Anubis, the ancient Egyptian god of the afterlife and mummification, has been a symbol of fascination and reverence for thousands of years. With his distinct jackal-headed figure and his significant role in Egyptian mythology, he has become an increasingly popular choice for tattoos. An Anubis tattoo is not just a piece of art; it’s a symbol of protection, transition, and rebirth worn by those who feel connected to the ancient deity. If you’re considering carrying a piece of this ancient wisdom on your skin, let’s delve into some remarkable design ideas.
The Symbolism of Anubis Tattoos
In Egyptian mythology, Anubis was a critical figure entrusted with the crucial task of guiding souls into the afterlife. He was also the protector of graves and the judge of souls, holding in his hands the balance of eternal judgement. Anubis, therefore, represents the transition from life into death, a guide for those journeying into the unknown.
Getting an Anubis tattoo isn’t just about the aesthetic appeal; it’s about aligning yourself with the symbolisms this deity represents. Anubis symbolizes protection, not just in the physical sense, but also on a spiritual level. He is a beacon in the darkness, a guide through the mysteries of life and death. Furthermore, Anubis denotes rebirth, the cycle of life and resurrection, which is a powerful symbol for those who have undergone significant transformations in their lives.
Popular Anubis Tattoo Designs
The versatility of Anubis tattoos lies in the fact that they can be depicted alongside other Egyptian symbols, each carrying its unique meaning. Here are a few popular designs with Meaning:
Anubis and Scarab Beetle Tattoos
In the ancient Egyptian world, the scarab beetle was a symbol of the heavenly cycle of rebirth and regeneration. Combining this symbol with Anubis enhances the theme of rebirth and resurrection in your tattoo.
Metallic Anubis and Scarab Beetle tattoo on one side of back
Imagine a metallic Anubis and scarab beetle design adorning one side of your back. The metallic sheen could add a unique depth and dimension to the ancient figures, creating a visually arresting piece of body art.
Anubis and Scarab Beetle patch tattoo
If you’re looking for something smaller yet still meaningful, consider this patch tattoo. This compact design could feature a stylized depiction of Anubis and the scarab, perhaps encased within a geometric shape or an ancient Egyptian symbol. The patch format makes it a versatile design that can fit anywhere on your body.
Skull Anubis with scarab beetle forearm tattoo
For a stark reminder of mortality and the afterlife, a skull Anubis with scarab beetle design could be the perfect choice. This design could feature a skull-faced Anubis, a scarab resting at its feet, symbolizing the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The forearm provides an excellent canvas for this design, allowing the intricate details to be fully appreciated.
Anubis and Ankh Tattoos
The Ankh, also known as the key of life, is an Egyptian hieroglyphic symbol representing eternal life. When combined with Anubis, this design underscores the themes of life, death, and eternal existence.
Anubis and Bastet Tattoos
Bastet, the Egyptian goddess of home, fertility, and childbirth, was often depicted as a lioness or a woman with a lioness’s head. An Anubis and Bastet tattoo can symbolize the balance of opposites—life and death, home and journey, beginnings and ends.
Anubis and Eye of Horus Tattoos
The Eye of Horus, also known as Wadjet, is a symbol of protection, health, and restoration. An Anubis and Eye of Horus tattoo can serve as a powerful emblem of divine protection and guidance through life’s trials.
Anubis and Eye of Ra Tattoos
The Eye of Ra, a symbol of the ancient Egyptian sun god, represents power, radiance, and destruction. Pairing this with Anubis may symbolize judgment, the balance of life and death, and the destructive and creative forces of the universe.
Anubis and Flower Tattoos
Flowers, in general, represent life, growth, and beauty. An Anubis and flower tattoo can symbolize the cycle of life and death, the beauty of existence, and the promise of rebirth.
Anubis and Heart Tattoos
An Anubis and heart tattoo can create a striking balance between the themes of life and afterlife. The heart, a universal symbol of love and life, paired with Anubis, the guide of souls, can indicate a deep connection between love and the eternal journey of the soul. This design could be as simple as a heart in the hands of Anubis or something more complex, like Anubis weighing a heart against a feather.
Anubis and Horus Tattoos
Meld the worlds of life and death with an Anubis and Horus tattoo. Horus, the god of the sky, represents kingship, protection, and health. Combining him with Anubis can create a compelling narrative about the cycle of life and death, protection, and guidance. This design could feature Anubis and Horus facing each other, creating a balance between their realms.
Anubis and Isis Tattoos
Isis, the goddess of motherhood and magic, paired with Anubis, can symbolize the duality of life and death, magic, and transition. An Anubis and Isis tattoo could depict Isis with her wings spread wide, with Anubis standing guard, creating a powerful imagery of protection and guidance.
