tattoo is one of the most popular placements for men to get tattooed because it is so versatile. The arm provides you with enough space to get a large and detailed piece, but smaller and more minimalistic inkings look just as great here. There are several spots to choose from; the upper or inner arm for those who want a more concealed design. Arm tattoos can be stylish and are easy to show off or cover. You can also see them every day, reminding yourself of the symbolism associated with your Aztec design. The arm is low on the tattoo pain chart scale because of thick skin, muscle, and fat.

 

 

 

2. Aztec Chest Tattoo

A chest tattoo can make a powerful statement. It is an area that is high on the tattoo pain chart scale, and as such, should be reserved for designs that mean the most to you. The sensitive skin, lack of fat and muscle, and the proximity to bone make the chest a painful location for tattoos. They can be easily covered up, making your piece more personal and providing a large enough area to get something big and detailed, if you so wish. Your Aztec chest tattoo can highlight your muscle definition or be worn for protection or strength; you may want to channel the Aztec warriors with tribal markings or important symbols.

 

 

 

3. Aztec Shoulder Tattoo

Aztec tattoos are much more than decorative; they are also symbolic. When deciding on your design, you should also consider the placement. If it is a large and detailed piece, you need somewhere big enough to account for it, and the shoulder is the perfect spot. Shoulder tattoos are popular with men because they are a symbol of strength. It can be considered a masculine part of the body. The area is not high on the tattoo pain chart scale and can be covered up easily, making this a versatile option. It is also not susceptible to stretching and will not fade as fast as other locations; the hand and foot, for example, do not age well.

 

 

 

4. Aztec Hand Tattoo

Some people want their body art to be easily hidden; others want to show it off and make a statement. A hand tattoo makes your ink hard to ignore, which adds a rebellious and cool vibe to it. It is also a painful area to get inked because of the thin skin, proximity to bone, and lack of muscle and fat. The hand is a sensitive area with a high concentration of nerve endings, and your tattoo will fade faster and need to be retouched more frequently. This is due to the exposure to the elements and frequency of use. Choosing this placement should be a well-thought-out decision because it can affect your job possibilities; unfortunately, there is still a stigma attached to body art. That said, your hand is the perfect spot for an Aztec design that you want to look at every day and proudly display.

 

 

5. Aztec Neck Tattoos

If you are getting tattooed on your neck, you are not afraid of pain. You may also have a rebellious side to you, as neck tattoos are often associated with those on the fringes of society. It can have a tough and edgy appearance and make a statement. It will show the world you are a risk-taker and someone who doesn’t want to conform. An Aztec tattoo on your neck can be small and to the side or cover the entire area, depending on how badass you want to look. That, and your pain threshold. Body art here will hurt, and it is among the most painful locations for getting inked because of the sensitivity of the area and the thin skin.

 

 

6. Aztec Back Tattoo

The back is one of the most versatile locations for body art, and it can also be one of the sexiest. Your design can draw attention to one of the most masculine parts of the male form and enhance muscle tone and shape your body. There is a lot of appeal for this placement, as it allows you to cover up your tattoo easily and provides enough space that you are not restricted in terms of designs. Back tattoos are not high on the tattoo pain chart scale because of the muscle, fat, and thick skin; the closer you ink to the shoulder blades, spine, and hip, the more pain you will experience. You may not see your inking every day, but some men don’t feel this is necessary.

 

 

 

7. Aztec Leg Tattoo

What is not to like about a leg tattoo? Getting inked on the leg is an excellent choice because it is so versatile. Many areas, including the upper part of the leg, allow you to cover your tattoo easily. It is also low on the tattoo pain chart scale, although the closer you ink to the bone, the more painful it will be. For example, a knee tattoo can be agony. Your Aztec design can be something meaningful and symbolic or a pattern that highlights your muscle definition. There is no right or wrong option, and both small and large tattoos look fantastic here.

 

 

 

8. Forearm Aztec Tattoos

The forearm is a visible location that can also be covered up, giving you the best of both worlds. Forearm tattoos are popular for men to get inked because they are not particularly painful, big enough to allow for a piece with some detailing, and they’re cool! Small ink can also look just as good here. Your Aztec design could be an armband. Or it can be a warrior or symbol that has great importance. The placement allows you to look at it every day, which makes it even more appealing.

