Animism has its roots in the most ancient tribal and indigenous populations, who before the modern-day religion found meaning and purpose in the world around them. Most of these cultures also practised ancient forms of body art, including tribal tattooing.
Of all these cultures, Native American animism tends to be one of the most popular. Totems, as per Native American beliefs, are spiritual beings or sacred objects and symbols of an individual or their tribe, and each person is said to have nine different animal spirits that act as guides throughout their life. Similar forms of animism can be observed in ancient cultures across the globe, such as the Mun religion of the Lepcha people of Sikkim, India.
Each animal has a meaning, which means it can be difficult finding the one that’s right for you or that truly represents you. To make things a little easier, we asked animal meanings expert Gladys to tell us what over 40 animals represent.
Let us help you find your perfect tattoo!