design history 2008 at kingscliff TAFE: Aztec & Mexican Tattoo Art

Mexican & Aztec tattoos began in the 1300s and were a visual way to intimidate foes during battles. Tattoos were first carried out by a priest would draw symbols from an alphabet called Nahauti on their bodies with a pointed stone. Their tattoos are represented by 3 forms. These are “origin”, “pride”, and “Chilango” tattoos.

“Origin” tattoos are designs of the sun and sun god, daggers; and astrological symbols. “Pride” tattoos are either a family crest or surname and “Chilango” tattoos represent nationality with a symbol such as an eagle, snake or a map in the shape of Mexico.

These tattoos are some of the most complex patterns of all tattoo forms with themes based on ancient Mayan, Inca and Aztec art. They are complicated because of their geometric patterns and complex line work (eg knot-work) which has changes in thickness and boldness of lines to create more definition and dimension. Celtic tattoos especially with their knot-work designs influenced the style of Aztec and Mexican tattoo art.

As most Mexican people have a darker skin pigment, colour is not often used for tattoos. Black or grey wash is preferred to create better contrast, although the colours red and dark green will also hold in their skin. Some of their complex designs use only red and black and is a nightmare for the tattoo artists. This is because of the way colour theory works in tattooing in that you must tattoo your colours darkest to lightest as not to smudge darker colours into lighter colours. Therefore all the red parts are created freehand after the black, as the stencil has already been rubbed off.

Most designs rely on curved circular shapes to help emphasis and balance their tattoos with the use of symmetry. Symbols are the main design elements of Aztec art and often these tattooed symbols represent love, growth, religion and change. These symbols show dominance, hierarchy and rank.

In modern day, Mexican and Aztec tattoos designs have evolved, but there is still a large relevance in their design elements and principles from their past with some, today even being quiet abstract.