In This Article:
Arrow Tattoos
An arrow tattoo can be sweet and petite, or epic and larger than life.
Arrows have become popular for mini tats and single-line tattoos.
The arrow tattoo has different meanings depending on the culture, style, and type of design.
The arrow points in one direction and can show that we are heading somewhere in life.
Depending on where you are on your journey or with what you are struggling you may choose a different type of arrow tattoo.
They’re usually depicted in a minimalist tattoo style, but can be incorporated into larger more intricate pieces as well.
An arrow tattoo is something simple and readable that can be cute as a subtle finger tattoo or part of a larger mythological motif.
Portraits of archers are an especially powerful choice.
In most cultures, arrows have become more symbolic than anything else.
Not many people are using them as tools in the modern day.
But for a long time in history, they were a reliable way for skilled hunters to put food on the table.
Because of this, they’ve become a motif in myth, folklore, and even astrology.
If you’ve been thinking of getting an arrow tattoo, but aren’t sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place.
Arrow Tattoo Meanings
As we move through this article, you will find several amazing ideas for your arrow tattoo, each with its own significance.
Many cultures have their own interpretation of the arrow tattoo design, but, as with anything, there is some overlap.
Let’s break down some of the key symbolism behind arrow tattoos before diving further.
An arrow tattoo may symbolize:
- Life’s Journeys
- Courage
- A New Start
- Triumph or moving through difficult times
- Strength/great reflexes
- Responsibility
- Using tension to propel forward
- Focus
- Setting goals
- Making alliances
Of course, there are a lot of factors that go into an arrow tattoo and its meaning.
You’ll have to consider style, placement, and what the design means to you personally.
The arrow tattoo ultimately represents one of life’s journeys, whether it be a terrible experience that you survived or an awesome experience you will always want to remember.
Courage means facing fear with confidence.
An arrow tattoo possesses this quality because arrows remind us of when they were used in war and for hunting.
It takes courage to face an enemy.
Arrow tattoos can represent starting over; they mean a fresh start and a new direction in life that they are pointing towards.
Triumph is part of the arrow’s symbolism because of its associations with the military.
An arrow tattoo means that you have won a significant battle.
Let’s break down some iconic arrow tattoo designs, and what they mean to the people who wear them!
Arrow Tattoo Meanings Across Cultures
From modern-day phenomena such as Bohemianism and Avicii music listeners to the rich cultures of the Aztec and Native Americans, arrow tattoos are strikingly meaningful tattoos.
Let’s take a look at what those meanings are:
- Chevron Arrow Tattoo Meaning
The chevron is a type of arrow tattoo with arrows stacked on top of each other all pointing in one direction.
Chevrons are used to represent varying ranks in the military.
The amount of chevrons arrows indicates that you are a sergeant, E-4 specialist, etc.
This tattoo also can simply mean loyalty and working hard for your country.
- Indian Arrow Tattoo Meaning
Arrow tattoo designs are often associated with Native American tribes.
Arrow tattoos with dream catcher tattoos or arrowheads can be symbols of Native American culture.
Arrows were vastly important to Native Americans during their past tribal lives.
These arrow tattoos symbolize what the arrowhead meant to Native Americans— protection and dominance in warfare.
Because many ancient Indigenous peoples were known for their keen hunting skills and relationship with nature, there is a common association between these peoples and the bow & arrow tattoos.
Some common arrow tattoo designs associated with Native American tribes are:
- An arrow tattoo facing left: ward off
- An arrow tattoo facing right: protection
- An arrow tattoo facing down: peace
- A broken arrow tattoo: peace, settling a feud
- A crossed arrow tattoo: an allyship
- An arrowhead: focus, staying focused
- Boho Arrow Tattoo Meaning
The Bohemian, or Boho tattoo is modern and cool, and so are arrow tattoos in this style.
It often has a more general meaning such as positivism or protection.
- Aztec Arrow Tattoo Meaning
Like the Native Americans, the Aztec arrow tattoo is one of the more meaningful tattoos.
It represents masculinity because of its relation to hunting and protection.
- Avicii Arrow Tattoo Meaning
The Avicii arrow tattoo is a minimalist tattoo of two thick arrows side by side.
Its symbolism lies in the song Wake Me Up, which describes struggling through darkness and starting fresh and new.
