Reference:
[1] http://www.articlesbase.com/art-articles/are-you-looking-for-some-funky-tribal-tattoo-designs-607000.html
Tattoo Art Finder, Celebrity, Tribal, Fonts and Zodiac Tattoo Design Arts
Ta moko, called tattoos in Maori language, traditional tattoo lines engraved on the face and other parts of the body using a sharp or jagged bone chisel of sea birds. Although the process of tattooing is very frightening, painful and long, it is a sacred event. Tattooing was usually accompanied by performances of traditional flute music and singing poetry to help ease the pain while carrying their bodies are sculpted with curved lines and patterns. Because of widespread pain caused by body movement, the carrier will not be able to eat solid food until the wounds on his face was restored.
Modern Maori tattoos are becoming increasingly popular, and is a great expression of uniqueness, style and fashion. It is also a symbol of sacrifice, courage and respect for the traditional process is long and painful to get a ta moko. If you choose to ta moko tattoo ink on your body, you may want to avoid the use of their designs that bring special attributes of the Maori tribe. Polynesian Tattoos are creative and beautifully composed of complex patterns and curved spiral shape. Contemporary ta moko tattoo is usually mixed with Celtic to form a new distinctive artwork. Ta moko art has become one of the most important source of tribal tattoos all over the world as Maori tattoos have their own uniqueness and special characteristics among all the Polynesian tattoo.Tribal tattoo designs are probably one of the most popular forms of tattoos in the world. These are generally known as designs traditionally used in the Pacific Islands and Africa.
Cultures who employs this tattoo style did not get them because they looked cool. They got them because they believed there was a certain power attached to the tattoo. Some tribes use elaborate tattoo designs as a way to signify a boy becoming a man and outcast those who are not willing to take part in this tattooing tradition. Other use them as protection in battle or as a signal of great warriors.
Tribal tattoos are recognizable by their dramatic use of aggressive dark lines in jagged symmetrical shapes spread throughout the skin. Tribal tats are most often done in simple black and skin tones but in the western world they are often infused with color to enhance the overall look. Whereas other tattoo styles attempt to represent a specific object, tribal tattoos seem far more concerned with the feel and meaning rather than what it specifically looks like.
Typical examples of modern tribal tattoo designs are arm or leg bands that seem to have become the most popular tattoo design over the last 5-10 years. These designs are typically only black but many artists have been using subtle shading or even inclusion of a less abstract design such as butterflies or dragons within a tribal design.
source: http://www.tattoopictureshop.com/tattoo-designs/tribal-tattoo.html