The jaguar is easily recognized when the focal point of a tattoo and the meanings associated with this magnificent creature precede it. This revered spirit of the forest is today as feared and admired as it was centuries ago. Today, many body ink lovers appreciate the amazing beauty of this beast and the incredible associations that come with it when they use it as the concept for their own art.
The Allure of the Jaguar
The jaguar has stalked the undergrowth of the jungle for centuries. Originally from Asia, the path of the Jaguar can be traced across the Bering Strait through North America.
Although the jaguar is closely related to tigers and leopards, but their spotted coloration is what sets them apart. These stealthy predators do all their best work at night, lurking in the confines of the shadows, revealing themselves while on the hunt when their prey is being ambushed.
Part of the reason many are drawn to the jaguar tattoos is they are symbolic of a killer instinct, fierce protective attitude, and powerful presence in the forest. In ancient times the jaguar was symbolic of elegance, beauty, and bravery.
History and the Jaguar
Dating back to the times of the Mayas, Incas, and Aztecs, they all paid homage to the jaguar in their own way by building temples in their honor or placing them on animal totems. The jaguar for these ancient societies was seen as a god of the underworld, a majestic beast who was responsible for the realm of the dead.
To these people, the jaguar was symbolic of prosperity and fertility. These traits today appeal to many who love body ink, and the jaguar for them represents status, power, and divinity.
This night dweller stalks its prey and is often associated with a fighting spirit and bravery. The jaguar has a reputation for power, beauty, strength, and dominance, all traits many ink lovers are drawn to.
The Meaning of the Jaguar Tattoo
Fast-forward to today, and the jaguar tattoos embody all the positive traits this big cat has embodied through the centuries. For some people who get inked with the jaguar, they are secretive, reserved, powerful, and stealthy.
Others appreciate the association to royalty, nobility, spirituality, and divinity. Some of the traits that make this one of the more popular tattoo ideas for both men and women is that this creature is intelligent, cunning, brave, courageous, elegant, and sophisticated. This is an ambush predator who relies on dominance, strength, and power to survive, traits that appeal to the masses.
Take one look at those intrinsic spots and you will never mistake the jaguar for another. While not the largest cat in the jungle, the jaguar is one of the most cunning and efficient. Drawn with mouth open or about to pounce, you get to see the power, strength, and reserved quietness this animal possesses.
Their fierce fighting spirit is only evident when the animal is in a position to attack, so while they may appear reserved on the outside when the time is right, they become lethal fighting machines.
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