Deer Tattoo

When getting an animal tattoo, what could be more near and “deer” to our hearts than a deer tattoo design? (Sorry, we couldn’t resist!)

Deer symbolism is found in multiple cultures. Pictures of deer were found in the Le Trois Freres cave paintings, and give evidence that there were deer clans as early as 14,000 B.C. Interpretations of the drawings indicate that the horned animals were associated with male sexuality.

In classical times, the Horned God deer was originally the consort of the goddess Artemis (Diana). It was killed, however, after she allowed it to see her without her veils. Legend has it that the “deer hunt” is our current practice of that ancient sacrifice.

Eastern narratives revere the deer as a symbol of piety, religious aspiration, freedom, solitude, and purity of life. Buddha’s mission began, legend has it, in a deer park. A male deer, particularly a white stag, is linked to both Chinese and Japanese gods of longevity.

In medieval Europe, the deer was considered magical and was prized for its horns, which were viewed as imbuing a powerful life force. Court wizards preferred deer skin as the parchment of choice for writing down their spells.

To counteract the imagery of mysticism, Christian artists began incorporating deer images into their work. While the horned stag occasionally represented the devil, most often a deer was used as a metaphor for Christ – hunted and slain to give blood (food) to humanity.Not surprisingly, the deer is a common animal in Native American imagery, and is a regular character in tales of metamorphosis. In general, the deer was viewed as a symbol of unconditional love and kindness. It is associated with healing wounds and mending broken relationships.

Specifically, the Pueblo Indians frequently used deer meat in their ceremonies and rituals. The Sioux interpreted the deer to have both the masculine quality of swiftness and the feminine quality of power over males. They also viewed the deer as representing ambivalent attitudes. In particular, the Oglala Sioux believed in the dual nature of the deer spirit, often differentiated by the white-tailed deer – who was a helpmate – and the black-tailed deer – which represented danger and death.

Despite the occasional dark interpretation, a deer tattoo design will almost always convey a message of purity and power.

For more information on Deer tattoo and Animal tattoos, see the resources listed on our Reference Page.

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