Egyptian Symbol Tattoos

Egyptian symbol tattoos are quite popular due to their ornate detail and symbolic meaning. Although hieroglyphs are likely the most widely recognized design, they are not the only option. Egyptian symbol tattoos also incorporate Egyptian gods, goddesses or other spiritually important symbols.

 Types of Egyptian Symbol Tattoos

Ancient Egyptians developed detailed symbols that held significant meaning to them. These symbols ranged from a simple line drawings to colorful and ornate representations of nature and the world as they perceived it. They can be used to create lovely and meaningful tattoo designs.

The Ankh

The ankh is the symbol of eternal life. Strong believers in the afterlife, the Egyptians believed that the ankh helped protect them and pass them on to life after death. The symbol resembles an equal armed cross with a loop in place of the northern pointing arm.
Tattoo ideas for the ankh include placing a tiny ankh on the ankle or wrist. You could also use the piece for a cool shoulder tattoo.


The Scarab

The scarab is a dung beetle representation. For Egyptians, the scarab was the simple of spontaneity. It would roll out of wherever it was when appropriate. It was also a symbol of rebirth. Cool tattoo ideas for the scarab include using the beetle as a hip tattoo or small tattoo on the back of the neck. It would also go nicely on the wrist. If well-adorned, the scarab would also work nicely on the small of the back.
Scarab Tattoo Design

The Ba

Ba is an Egyptian decorated bird that is symbolic of personality and perseverance. As legend goes, Ba would complete tasks during the day before always returning at night. The Egyptians believed that a Ba symbol could preserve a person's looks after death. Tattoo ideas for Ba include incorporating the bird into an Egyptian temple scene or using it as the centerpiece of a sleeve.

Ba Illustration

Eye of Horus

The Eye of Horus represents the all-seeing eye. The piece is meant to represent the Horus, the God of the Sky, who lost his eye during battle. The eye was later discovered by another. The piece is often used in tattoos that represent protection.
A few cool tattoo ideas for the Eye of Horus include using the eye in the center of a spiraling vortex on the back or inking it on the back of the neck for a "third eye" affect.
Eye of Horus


Anubis is the dog-headed god of the dead. A symbol of protection, Anubis watches over those who have passed on to their afterlife. Tattoo ideas include placing Anubis in front of a set of pyramids (representing the tombs of the dead) or watching over someone. For placement, consider putting him on your back as a symbol of always having someone watching your back.


The Djed is the backbone of human life, literally. It is a symbol of stable power and strength. It often adorns coffins in order to give those mummified in them the power they need to continue in the afterlife. Symbolically, the Djed would make the most sense as a full back tattoo over the spine. If that's not your thing, consider putting it over the rib cage.

The Phoenix

This mythical black bird was alleged to have risen out of it's own ashes to begin life anew. Many tattoo devotees use it as a sign of rebirth, or overcoming extreme hardships in their life. Give the phoenix room to spread out; place one on the upper arm, or spreading across your back.

The Sphinx

The Sphinx is a figure with the head of a man set upon the body of a human, and is perhaps the Egyptian version of the Celtic Griffon. No one knows for sure what this huge stone figure signifies, but many believe it was meant to be a guardian over the king who once laid in the nearby pyramid. Depending on how large you want your Sphinx, he could sit on numerous areas on the body. A full-figured Sphinx could be a full back piece, while a smaller head and shoulders could be on the upper arm or shoulder.
Pyramid and the Sphinx


There is no other symbol that speaks so clearly of Egypt than these amazing stone monuments. Some believe that the shape and orientation of each pyramid gives it some sort of power or energy. Try placing a small pyramid at the top of your spine, your upper arm or your lower leg. A larger pyramid could also become a back piece.

The Primordial Hill

Primordial Hill
The primordial hill is the image of two sets of steps that meet at a flat plateau on top. The image symbolizes the unknown since the hills were said to raise out of chaos to create dry land. The shape also represents the Egyptian's greatest architectural marvel, the pyramids. Tattoo ideas for the primordial hill include spreading the piece across both shoulder blades or using it as a band around your arm or ankle. The primordial hill also lends itself well to being a part of a scene, perhaps also including an Uraeus symbol (a snake).


Bastet the Cat Goddess holds a particular fascination for cat lovers across the globe. Her image is usually displayed as a black cat in silhouette. Place one on your upper arm and let her tail curl around like a cuff.

Choose Your Symbol Carefully

Like any symbol tattoo, Egyptian symbols have a long and varied history. Make sure you know what your symbol says about you, and what its history is before you get it on your skin.

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