48+ Anubis Tattoo Ideas
The first time I saw an Anubis tattoo, I was struck by its bold and mysterious presence. There was something captivating about the jackal-headed god, his piercing eyes and regal stance exuding both power and wisdom. As someone fascinated by ancient mythology, I couldn’t help but dive deeper into the history behind this iconic figure.
I’ve explored the symbolism and meaning of Anubis inspired tattoos, discovering why so many people are drawn to this ancient Egyptian deity. Whether it’s a symbol of protection, transformation, or a connection to the afterlife, an Anubis designed tattoo holds a timeless significance.
In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned about its history, designs, and the personal meanings behind this striking tattoo choice.
Who is Anubis?
Anubis is one of the most recognizable gods from ancient Egyptian mythology. Depicted with the body of a man and the head of a black jackal or dog, Anubis was primarily associated with death, mummification, and the afterlife. He was believed to be the guardian of the dead and the guide of souls into the underworld.
His role was essential in ensuring that the deceased were properly prepared for their journey beyond the mortal realm. In Egyptian mythology, Anubis was responsible for the weighing of the heart ceremony, where he would judge the souls of the dead against the feather of Ma’at (truth and justice).
If the heart was lighter than the feather, the soul could proceed to the afterlife; if it was heavier, it was devoured by Ammit, a fearsome creature. Because of this, Anubis is often associated with justice, morality, and protection. If you’re interested in more Egyptian mythology tattoo ideas, check out our detailed guide on Saint Michael Tattoo for another powerful and symbolic design.
The Personal Meaning Behind Anubis Tattoos
Beyond the historical and cultural significance, an Anubis designed tattoo can hold deep personal meaning for its wearer. Some individuals choose this tattoo to signify overcoming hardships, embracing inner strength, or seeking spiritual guidance.
Others may get an Anubis inspired tattoo as a tribute to a lost loved one, honoring their passage into the afterlife. The versatility of Anubis tattoos allows for personal interpretation, making them a unique and meaningful choice.
Symbolism of Anubis Tattoos
Anubis inspired tattoos are rich in symbolism and can represent a variety of meanings, depending on the wearer’s personal beliefs and reasons for choosing the design. Here are some of the most common interpretations:
- Protection – Anubis was the protector of graves and the dead, making this tattoo a strong symbol of safeguarding oneself from harm, evil spirits, and negative influences.
- Justice and Morality – Since Anubis played a role in judging souls, his tattoo can signify a commitment to justice, truth, and moral integrity.
- Guidance – As a guide to the afterlife, an Anubis designed tattoo can symbolize wisdom, inner strength, and direction in life.
- Spiritual Connection – Many people choose this tattoo to represent their connection with the spiritual realm, rebirth, and the mysteries of life and death.
- Power and Authority – Anubis was a powerful deity, making his image a symbol of strength, dominance, and control over one’s destiny.
If you appreciate bold and symbolic tattoo designs, you might also enjoy exploring Chess Tattoo ideas, which represent strategy, intelligence, and life’s battles.
The Spiritual and Mystical Aspects of Anubis Tattoos
Anubis inspired tattoos carry deep spiritual meaning, symbolizing protection, guidance, and transformation. As the Egyptian god of the afterlife, Anubis was responsible for guiding souls and ensuring a safe journey beyond death. This makes his image a powerful symbol for those seeking strength, protection, or a connection to the spiritual realm.
Connection to the Afterlife
Anubis oversaw the weighing of the heart, determining a soul’s fate in the afterlife. A tattoo of Anubis can represent justice, truth, and self-reflection, reminding the wearer of life’s moral balance and the importance of making righteous choices.
Symbol of Protection
As a guardian of tombs and the dead, Anubis was believed to ward off evil spirits. Many choose an Anubis tattoo as a protective symbol, representing inner strength and resilience against challenges or negativity in life.
Rebirth and Transformation
Associated with mummification and renewal, Anubis symbolizes transformation and new beginnings. His image can be a reminder of personal growth, overcoming struggles, and emerging stronger from difficult experiences.
For those interested in tattoos with deep philosophical meaning, check out Hourglass Tattoo ideas, which represent time, fate, and the fleeting nature of life.
Popular Anubis Tattoo Designs
Anubis inspired tattoos come in various styles and designs, each carrying its own unique artistic interpretation. Here are some of the most common variations:
1. Traditional Egyptian Anubis Tattoo
This design follows the ancient Egyptian artistic style, showcasing Anubis with a profile view, elongated features, and hieroglyphic elements. It often includes sacred symbols like the ankh (life), the Eye of Horus (protection), or the pyramids to deepen its connection to Egyptian mythology.
