10 Best Tribal Bear Tattoo Ideas That Will Blow Your Mind! +2023

Reviewed and Updated: October 19, 2022 by Jamie Wilson BA

Is a bear your soul animal? Do you love tribal designs? Then you are exactly right here. Combine your love for both in a tribal bear tattoo.

Tribal Bear Tattoo
@best_polynesian via Instagram

There are eight different types of bears in this world.

Bears have excellent memories. Even if you forget their face, they might remember yours.

Bears are extraordinary animals. Believe it or not, bears have high intelligence quotients compared to other animals. Their navigation skills are superior to those of a human. Because of this, bears are associated with wisdom, among many other traits. Because of their different characteristics, bears are found as a symbol in different tribes. Native American tribes are one such example. Because of their physical strength, bears are a symbol of power for many of these tribes. Therefore, depending on the tribal culture, the meaning of a tribal bear tattoo changes. To a large extent, however, they symbolize courage and willpower. Plus, they are a pattern that can be rocked by men and women alike. This is why people love bear tattoos. In the complex being bear, everyone will find something that appeals to them.

Bear paw tribal tattoo

Bear paw tribal tattoo
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For those who like minimalistic tattoo designs, this tattoo is sure to catch your eye. The chest tattoo consists of the image of a claw. However, this claw is not painted in the traditional style. Instead, it is executed with bold and sharp strokes in the tribal pattern.

The Tribal Bear Paw Tattoo depicts the bear’s pointed and ferocious nails. It’s something the bear uses to fight enemies since it’s a loner. Therefore, bear paw tattoo designs are a motif of strength and fearlessness. So, the person with the tattoo is trying to say how, despite all life’s hurdles, they will not get bogged down. They will fight their way out of trouble until they make it to the top. The tattoo symbolizes the person’s resilience to keep fighting against all odds.

Viking tribal bear tattoo

Viking tribal bear tattoo
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This is a very expressive piece. An angry bear is seen tied up. The bear growls, looking at its animal side. Saliva comes out of its mouth as it appears to be in pain. The bear appears to be growing horns, just like they were part of Viking headgear. While the bear is all brown, its paw has turned blue under the shackles. Similarly, blue lines run all over the bear’s body, like those sometimes drawn on Viking faces. The bear was hunted, as evidenced by the many arrows that pierced its entire body. To make the tattoo stand out even more, yellow leaves have been added to the tattoo design, which reminds us of a forest.

Bears are known for their independence of mind. Since the Vikings are a warrior tribe, this tattoo suggests how this person’s mind is being shackled by various forces and they continue to fight it no matter how hurt they get. Remember that it is. not an easy piece to color in. So you should find the best tattoo artist for your appointment.

Pride Tribal Bear Tattoo

Pride Tribal Bear Tattoo
@polynesian_tatto0 via Instagram

This tribal bear tattoo comes with a small hidden message nestled into the bear’s body. On the shoulder tattoo, a bear appears to be approaching and walking on all fours. The entire piece is complete except for one area in black ink. A glowing rainbow-colored shield can be seen on one of the bear’s arms. The symbol consists of a heart with an associated infinity logo.

The LGBTQ community has had to fight like a bear for their rights, and this illustration celebrates that. It suggests how love is love, no matter what shape or form. So if you are loud and proud of who you are, this tattoo is made for you.

Polynesian Tribal Bear Tattoo

Polynesian Tribal Bear Tattoo
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This tribal tattoo on chest is that of a bear head. The bear looks wild with its fangs. Instead of a typical head, the bear head shape is constructed with various tribal tattoo designs inspired by the Polynesian tattoo style. Among the shapes, each symbol has its own meaning. Shark teeth and spearhead patterns are recognizable at first glance.

A symbol of adaptability, the shark teeth are a sign that the person is ready to face any adversity that is thrown in their face. In addition, the spearhead indicates a warrior nature, making it a perfect match for the rest of the tattoo. This is a fighter who refuses to give up. A bear skull is revered as a sacred animal in Native American tribes. Therefore, a bear’s head will be a sign of respect for these gentle creatures for protection.

