Panthers tattoos are exciting. They are slinky, sleek-coated, quick-moving cats that maintain a balance between fantastic grace and awesome power.  Most panther tattoos feature the large black variety, but in nature the cats can be tawny or spotted. There are even rare white panthers.  They are thought to live only in Asia and Africa, but the panther with sleek black fur has been spotted in the southern United States many times in the last few decades, although the truth of these claims is in doubt.

There is no doubt that this cat is one of the largest, most ferocious and respected animals in the world.  Perhaps that’s what makes it such a wonderful tattoo subject. The power, the grace, the elegance is remarkable all contained in one fearsome image.  It is also no small wonder the panther shows up in the myths and legends throughout the world.  Among ancient peoples the cats show up as powerful totem animal. They were the symbol of authority and nobility.  Their fur was prized; their teeth and claws were seen as valuable and used for making jewelry. As a totem, the panther was the symbol of someone who acts alone or who leads.  This might because of the animal’s true strength and intelligence. In myth the Greek god Dionysus picked the panther as his favored mount.  His priests were clothed in panther skins.  The Egyptian Book of the Dead says that heaven opens itself for the deceased king wearing panther skin.

Panther tattoos look best in a well muscled area or a place that is completely clear. The nape of the neck or the small of the back are good for smaller tattoos, while very small stylized images of the great black cat might work well at the wrist or inner arm. Larger scenes depicting the panther stalking or hunting need more space such as the chest, back or abdomen.  It is a great image for a full sleeve tattoo.  Some, around-the-arm panther tattoos have the cat stalking completely in a circle around the arm.  Images that go well with the big cats are snakes, lotus blossoms, water, fire, trees and any animal it might take as prey.

Using the image of the panther for a background is also a good idea since it is one color and other objects can be shown against it easily. Stars with panther tattoos include former Spice girl ‘Ginger Spice’ Geri Halliwell. David Beckman the English football (soccer) player also sports one.

Where to go from here:

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