 

 

 

9. Aztec Half Sleeve Tattoos

A half sleeve tattoo is a way to get inked with several images that are meaningful to you. A half sleeve is usually a creative and artistic choice but is less commitment and easier to wear than a full sleeve. It can be easily covered, especially if you only ink the upper arm, but there is still enough space to allow for detailing. The arm is not a particularly painful location for tattoos because of the thick skin, muscle, and fat, which adds to its appeal. That said, your piece can be time-consuming and will cost a lot of money. This is especially true if you opt for an Aztec design that requires a lot of detail and shading.

 

 

 

10. Aztec Sleeve Tattoo

If you want your body art to tell a story, there is no better option than a sleeve tattoo. As the name suggests, a sleeve covers the entire arm, like a piece of clothing would do. It is a bold choice and makes a statement, but because it is easy to cover the arm, it is not a location that will limit your job opportunities and can still cover it up when needed. Sleeves are creative and cool and often involve a specific theme or are done in the same technique throughout; for example, traditional American tattoos or photorealistic. For an Aztec design, this is great as you can choose several aspects of the culture that you find interesting and symbolically, allowing your artwork to tell a story. Sleeve tattoos will take several sessions to complete, and you can expect to pay a lot for them.

 

 

 

11. Aztec Armband Tattoo

An armband tattoo can make a statement and is usually something incredibly visible. It should wrap around the arm and could be for decorative purposes or be symbolic. For some men, their artwork honors a loved one or the death of someone who has passed. It can also be connected to strength and power. An Aztec armband tattoo usually involves a pattern of symbols that were important to the ancient civilization. You can combine several elements to make your design unique, so work with your tattoo artist to find what is best for you. You can also stick to black ink, which is more common, or opt for a brightly colored piece.

 

 

 

12. Aztec Wrist Tattoo

Wrist tattoos are one of the best locations for body art, especially if it is a design you want to look at every day. The wrist is a simple area to get inked and visible, although choosing to ink the inner wrist or the side is more concealed than the top. It is not a big area, so small pieces look best here, which is good because it is a placement that is moderate on the tattoo pain chart scale. This is due to the thin skin, lack of muscle and fat, and proximity to bone. It is the perfect spot for a man to get a tattoo with an Aztec piece that will inspire him or give him strength.

 

 

13. Aztec Knee Tattoo

Regarding the placement of your body art, some locations demand attention, and the knee is one of them. A knee tattoo is not for the faint-hearted but for those rebellious and edgy men who, most importantly, can endure the pain. The knee is among the most painful spots for body art due to its thin skin and proximity to bone. For some men, this is the appeal; it shows that you are tough and can take the pain, but it is best to reserve this area for designs that mean something to you. An Aztec-inspired piece could honor your heritage and be a way to feel closer to your ancestors. Or it could be because you have a fascination and respect for the ancient civilization.

 

 

 

14. Aztec Warrior Tattoo

The Aztecs were a society consumed by war as they believed they needed to battle to appease their gods. Their elite warriors, including the eagle and jaguar warriors, were honored and celebrated, representing bravery, courage, power, and determination. When getting your Aztec warrior, there are many options; you can choose to depict an eagle warrior with a headdress full of feathers or a jaguar one wearing a pelt of the big cat. Alternatively, you could opt for tribal patterns or symbols that the warriors may have worn. Regardless of your choice, this tattoo will make a statement and say a lot about your thoughts and feelings toward loyalty and strength.

 

 

 

15. Aztec Calendar Tattoo

The Aztec calendar shows just how advanced these ancient peoples were, as it is highly detailed. It had two cycles. The center of the calendar is the sun, surrounded by cosmological symbols to indicate the time and mark religious festivals and important dates. It is complex and intricate, making for a fantastic tattoo and one that will be time-consuming and expensive to create. You will need to get it inked on a large enough area of skin to allow for the detailing and work with a tattoo artist who can accurately replicate the image of the calendar. Your piece can represent wisdom, knowledge, the passing of time, and so much more.

 

 

16. Aztec Tribal Tattoo

Tattoos played an essential part in the Aztecs’ life, and adorning themselves with body art was a symbolic and decorative choice. It could be done to honor the gods, for rituals or sacred events, or instill fear in their enemies. An Aztec tribal tattoo will feature a series of patterns of symbols done in the tribal style. Tribal tattoos vary, depending on the culture, but are often defined by thick black lines and limited shading. Deciding on this tattoo could be a way to honor your heritage or show your admiration for the Aztec culture. That said, before adopting any images from a culture that is not your own, you need to understand what they mean to avoid misappropriation.