Anubis and Khopesh Tattoos
The Khopesh, an ancient Egyptian sword, signifies power and authority. An Anubis wielding a Khopesh tattoo could represent the power of judgement and authority over death. This design could take the form of a battle-ready Anubis, Khopesh in hand, standing guard over the realm of the dead.
Anubis and King Tut Tattoos
King Tutankhamun, or King Tut, is one of the most recognized pharaohs of ancient Egypt. An Anubis and King Tut tattoo could symbolize the relationship between the pharaohs and the afterlife. This design could feature a majestic King Tut with Anubis, the protector of graves, as his companion.
Anubis and Moon Tattoos
The moon in ancient Egyptian mythology is associated with healing and renewal. An Anubis and moon tattoo could symbolize the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. This design might feature Anubis with a crescent moon, creating an evocative image of night-time guidance and protection.
Anubis and Pyramids Tattoos
The pyramids, a powerful symbol of ancient Egyptian civilization, paired with Anubis, can create a strong connection to the land of the Nile. An Anubis and pyramids tattoo could depict Anubis standing guard over these ancient tombs, emphasizing his role as the protector of the dead.
Anubis and Ra Tattoos
Ra, the ancient Egyptian sun god, represents creation and the cycle of the sun. An Anubis and Ra tattoo could symbolize the balance of day and night, life and death. This design may depict Anubis and Ra together, signifying the endless cycle of the sun and the transition of souls.
Anubis and Scepter Tattoos
The scepter in ancient Egyptian culture was a symbol of power and authority. An Anubis with a scepter tattoo can signify his authority over death and his role as a guide for souls. This design could feature Anubis seated on a throne, scepter in hand, asserting his divine authority.
Anubis and Skull Tattoos
Pairing Anubis with a skull creates a powerful symbol of death and the afterlife. This design can be a stark reminder of our mortality and the eternal journey of the soul. It could take the form of Anubis holding a skull or the god standing guard over a skull, emphasizing his role as the protector of the dead.
Anubis and Snake Tattoos
The snake is a potent symbol in ancient Egyptian culture, representing both danger and healing. An Anubis and snake tattoo can signify the balance between life’s perils and the healing nature of transition. This design might depict Anubis, staff in hand, controlling a writhing snake.
Anubis and Sun Tattoos
While Anubis is associated with the underworld, pairing him with the sun, a symbol of life and rebirth, can create a compelling narrative of the cycle of life and death. An Anubis and sun tattoo could depict the god with the rising or setting sun, creating a harmony between day and night, life and death.
Neo-Traditional Anubis Tattoos
Neo-traditional tattoos breathe new life into traditional designs. A neo-traditional Anubis tattoo can incorporate bold lines, vibrant colors, and modern elements while maintaining the iconic imagery of Anubis. This design might feature a stylized, colorful depiction of Anubis, blending the ancient and the contemporary.
Anubis Heart and Feather Scale Tattoos
In ancient Egyptian mythology, Anubis weighed the hearts of the dead against the feather of truth to determine their fate in the afterlife. An Anubis heart and feather scale tattoo can represent truth, justice, and the eternal balance of life. This design could depict Anubis in front of the scales, weighing a heart against a feather.
Anubis Warrior Tattoos
An Anubis warrior tattoo can represent strength, protection, and resilience. This design can depict Anubis as a warrior, armed and ready for battle, symbolizing your personal battles and the courage to overcome them. The warrior Anubis can be an emblem of your inner strength and determination.
Flaming Anubis Tattoos
Flaming Anubis tattoos can symbolize transformation and rebirth. The flames can represent the fires of transformation that souls go through under Anubis’ guidance. This design could depict Anubis surrounded by flames, symbolizing the intense journey of the soul in the afterlife.
Anubis Weighing Death and Life Tattoos
An Anubis weighing death and life tattoo could feature the god with scales, one side holding symbols of life and the other symbols of death. This powerful image can symbolize the delicate balance between life and death, the transient nature of life, and the eternal journey of the soul.
Anubis with Hieroglyphics Tattoos
For a deeply authentic touch, consider an Anubis with hieroglyphics tattoo. This design could feature Anubis surrounded by ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, creating a direct connection to the ancient civilization. The hieroglyphics could spell out a personal message or an ancient Egyptian proverb, adding an extra layer of meaning to your tattoo.
Anubis Tattoo Placement Ideas
The ancient Egyptian god Anubis has been popular among the enthusiast of ink art. But where on your body should you place this symbol of ancient wisdom? Here are some of examples to guide you through the best placement ideas.
