At the time of the Silk Road, the elephant was the main mode of transport for traders, because of its strength that allowed it to carry heavy loads of goods – heavier loads than those carried by any other animal . And as these traders venerated him and wished to show the good they thought of this animal, some had an elephant image drawn on the body, to remember it despite the passage of time.
The Greek king Pyrrhus is famous for using elephants for war. Many historians attribute to him, among other noble figures, the use of elephants to win battles. Because of the size of the animal, the enemies trembled and fled. The people of the old world had developed a real fascination for these creatures. Those who did not have enough money to buy an elephant were tattooed a small image representing him, in sign of courage and strength.
In Hinduism, the god Ganesh is represented with an elephant's head and a human body. He is also known as Kangiten in Buddhism. Ganesh represents determination, wisdom, endurance and foundations. If a person pray to this Hindu god, she will be able to overcome her problems and build a house for herself and her family. Wearing a Ganesh tattoo will also help you improve your memory and wisdom.
Meaning of elephant tattoos
Elephant tattoo designs can mean a lot of things. In general, an elephant tattoo represents not only luck, but prosperity. And thanks to its important role in the animal kingdom, the elephant also symbolizes strength, power, longevity and dignity. In addition to the characteristics we have just mentioned, the elephant is also associated with honor, intelligence, patience and spirituality. Thanks to all this symbolism, the humble elephant tattoo has become increasingly popular, as elephants themselves are aware of the importance of family ties and ancestral rites.
An elephant usually lives for many decades. It is one of the mammals whose longevity is the most important. The scientists also pointed out that he could live longer if he did not lose his teeth by becoming old, which prevents him from eating regularly. That's why wearing this type of tattoo on the body is also a symbol of longevity or represents the hope that just like this animal, you will live for many years.
The elephant is also a symbol of success. In Hinduism, Ganesh is the god of arts and sciences. He is known for his discernment and great wisdom. In alchemy, the elephant also represents communication, commerce and a great capacity for discernment – which is one of the meanings most commonly attributed to elephant tattoos.
Types of elephant tattoos
– Female tattoos of elephants – Tattoos that look more feminine do not dwell too much on details and emphasize curves. They do not really have straight lines and avoid the angles as much as possible, to highlight the shape of the elephant. Tattoo artists can, in this type of drawings, "let go" on the colors, even though roses, blues and reds are generally particularly suitable for elephant tattoos. We can also adorn the elephants with roses and jewels.
– Elephant tattoos in 3D – This type of elephant drawing is completely trendy. These tattoos are a perfect example of how body art has evolved over the years. 3D elephants are a good representation of the animal itself and only the most talented artists can draw them with skill. A 3D elephant tattoo will have a good rendering if you paint the animal in its natural habitat, which is either the African savannah or a body of water.
– Minimalist tattoos of elephants – Some prefer a little elephant tattoo because they are much easier to draw. They are not too painful either and you can cover them if you wish. Pictures of small elephants are very popular, especially among women, who prefer to place their tattoo on their ankles, wrists or behind the ear. A minimalist tattoo does not draw much detail – but some artists do it all the same.
– Tattoos of elephant babies – A small elephant tattoo can have a very good rendering on the wrist. It is also very pretty if it is placed on a finger.
– Elephant tattoos composed of lines, dots and loops – The beautiful drawings of Indian tattoos with henna still stand out in the other drawings. Elephants inspired by Indian designs contain many elements similar to those used for traditional henna designs. Flowers, jewelry, minimal colors, clothing, stucco decorations, lines and dots all relate to this theme. An elephant tribal tattoo represents royalty, wisdom and unconditional power.
Ideal placement of elephant tattoos
You can place your elephant tattoo on your back, your knees, your chest, your ankles, your ribs, on the upper arm, the nape of the neck, inside your arm, in sleeve tattoo and on many other parts of your body. The place you choose does not matter because you can be sure that this tattoo will be beautiful if done by a professional.
The tattoos of elephants also have a very good rendering on the shoulders. The Hindu god of success, Ganseh, is usually depicted with an elephant's head. You can probably have a successful life if you have an elephant tattoo printed on it.
In many cases, when it comes to a large elephant tattoo, the ideal place is often the back, which has a skin surface large enough to accommodate this type of drawing.
Preparation tips before the tattoo session
Knowing how to prepare for an elephant tattoo session can reduce session time by several hours and prevent certain health problems. It also makes the whole process less painful. Here are some points to follow if you want to get an elephant tattoo:
Carefully browse the book of the artist. Do not impulsively order a tattoo without having watched the work of the artist. This will allow you to make sure you have what you want and that the work will be quality. You need to know 6 weeks in advance if you are ready to get a tattoo done. If this helps you, place a temporary tattoo on the spot you would like to get a tattoo. Wear it for a few weeks to see if it has a look you like and if you feel comfortable wearing it. If so, you can take the step.
Check the time of the appointment, its duration and the price you have to pay for the drawing with the tattoo artist and take good care of your general health. If you followed the basic suggestions for food and drink, you should feel quite healthy. If you have your head spinning or you feel too nauseous, weak or sick, it is better to postpone the appointment – the artist will understand.
Shave the area where you want to place the tattoo in the weeks before the session. If you can easily feel the razor burn, shave as close to it as possible without the risk of damaging your skin. Otherwise, the artist will have to do it himself.
During the tattooing process, many small needles pierce your skin, creating a lot of possible bleeding. To avoid excessive bleeding that could damage the tattoo, do not drink alcohol 24-48 hours before your appointment. Do not drink coffee or take aspirin. All of these products liquefy the blood and can cause unwanted bleeding.
Estimated realization costs and standard prices for elephant tattoos
The price of an elephant tattoo will depend entirely on the talent of the artist. Many professional tattoo artists charge for their work per hour. In this way, the customer has the guarantee of getting a good tattoo with a professional rendering. The price of a tattoo is usually between € 100 and € 300 an hour and depends mainly on the size – which means that a big tattoo will automatically cost several hundred euros. If you want to buy a normal tattoo and easy to do, the price per hour can start at € 50.
The size of the tattoo is an important factor in the price calculation. It is always synonymous with time. The larger the tattoo, the longer the session will be. Bodywork in more difficult places, intricate designs, and plenty of color can also drive up prices.
Maintenance Tips for Elephant Tattoos
Once the tattoo artist has finished his work, he will remove the excess ink with a spray and a paper towel. Depending on the artist, the tattoo will then be covered with a plastic film or paper towel glued on top of the brand new design. The tattoo artist will also give you instructions to take care of your tattoo and explain the healing process. Here is some information on the care to give to your new aquisition. Follow them well.
Do not sleep on your new tattoo. Sleep on your stomach, if your drawing is placed on the back. Crushing your tattoo on the sheets would not only get the ink out of the wounds and discolor the design but cause friction that can cause an infection. If you notice in the morning that your nightwear has stuck to the tattoo, do not shoot it! This could destroy the artist's work and reopen the wounds.