Celtic Tattoos

Celtic tattoos were a likely sight among Celtic warriors.

Battle among the Celts was considered the very highest honor. The Celts engaged in battle bare-chested, or even naked – further reinforcing a stance of intimidation against their foes. Additionally, Celtic warriors would fashion their hair with bright dies (from flower pastes), and typically manipulate the hair in tall spikes around the head (think Celtic punk rock).

The Woad plant (Isatis tinctoria) was used to perform the tattooing, as it is a hardy biennial plant native to northern Europe and the British Isles. Woad is the source of a blue dye chemical, indigotin, that is also produced by the much more potent indigo plant (indigenous of the sub-tropics).

To perform Celtic tattoos, the leaves of the Woad plant are harvested and dried. The dried leaves are then boiled and strained, and boiled again creating a viscous end product. This Woad paste is then tapped into the skin with needle like implements – forcing the indigo stain under the skin layers, creating the indelible design. Illustrations of woad tattoos on Picts show the La Tène designs as the body modifications of choice.

Examples of La Tène artwork are depicted at the top of this page and below this paragraph.

Other designs would include:

• Celtic symbols were among the most common to appear on the Celtic flesh canvas.
• Celtic knots would make their appearance on the upper chest and arms as well.
• Animals were hugely symbolic among the Celts, and could also be counted among the woad tattoos seen on warriors off to battle.

Additionally, Celtic warriors would typically amass impressive scars won from past battles. These in conjunction with the deep indigo of intricate line-art tattooing, and frightening hair standing on end would undoubtedly be an intimidating sight for any of their foes.

Image Credits: Le Tene designs top and middle of center page are from Cari Buziak at Aon Celtic Art.

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