Thigh
An inviting canvas for larger, detailed designs, the thigh is an excellent location for your Anubis tattoo. This placement allows your tattoo artist ample room to work their magic, bringing out the intricate details of Anubis in all his divine glory. Plus, a thigh tattoo offers a sense of personal intimacy, visible only when you decide to reveal it.
Forearm
The forearm serves as one of the most popular spots for tattoos, and for good reason. Its visibility makes it an ideal stage to showcase your Anubis tattoo boldly. Whether it’s a detailed depiction of Anubis standing guard or a minimalist design of his iconic head, your forearm is the perfect gallery for this piece of ancient art.
Hand
If you’re looking for a bold statement, consider placing your Anubis tattoo on your hand. This location ensures that your tattoo is in plain sight, a constant reminder of your affinity for this ancient deity. Remember, hand tattoos can require more care due to the high-usage area, but the result is a striking piece of art that accompanies you wherever you go.
Hip
An Anubis tattoo on the hip offers a balance of visibility and intimacy. This placement is perfect for those who favor a more private display of their ink. It’s a versatile spot that allows the tattoo to be easily concealed or revealed, depending on your mood and outfit.
Back
The back provides a broad canvas for a larger and more intricate Anubis tattoo. Imagine a detailed portrayal of Anubis, scales in hand, ready to weigh the heart against the feather of truth, sprawling across your back. Not only does this placement offer a large area for detailed artwork, but it also lends a sense of mystery as it remains hidden from your own view.
Neck
The neck serves as a bold and personal location for your Anubis tattoo. Whether it’s a small symbol at the nape or a larger piece extending down your neck, this placement is sure to make a statement. Neck tattoos are often seen as daring and audacious, perfectly fitting for the brave souls guided by Anubis.
Sleeve
A sleeve Anubis tattoo offers a wonderful opportunity to create a more complex narrative. You can depict Anubis in a scene from ancient Egyptian mythology or combine him with other symbolic elements. This placement allows you to create a piece of wearable art that tells a story as unique as you are.
Celestial Anubis and Sphinx full sleeve tattoo
The Sphinx, a powerful symbol of strength and wisdom, paired with Anubis and celestial elements, can create a breathtaking narrative on your skin. A celestial Anubis and Sphinx full sleeve design could depict the god and the mythical creature amidst stars, planets, and galaxies, representing the cosmic journey of the soul.
Above Elbow
An Anubis tattoo above the elbow serves as a striking midpoint between the visibility of forearm tattoos and the larger canvas offered by a half sleeve. This area provides enough space for a reasonably detailed design, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to balance size, detail, and visibility.
Chest
The chest is a deeply personal and intimate location for a tattoo. Placing your Anubis tattoo over your heart can create a powerful connection between the symbolism of Anubis and your own life force. A chest tattoo can range from a small, subtle design to a larger, more detailed piece, offering a lot of flexibility.
Leg
Whether it’s on the calf, shin, or ankle, a leg tattoo offers a unique placement for your Anubis design. This location provides versatility in size and visibility, allowing for everything from a small, subtle symbol to a large, detailed depiction of Anubis.
Conclusion
An Anubis tattoo is a unique emblem of ancient wisdom, embodying deep symbolism from the pages of Egyptian mythology. It’s a powerful representation of protection, guidance, and rebirth, making it a meaningful and personal choice for a tattoo.
Remember that each tattoo is a personal journey, an expression of your unique story. So, when choosing your Anubis tattoo, let your creativity flow. Align your design with your personal beliefs and experiences. After all, a tattoo is more than just ink on skin—it’s a testament to who you are. May Anubis guide you on this fascinating journey into the realm of tattoos.
Anubis and the souls of the dead tattoo
Anubis’ role as the guide of the souls of the dead can serve as an intriguing narrative for your tattoo. This design could feature Anubis leading a procession of souls, symbolizing his role as the protector and guide in the afterlife. This design could serve as a poignant reminder of life’s transient nature and the eternal journey of the soul.
Anubis outline tattoo
If you prefer simplicity and minimalism, an Anubis outline design could be the perfect choice. This design could feature a simple, sleek outline of Anubis, capturing the essence of the deity in a few elegant strokes. Despite its simplicity, an Anubis outline tattoo can still carry the profound symbolism associated with the god.
Golden Anubis tattoo
A Golden Anubis design can add a touch of regality to the ancient figure. The design could depict Anubis in shimmering gold, creating a striking contrast against the skin and symbolizing the deity’s divine status. This design can be a captivating homage to ancient Egyptian art and culture.
Anubis and galaxy tattoo on back
This design depict Anubis against a backdrop of a swirling galaxy. It symbolizes the infinite journey of the soul and the mysteries of the afterlife.