Tribal Panda Head Tattoo

Tribal Panda Head Tattoo
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We love how this tattoo combines a cute panda with the concept of ethereal beauty. The inspiration for this tattoo design is Maori tattoo style. The clever use of shading added depth to the illustration. Ocean and spearhead markings are present on the head. In addition, the illustration also features tattoo designs featuring the flower of life. This dainty design will be great for a girl.

The ocean is used to represent ever-changing life. The brave sails like a warrior through the turbulent seas of life, symbolized by the spearhead. Ocean also points to where one travels after death, which is the spiritual world. The symbolism is complete with the Flower of Life tattoo designs representing the cycle of life.

Conjugation of Tribes Bear Tattoo

Conjugation of Tribes Bear Tattoo
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The inspiration for this grizzly bear tattoo comes from two different tribes, the Celtic and the Norse. The head looks like it is made out of metal knotted together, with knots being a common Celtic tattoo design. There is a Norse Vegvisir symbol on the side of the head, as well as an Yr symbol. Interestingly, the spot for this tattoo is also someone’s head.

Vegvisir is said to provide guidance while Yr is a motive for peace. In Norse culture, wearing a bear’s head was meant to transmit the characteristics, or more specifically the power, of the animal to the wearer. So the illustrations together indicate a person who is still searching for his life path.

Spirit of Nature Tribal Bear Tattoo

Spirit of Nature Tribal Bear Tattoo
@liveirontattoo via Instagram

This cool breast illustration enchanted us with its multi-layered drawing and symbolism. You can see the face of a bear, which is given a shape with Celtic symbols. Inside the bear is an illustration of an entire landscape. Mountain peaks can be seen in the background of the tattoo design, with coniferous trees dotted across the land. Not only is it eye candy, but the tribal bear tattoo also sends a meaningful message.

For the Celts, a bear was like a mother spirit who could become like a wild animal to protect her cubs. Here this spirit is mother nature herself. The bearer indicates how we should all try to protect the earth as we only have one planet so don’t poke the bear if you know what we mean.

Brown bear tattoo tribal

Brown bear tattoo tribal
@jsoulink via Instagram

The shape is that of a brown bear but it is a black bear tattoo as far as the ink goes. The Polynesian style illustration is filled with native symbols. Aside from the usual shark teeth, tiki eyes are also found in this tattoo.

The wearer of this tattoo inked it as a celebration of their Native American roots as well as love for their Aina, the land they are deeply connected to. Tiki eyes represent someone who is a demigod. Here the person is proud of their heritage, filled with ancestors of great courage and power, akin to the gods.

Shoulder Grizzly Bear Tribal Tattoo

Shoulder Grizzly Bear Tribal Tattoo
@nextluxtattoos via Instagram

The site for this tattoo spreads from the shoulder to the chest. Polynesian tattoo shapes can be interpreted into many ideas that lead to their popularity. In this illustration we see all of Enata’s signature symbols, sea waves, tiki eyes, shark teeth, and spearhead.

The tattoo shows the philosophy of life that the person believes in. Grizzly bears in Native American tribes were believed to be spirits that lead souls to the afterlife. With courage and wisdom indicated by the shark teeth and spearhead, the person wades through the waves of life step by step. The enata symbolizes the relationships they make along the way as they find their definition of life.

Viking bear claw tattoo

Viking bear claw tattoo
@marcushammertattoo via Instagram

If you have been looking for some understated tribal bear tattoo ideas, this one might be for you. Instead of the animal, the tattoo consists of just a claw. Viking symbols were used to denote certain traits, with the bear claw being one of the most dangerous. The claw looks like it’s made out of metallic knots decorated with an eye-catching design.

Bear Claws were bestowed upon warriors willing to fight even in the face of death, who spoke of their unpredictability and fierce determination to win a battle. Therefore, the person with this tattoo wants to have the same spirit as they face every hardship in life.

For many tribes, tattoos could only be inked as a mark of honor after participating in a battle. However, you are free to get as many as you want. Whether it’s a grizzly bear or a teddy bear, you’re sure to find one that speaks to your soul.

We just can’t get enough of these big, furry creatures. So here are a few more ideas to make your choice easier!

  • Tribal teddy bear tattoo.
  • Polar bear adorned with red tribal design tattoo.
  • Tribal style bear skull tattoo.
  • Tribal cubs and black bear tattoos.
  • Flowers bloom in the form of a tribal bear tattoo.

Featured image from Pinterest

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