2. Realistic Anubis Tattoo
A hyper-realistic Anubis tattoo brings out intricate details in black and gray shading, making Anubis appear lifelike and intense. His jackal face is often depicted with glowing eyes, creating an eerie, divine presence. This style is perfect for those who want a powerful and visually striking tattoo that captures the mysterious essence of Anubis.
3. Anubis with Scales of Justice Tattoo
This design references the ancient Egyptian weighing of the heart ceremony, in which Anubis holds the scales that determine a soul’s fate in the afterlife. One side of the scale holds a feather (representing Ma’at, the goddess of truth), while the other holds a heart. This tattoo symbolizes justice, morality, and the balance between good and evil.
4. Anubis in Battle Armor Tattoo
Depicting Anubis as a warrior, this tattoo portrays him in detailed armor, often holding weapons like an Egyptian scepter, sword, or staff. It represents protection, strength, and the warrior spirit. This design is ideal for those who view Anubis as a guardian and defender against evil forces.
5. Geometric Anubis Tattoo
A contemporary interpretation, this tattoo style uses geometric patterns, lines, and abstract shapes to form Anubis’ image. It blends ancient mythology with modern art, creating a stylish and unique aesthetic. This design is ideal for those who appreciate symmetry, precision, and a futuristic take on Egyptian deities.
6. Anubis with a Skull or Grim Reaper Theme Tattoo
Combining Anubis with skulls or a grim reaper motif emphasizes his connection to death and the afterlife. This dark and gothic style often portrays Anubis shrouded in shadows, holding a scythe or surrounded by skeletal imagery. It’s a great choice for those who resonate with themes of mortality and the unknown.
7. Anubis Tattoo Stencil
A stencil-style tattoo focuses on clean outlines, acting as a blueprint for a more detailed design. Some choose to keep the tattoo in its stencil form, embracing the crisp and structured look. This type of tattoo allows for easier customization and ensures accuracy in the final ink.
8. Anubis inspired Tattoo Small
For those who prefer a discreet yet meaningful tattoo, a small Anubis design is an excellent choice. A minimalistic silhouette of Anubis’ head, a tiny hieroglyphic version, or a small black-inked profile can provide a subtle but powerful nod to Egyptian mythology.
9. Anubis Tattoo Outline
An outline tattoo strips away shading and intricate details, focusing solely on clean, bold lines to define Anubis’ shape. This simplistic yet elegant style is ideal for those who want a minimalistic representation while still capturing the deity’s essence.
10. Anubis with a Cosmic or Galaxy Theme Tattoo
Blending Egyptian mythology with cosmic elements, this tattoo style portrays Anubis with a starry, celestial background. The night sky, planets, or a glowing nebula surrounding him emphasize his otherworldly power and role as a guide of souls. This design symbolizes the universe’s mysteries and the afterlife’s infinite possibilities.
11. Anubis and Pharaoh Combination Tattoo
This tattoo design combines Anubis with the face of a pharaoh, usually inspired by Tutankhamun or other famous Egyptian rulers. It represents leadership, divinity, and the deep connection between Egyptian gods and their kings. This tattoo is a powerful tribute to both royal and divine authority.
Best Placement Ideas for Anubis Tattoos
Placement plays a crucial role in the overall impact of an Anubis inspired tattoo. Here are some ideal locations and their significance:
- Forearm: A great place for medium to large designs, allowing for intricate details.
- Back: Provides ample space for larger, detailed tattoos, often portraying Anubis in a grand, commanding posture.
- Chest: Symbolizes protection and power, making it a strong choice for those who view Anubis as a guardian.
- Wrist or Bicep: Ideal for warrior-style Anubis tattoos, signifying strength and resilience.
- Leg or Thigh: Offers a bold placement, perfect for larger designs.
- Ankle or Neck: More daring placements that make a strong statement, often chosen for spiritual or artistic reasons.
Cultural and Historical Significance of Anubis Tattoos
The influence of Anubis extends beyond ancient Egypt. His image has been popularized in modern media, including movies, video games, and literature, further increasing his mystique and appeal. People from various cultural backgrounds choose Anubis designed tattoos for both personal and aesthetic reasons.
Additionally, the rise of neo-Egyptian and mythological tattoos has made Anubis one of the most sought-after designs. Tattoo artists often mix traditional Egyptian symbolism with contemporary tattoo styles, creating visually stunning and meaningful pieces.