 

 

17. Meaningful Aztec Tattoos

Meaningful tattoos can be of anything that is deeply important to you. If the Aztecs inspire you, this can include several symbols, images of their gods, or powerful artifacts. There are many images to choose from, and you can combine them in such a way to make your piece more unique and personal. Aztecs used body art for many purposes, including decorative, to show what tribe they were from, and honor the gods. Depending on the images you choose to get inked, your tattoo could symbolize strength, intelligence, or a sign that you are fearless.

 

 

18. Aztec Skull Tattoo

The skull is a universally recognized symbol of death, but an Aztec skull tattoo is also associated with worship and rebirth. The ancient peoples made ritualistic human sacrifices to honor and appease their gods, and the culture placed great importance on the skull. Skulls of those sacrificed were displayed on skull racks called tzompantli, which were used to intimidate others and show their skills on the battlefield. Deciding on an Aztec skull tattoo can also show that you are a man who is strong and fearsome. It can also have an intimidating effect. Your design can include other Aztec symbols or decorative headdresses adorned with feathers, jewelry, or animal skulls.

 

 

 

19. Mexican Aztec Tattoo

The Aztecs were an ancient civilization that inhabited parts of Central Mexico. Mexican peoples can get Aztec tattoos as a way to celebrate the history of Mexico. It could also be an opportunity to honor their heritage or show a sense of pride and connection to their ancestors. You may wish to combine important elements in Mexican culture with images from the Aztec era. What you choose and how you intend to combine these two elements is entirely up to you.

 

 

20. Aztec God Tattoo

There were hundreds of gods and goddesses in the Aztec religion, each with different purposes. The Aztecs believed the gods had power over their lives and the outcome of daily events, including things like the weather and fertility. Among the most powerful was the warrior god, Tezcatlipoca, who was symbolic of strength, skill, and power. Another important god is Huitzilopochtli, who is associated with the sun and war. He was to be appeased with blood and human sacrifices. Your choice of Aztec god tattoo will influence the meaning behind your piece.

 

 

 

21. Aztec God of Death Tattoo

The Aztecs believed in many gods, but some were more prominent than others; this includes Mictlantecuhtli, the god of the dead. He is often depicted with a skull face and was the ruler of the underworld. For many of us, he is essentially the devil. Deciding to get inked with Mictlantecuhtli is a bold choice, and your piece will make a statement. It could be to instill fear in others, cause intimidation, or serve as a warning that you are not someone who is to be messed with. Your tattoo could also be a symbol of protection from negative forces.

 

 

 

22. Aztec Princess Tattoo

The Aztecs had a social hierarchy with the emperor being the ruler, followed by priests and noblemen, and at the bottom end were slaves. Aztec princess is the name given to a woman married to rulers or those who had a noble birth. There are options when designing your tattoo around one of these women, including depicting a beautiful girl in traditional outfits or a warrior princess. Your piece could represent strength, femininity, power, and nobility.

 

 

 

23. Aztec Pyramid Tattoo

The Aztecs were an advanced civilization, and their ancient pyramids are of great archaeological importance. The structures had flat tops, which often had shrines to honor the gods. The most famous ruins are the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon at Teotihuacán, located outside modern-day central Mexico City. The Temple of the Sun is the larger of these Mesoamerican structures and is approximately 66 meters high. This is impressive, and it makes for a powerful tattoo design. Your ink could be a way to honor your heritage, or it could be symbolic of faith, dedication, and perseverance. It could also serve as a reminder that great things take time to accomplish.

 

 

 

24. Aztec Sun Tattoo

There would be no life without the sun, and for centuries ancient peoples have honored or worshipped the sun. The Aztecs were no different. They understood that for life to exist, the sun needed to rise each day, and to ensure that this happened, they took part in several ritualistic ceremonies, including human sacrifices. Deciding to get an Aztec sun tattoo could be because you are fascinated with the culture and the thing that was at the center of it. It can also represent strength and power. For some men, an Aztec sun can be a reminder that a new day will arrive and remain optimistic about life regardless of the challenges and hard times you may experience.

