Wild and Elegant: 70+ Panther Tattoo Ideas That Inspire — InkMatch (2024)

• Written byInkMatch Team
• November 23, 2023

Panthers are beautiful and graceful animals that are even honored as protectors in some cultures. Big cats have always mesmerized people, which is why the panther tattoo has become an integral part of traditional style. And today, it’s hard to imagine the world of tattooing without this design. In this article, we invite you to dive into the history of the black panther tattoo and find out why is it so popular. To inspire you we have collected more than 70 stunning black panther tattoos in traditional, neo-traditional style, and more.

Check the best tattoo artists for your future panther tattoo:

Origin and Symbolism of Panther Tattoo

The black panther is an elegant and formidable symbol that has fascinated tattoo enthusiasts for many years. Everyone is so used to these black cats that people don’t even think about their origins, so let’s start by understanding who they are. You may be surprised, but the panther is not a separate species of big cats, but a darker version of leopards and jaguars.

An animal of such an unusual color can be born even to parents of ordinary color, this happens because of an excess of black pigment. Panthers that you can meet in the jungles of Asia and Africa are leopards, and in the jungles of South America jaguars.

Now that we know who black panthers are, let’s get back to tattoos. According to one version, the panther tattoo was first performed by tattoo artist William Grimshaw in the 1940s. It was drawn in the traditional American style popular at the time, but this design only became mainstream after the end of World War II. At that time, many military soldiers got the black panther tattoo because of its meaning.

In the 1960s, the Black Panther Party civil rights movement used panther tattoos as part of their style. They were seeking change, created social and educational programs, and were active in many cities across America. The association with this movement is what forever tied the meaning of freedom to the black panther design.

Unexpected Reason for Black Panther Tattoo’s Popularity

The black panther tattoo hides more mysteries than it may seem at first glance. This is where the secret of its sudden popularity lies. In the past, it was nearly impossible to remove an old tattoo, so many people put more black ink on top. The intense black color of panther tattoos allowed them to completely cover over the unwanted tattoo.

Some believe that the military liked the black panther not only for its meaning but also for its ability to cover over another tattoo. After World War II, girl tattoos or pin-up tattoos became banned in the military, but since they were previously very popular, many had to cover them up. So when you see a panther tattoo again think about it, maybe it hides more stories than you might expect.

Traditional Panther Tattoo Ideas

American traditional panther tattoos are designs that have passed the test of time with honor. Many generations of tattoo enthusiasts have enjoyed them and their popularity is not likely to fade. Because of its American origin, the traditional style usually depicts a black jaguar tattoo. It can be confirmed by the shape of the ears and the more flowing body lines that are characteristic of this species.

Crawling Panther

This is the first design with a panther in the history of the traditional style and is considered a golden classic. The elegant cat climbs on the skin and even leaves scratches. It is a bold design that symbolizes the fury and strength of the predator. The moment frozen in time conveys muscle tension, claws ready to dig into the skin, and a silent roar.

Panther Head Tattoo

This design was a more simple and minimalistic version of the crawling panther. Nevertheless, it is a popular tattoo that, like the previous one, was most often used to cover over old tattoos. The panther’s sharp eyes speak of its complex character and wild nature.

Panther and Snake

This tattoo depicts two animals that symbolize danger. It is a fight between two forces of wild nature, embodied in a panther and a snake. They fight for their lives, not knowing what will be stronger: the power of claws or venom. It may symbolize the trials of life and the fighting against an equal opponent.

Panther and Dagger

This is a colorful design that will not go unnoticed. The dagger symbolizes courage and confrontation, but its combination with the panther gets a dual meaning. On the one hand, it is a victory over the wild forces of nature, and on the other hand, the dagger complements the fierceness of the panther and symbolizes the readiness to meet danger face to face.

Panther With Hearts

This design shows the softer side of the black panther, gentle and loving. While it may look fierce, it is more about protecting loved ones than pure aggression. The panther tattoo with hearts is perfect for those who want to show their devotion and willingness to protect their loved ones.

Panther Tattoos in Different Styles

Although traditional panther tattoos are in our hearts forever, the world doesn’t stand still. Nowadays, there are many stunning designs where each style roars with a unique character. So let’s take a look at some other black panther tattoo ideas.

Realistic Panther

Open a window to the wild world and look into the eyes of a realistic black panther tattoo. This design conveys all the grace of wild predators and attracts the attention of all cat lovers. Unlike the traditional American style, these tattoos more often depict black leopards, but you can also meet jaguars.

Neo-Traditional Panther Tattoo

If you like the traditional style but want to add a modern touch to it, this design is for you. It is a bright mixture of classic techniques and bold innovations, which gives a second breath to your favorite designs. A panther tattoo in a neo-traditional style will give your appearance the grace and danger of a predator.

Marvel’s Black Panther

In recent years, the superhero movies by Marvel Studios have become more popular than ever. The Black Panther hero tattoo is the perfect design for those who want to pay homage to their favorite movies and comics.

We all mourn the passing of actor Chadwick Boseman who embodied T’Challa on screen and this tattoo can be a way to honor his memory.

Pink Panther

This design seems to have been created for those who seek humor in their lives. The Pink Panther is a character beloved by generations, and its main theme song seems impossible to forget. This cute and cheerful design is sure to bring a smile of nostalgia to your face.

Summary

The variety of panther tattoos is amazing, their elegant black lines even after so many years continue to adorn the skin of tattoo lovers. This is what our article is dedicated to. We started with the history of this design and how it influenced the world of tattooing. Then we delved into a collection of colorful traditional designs, but we didn’t stop there and looked at panther tattoo ideas in other styles.

Hope our article will give you inspiration for your awesome new tattoo!

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