The Fascinating History of Anubis Tattoos
Anubis, the ancient Egyptian god of the dead and mummification, has long captivated people with his mysterious and powerful presence. As a guardian of tombs and a guide for souls in the afterlife, Anubis has remained an enduring figure in mythology, art, and tattoo culture.
His striking appearance—a man with the head of a jackal—makes him an iconic and meaningful tattoo choice for those drawn to themes of protection, transformation, and the afterlife. The rich history of Anubis tattoos reflects his deep significance in Egyptian beliefs and how his symbolism has evolved over time.
1. One of the Oldest Gods in Ancient Egyptian Mythology
Anubis is one of the earliest deities in Egyptian mythology, with references to him dating back to the First Dynasty (c. 3100 BCE). Before Osiris took on the role of ruler of the underworld, Anubis was the primary god associated with the dead. His early prominence in Egyptian belief systems highlights his importance as a guardian and protector of the deceased.
2. Worshipped as the God of the Dead and Embalming
Ancient Egyptians honored Anubis as the god of mummification and funerary practices. He was believed to oversee the preparation of bodies for burial, ensuring that they were properly embalmed for a successful journey into the afterlife. His presence in tombs and temples demonstrated the deep respect Egyptians had for him as a divine protector of the dead.
3. Symbol of Protection and Guidance
Anubis was not only a god of the dead but also a guiding force for souls traveling through the afterlife. He was thought to lead spirits to the Hall of Judgment, where their hearts would be weighed against the feather of Ma’at.
Many people today choose Anubis tattoos to symbolize personal guidance, protection from negative forces, and the idea of finding one’s true path.
4. The Meaning Behind His Name
The name “Anubis” comes from the ancient Egyptian word “Inpw” (or “Anpu”), which translates to “royal child” or “prince.” This name emphasizes his noble and divine status, highlighting his role as a guardian of the dead and a powerful figure within Egyptian mythology. His name carries connotations of authority and sacred duty.
5. Depicted as a Man with the Head of a Jackal
Anubis is often shown as a man with the head of a black jackal, an animal closely associated with cemeteries. Jackals were scavengers, frequently seen around tombs, and the Egyptians believed that Anubis could protect bodies from being disturbed. The black color of his skin also represented regeneration and rebirth, reinforcing his role in the afterlife.
6. Connection to the Mummification Process
Anubis played a vital role in the embalming rituals of ancient Egypt, often depicted overseeing the mummification of bodies. Priests performing these sacred rites would even wear masks resembling Anubis to invoke his protection and blessing.
This deep connection to preservation and preparation for the afterlife is a reason why many choose Anubis tattoos as a tribute to transformation and eternal life.
7. Known as the “Opener of the Way”
Anubis was sometimes referred to as the “Opener of the Way,” a title that signified his role in guiding souls to their final judgment. He was believed to open the gates of the underworld and lead spirits safely to their destination.
This title symbolizes new opportunities, fresh starts, and the courage to move forward, making it a powerful concept in tattoo symbolism.
8. Close Association with Horus
In later mythology, Anubis became closely linked to Horus, the god of kingship and protection. Some versions of Egyptian myth describe them as allies in guiding souls, with Anubis ensuring proper judgment and Horus leading worthy spirits to paradise.
Their association represents a balance between justice and destiny, making an Anubis tattoo a meaningful choice for those who value fairness and purpose.
9. Symbol of Rebirth and Renewal
Although Anubis is primarily known as a god of the dead, his role extends beyond death itself. Many believe he represents transformation, second chances, and personal rebirth. An Anubis tattoo can symbolize overcoming hardships, embracing change, and stepping into a new phase of life with strength and wisdom.
10. Different Meanings Based on Design and Placement
The meaning of an Anubis designed tattoo can change depending on its design elements and placement on the body. Adding symbols like the scales of justice emphasizes balance, while incorporating pyramids or tombs highlights a connection to ancient history.
The placement of the tattoo can also be significant on the chest, it may represent protection, while on the arm, it may symbolize strength and guidance.
Final Thoughts
An Anubis tattoo is more than just a beautiful piece of art—it carries deep symbolic weight and a connection to one of the most intriguing gods in ancient mythology. Whether you’re drawn to its protective nature, spiritual guidance, or artistic appeal, an Anubis designed tattoo is a bold and timeless choice.
Before getting an Anubis inspired tattoo, take the time to research styles, work with a skilled artist, and consider placement carefully. By doing so, you’ll ensure that your tattoo not only looks incredible but also holds the personal meaning you seek.
