Skull Tattoo Ideas and Skull Meaning
Other than looking incredibly bad-ass, skull tattoo meaning can be powerfully profound to the wearer. I personally love skull tattoos, and if I didn’t already have a bonzer theme going, I’d likely be skulled up with the best of them.
If you already have gobs of skull tattoos (like potato chips or cookies, you can’t have just one skull tattoo), or if you are thinking about getting your first, I have some symbolic suggestions for your creative contemplation.
Skulls have also been used as tools of intimidation in history. Ruthless dictators and rulers collected skulls and strung them out as trophies – much in the same way a buck’s head is mounted on a hunters wall. In this way, dominance is shown. Skulls might also be used to adorn a conquered village. A flag or some other makers mark would be left with the skull garland at the scenes of war crimes. This is a way to put a signature on the gruesome handiwork of raping and pillaging. Lord Dracul was notorious for this; strewing skulls along villages he’d plundered as a calling card. A way to say “been here, took everything, and leaving the skulls to prove it.” If you dig Dracul’s vibe, and intimidation is your game – a skull tattoo might be your thing.

If so, consider the ancient Celts, who viewed the skull as symbolic of the anima, or the spark of life. Specifically, the Celts knew the skull was the seat of the soul. It housed the power-horse of human motivation; the mind. Celts were crazy about trinities, the two eyes and nose form a unique triangle in the skull – something the Celts considered to be symbolic of creation, cycles and the power inherent in life. I’ve written a whole page on Celtic skull meaning here, check it out. Pretty fascinating stuff.
Some keywords to consider as you contemplate personal skull tattoo ideas…
Symbolic Skull Meanings
- Death
- Power
- Warning
- Mortality
- Intellect
- Protection
- Intimidation
- Impermanence
Other philosophical fodder of the skull pops up in the Renaissance. In this era, artists included skull imagery to convey a sense of impermanence as well as the folly of vanity. Skulls in the Renaissance were symbolic of earthly things, greed and superficiality. They were also a reminder of the temporary nature of earthly life. “Everybody dies” is the theme here.

In alchemical symbolism the skull is considered the throne of higher intelligence. It is symbolic of consciousness, rationality and prudence. The skull is a elite icon distinguishing man from beast.
The skull is the last bone in the human body that surrenders to decay. In other words, it sticks around the longest. This is symbolic of the lasting legacy of human ingenuity. These kinds of symbolic themes are also seen in paganism and occult theological groups of the day.
These are just a few ideas as you contemplate your skull tattoos or embark on getting your very first skull tattoo. For more tattoo ideas, check out the relevant links below.
I hope this page on skull tattoo ideas has been inspiring and informative. As always, thank you for reading.
Other Articles Of Interest On This Site
Celtic Skull Meanings
Celtic skull symbolic meaning deals with some very deep themes. Stuff like transience, power, spirit and portals of new understanding. There are a lot of reasons the skull was a pervasive and powerful symbol to the ancient Celts. Get more about Celtic skull meanings here.
More Meaningful Tattoo Ideas
Tattoos can be a way of galvanizing intense and personal meanings. This article lists dozens of links about tattoo ideas and tattoo meanings. From planets to peacocks, roses to ravens – you are bound to find something that tickles your fancy for your next tattoo. Click here for full access to all tattoo ideas and tattoo meanings.