Main Themes in Arrow Tattoos
There are so many amazing arrow tattoo designs to choose from.
But where to begin?
An arrow is a very simple tattoo motif that can be added to other tattoo symbols to create a new meaning.
The arrow tattoo’s meaning is also defined by how many arrows are added to the tattoo, as we’ve discussed with military arrow tattoos.
We have compiled some great examples of meaningful tattoos using the arrow in their tattoo design:
Broken Arrow Tattoos
If you have a broken arrow tattoo, it means you have left something in the past that was important to you.
There are times in life where we have to make tough decisions to move on, and this represents that feeling.
Broken arrow tattoos are a symbol of peace, similar to burying the hatchet.
You’ve backed down, and want to move forward from a feud.
A great tattoo for a new chapter.
Arrowhead Tattoos
Arrowhead tattoos are an extremely popular arrow tattoo variation.
These tattoos feature detailed depictions of ancient weaponry and symbolize the strength, courage, and precision of the people who used to wield them in battle and on hunts.
Today, arrowhead tattoos still signify a person’s strength, but we no recognize more than just physical strength through them.
Arrowhead tattoos can now symbolize physical, mental, or even spiritual strength depending on the person.
Often, people get arrowhead tattoos as a reminder to themselves to believe in themselves in hard times.
Arrowhead tattoos are extremely versatile when it comes to placement, but many people choose to get them on their chest or arms.
When it comes to style, there’s really no limit to what looks good with an arrowhead tattoo!
An arrowhead tattoo symbolizes a sense of focus and alertness, keeping your eyes on the prize.
Bow and Arrow Tattoos
The bow and arrow tattoo could be a symbol of your favorite archer from mythology.
It’s also a popular tattoo symbol for our Sagittarius friends.
Drawing from the Lakota teachings, this may be a nice way to symbolize two opposite factors coming together to achieve a goal- perhaps a business partnership.
A bow and arrow tattoo could also be a symbol for someone who identifies as two-spirited within the Indigenous community.
When the arrow is pulled back on the bow on a tattoo, it leads to the feeling of some tension you have in life.
Maybe you had sibling rivalry through your childhood that has affected your adult life.
On the other hand, if the arrow is released on a tattoo, it means an epiphany has happened and your mind has been released.
For example, you realized you needed to get out of an abusive relationship and after you left you were finally at peace.
The Sagittarius in the zodiac is a fire sign.
It is characterized by an outgoing nature, masculine boldness (regardless of gender), and emotional intelligence.
If you were born under this sign, celebrate it with an arrow Sagittarius tattoo!
Anchor & Arrow Tattoo Meaning
It is easy to visually see the meaning of an anchor and arrow tattoo– that’s how incredible its tattoo meanings are.
This tattoo represents the decision that you are anchored in your chosen path, and no one or nothing could stop you.
This is a powerful meaning for a tattoo because it means you have made a huge decision in life and never want to even look back.
For example, a former alcoholic may get this tattoo after deciding to get better and starting a new life of sobriety.
Arrow Bundle Tattoos
Tattoos featuring a bundle of arrows have a history that dates back to ancient Native American tribal customs where arrow bundles were delivered to neighbors to ask for assistance in times of need.
It was a sign of respect, friendship, and support that overcame differences.
The spirit of this gesture lives on in modern arrow bundle tattoos, too.
Bundle of arrow tattoos symbolize an unbreakable bond of support and aid between people and are frequently sought out by groups of friends, family members, or partners.
If you’ve been through difficult times with a person or group of people by your side, a bundle of arrows tattoo is a great way to pay tribute to your collective journey in a subtle but meaningful way.
Where you place the tattoo is totally up to you, as the design is incredibly flexible and can be made to fit any area of the body.
An arrow bundle tattoo means you’re locked and loaded, ready for any obstacle that comes your way.
- Three Arrows Tattoos
The three arrows tattoo design can be formed into many arrangements.
When it is designed as a bundle of arrows, it means strength because many arrows together are stronger than one.
Three arrows pointing together are often designed with Native American flare and can point towards one’s own Native American heritage.
- 5 Arrows Tattoos
Five arrow tattoos were originally designed by the Iroquois League to represent its five-member tribes.
It is tattooed as a symbol of solidarity, community, and willingness to defend the nation.
To this day, five arrow tattoos represent strength in numbers and readiness