 

 

 

25. Aztec Dragon Tattoo

Dragon tattoos are popular designs to get inked for both men and women. They are fearsome and mighty beasts that have been the subject of myths and legends. We may know the dragon as an evil or greedy creature, or it could be a sign of good luck and prosperity, but it was an important god and protector to the Aztecs. The Quetzalcóatl is portrayed as a combination of a bird and snake, and the feathered serpent is associated with creating the world and humanity. He is also symbolic of knowledge and is a patron of crafts and science. It is not hard to see why a man would be drawn to this design.

 

 

 

26. Aztec Serpent Tattoo

The Quetzalcóatl god is portrayed as a combination of a bird and snake, and snakes played an important part in Aztec mythology. The serpent was also used for decorative purposes, notably the coatepantli, or wall of serpents; these have been found in archaeological ruins in Mesoamerica. Snakes are associated with fertility, rebirth, renewal, and transformation, making for a thought-provoking and interesting design. Deciding to honor the Aztec civilization with your body art instead of opting for a standard representation of a snake will make your piece more unique and add to its overall meaning.

 

 

 

27. Calendario Azteca Tattoo

The Calendario Azteca or Aztec sun stone is an important and famous piece of artwork from Mesoamerica. It was discovered in 1790 and has been a source of knowledge and fascination for historians, scholars, and archeologists, helping us understand the Aztec peoples better. In the center is the sun god, Tonatiuh, surrounded by a band of important cosmological information. It is exceptionally beautiful and detailed, making for an interesting and symbolic tattoo. The detailing into this design means you will need to get it inked somewhere large enough to accommodate this. It will be time-consuming and expensive to complete, and you need to find a tattoo artist who can do this magnificent piece justice.

 

 

 

28. Aztec Feather Tattoo

Feather tattoos are linked to freedom, strength, and wisdom, and to the Aztec peoples, they served an important purpose. They were used to adorn their traditional garments and headdresses, and eagle warriors were covered in feathers for battle. Feathers were also placed on ceremonial shields, and quetzal feathers were prized possessions considered more valuable than gold. When deciding on your inking, you could make it bold and bright, opting to represent the beauty of the quetzal or other tropical birds. Or use Aztec patterns or symbols to form the shape of a feather. Being inspired by the Aztecs does not mean your design has to be exactly like their artwork.

 

 

29. Aztec Pattern Tattoo

The Aztecs were advanced in many aspects of their lives, including scientific, mathematical, art, and architecture. Their monuments and attention to detail are impressive, and many symbols were used on walls or artifacts that can serve as an inspiration for your next tattoo. An Aztec pattern tattoo can be inspired by glyphs or could take on a more abstract tribal-like form. There are various ways to design your piece, allowing you to make it suited to your style. You can opt for an armband or decide to ink a large area of skin, such as the arm, thigh, or leg. The beauty of pattern artwork is that it can be customized, giving each design uniqueness.

 

 

 

30. Small Aztec Tattoos

The appeal of small tattoos is that they are just as meaningful as larger designs but can be inked anywhere on the body. The versatility of tiny inkings makes them a popular choice. They are easy to cover up, which is excellent if you keep your body art hidden or work in a corporate environment. Small tattoos are also less time-consuming to complete, will hurt less because they are not large and require limited shading. Plus, they are cheaper. Although you will not be able to pick a very detailed piece like an Aztec calendar because of the restrictions on space, there are many other options. These include bird artwork or an Aztec flower.

 

 

31. Aztec Jaguar Warrior Tattoo

The Aztecs were warring peoples who placed great importance on their warriors. If they did well in battle, they would be honored and respected for their bravery and skill. Some warriors were known as the Jaguar warrior and carried Jaguar pelts with them into battle; they believed they could channel the animals’ strength, but it was also an intimidation tactic against their enemies. If you are a man who values courage, bravery, and power, this could be the perfect tattoo for you.

 

 

 

32. Aztec Symbols Tattoo

Many important symbols were used by the Aztec people. This was for decorative purposes, to honor the gods, for cosmological beliefs, and more. Each symbol has a meaning associated with it, and some of the most powerful include the sun, snakes, and the eagle and jaguar; the latter two are associated with strength and warriors. Another symbol to consider for your tattoo is Nahui Ollin, which looks like a detailed eye and is associated with wisdom and movement. Regardless of which image, or series of images, you choose to get tattooed, it will make for a striking and interesting piece.

 

 

33. Traditional Aztec Tattoos

Aztec symbols and beliefs have served as inspiration for tattoos. There are many different interpretations for how you can get them inked. While some men prefer to opt for a more authentic approach, making it as close to the original image as possible, others prefer an abstract or modern approach. The American traditional tattoo technique can be applied to most images, making them vibrant and hard to miss. The style uses thick, black outlines and a bright but limited color palette of red, yellow, blue, and green. If you love the meaning associated with the Aztec gods or artwork but want to make it fit with your style, this could be a way to achieve that.

 

 

34. Aztec God of War Tattoo

The Aztec god of war and sacrifice was Huitzilopochtli. He was mighty and was respected and feared by the Aztec people, so they regularly engaged in ritualistic sacrifices to appease him. When depicting Huitzilopochtli, he is often shown as a hummingbird of an eagle or wearing one of them; both are important birds to the Aztecs. Deciding to get a tattoo in his likeness could mean that you admire the qualities associated with him, including bravery. Or it could be a reminder to live each day to its fullest as life is so fragile or to fight for what you believe in.

 

 

35. Aztec Mayan Tattoos

The Aztec and the Mayans were two different civilizations. The Aztecs existed in Central Mexico in the 14th to 16th century, whereas the Mayans lived in Southern Mexico and northern Central America with the peak of their rule between 250 and 900 AD. Some similarities include using body art as a form of expression and deciding to get a Mayan tattoo can symbolize power, strength, or bravery. It could also show your appreciation for ancient peoples or your fascination with their culture.

 

 

36. Aztec Quetzalcoatl Tattoo

Another important deity in the Aztec belief system was Quetzalcoatl. He is the god of civilization and knowledge and is often depicted as a feathered serpent. This might sound familiar, right? He is also sometimes referred to as a dragon and looks like what many of us would consider a dragon to look like. He can be a symbol of protection or a guardian against evil. There are many different interpretations, both in his meaning and his depiction. A tattoo of Quetzalcoatl can wrap around your limbs, making for a fearsome and intimidating piece. It also works well on long and narrow areas, like the spine, the arms, or the legs. Some men prefer to keep it simple with black ink, while others want a bright and bold design.

 

 

37. Aztec Eye Tattoo

An Aztec eye tattoo, or Nahui Ollin, makes for a striking design and a symbolic one. It is associated with movement and balance but is also used to help determine and influence decisions. It is not hard to see why someone would be drawn to this symbol as it is both meaningful and visually striking because of the detail. Choose colored ink for a vibrant design that will stand out. If you are a man experiencing change or going through a transitional period, this could be a unique way to portray that.

 

 

38. Aztec Sun God Tattoo

The Aztec sun god is one of the most feared and respected gods. The sun played an important part in their rituals and can be found in the center of their calendar. Without the sun, there would be no life, and it seems this is a concept that the Aztecs were fully aware of, which is why they regularly engaged in rituals, including sacrificial ones, to honor the god. The Aztecs also believed themselves to be the people of the sun, which is yet another indication of its meaning to them. For a man who wants to get inked with an Aztec sun or the image of Huitzilopochtli, this could be a piece that represents life and death.

 

 

 

39. Gangster Aztec Tattoos

The Aztecs were a complex people, advanced in many ways but also war-like, with great importance placed on battles and human sacrifices to appease the gods. Tattoos played an important part in their lives, for ceremonial purposes and to honor the gods. It is not surprising that this civilization has influenced body art in modern times. Still, there are some negative connotations associated with it because of the gang culture and Mexican mafia. These individuals have adopted certain images from the Aztec period and chosen to adorn their bodies with them.

 

 

 

40. Aztec Bird Tattoo

There were several birds that the Aztecs respected; these include the hummingbird and eagle, both of which are associated with the god Huitzilopochtli. He is often shown as a hummingbird or an eagle or wearing them. Eagles were also thought to be powerful birds, and warriors would wear their feathers into battle or use them to decorate their shields. Another bird that had great importance was the Resplendent Quetzal. It has been reported that this bird’s beautiful and bright feathers were so valuable that they were worth more than gold. They could also be used to adorn those of noble birth.