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The iconic ostrich feather duster always accompanies costume shops selling kinky French maid costumes for a reason.
The roaring twenties also contributed to the association of the ostrich and all things risqué. Dancers used ostrich feathers as accessories during the Burlesque movement.
However, ostriches are known for more than unruly behavior. Ma’at, the Egyptian goddess of justice and balance, used it as a totem animal. It is believed that she would judge the purity of your soul by weighing it against an ostrich’s feather.
Christian tradition uses ostrich eggs to symbolize renewal, resurrection, and life. Ostrich eggs are most abundant during Easter, when Christ resurrects, and are therefore used as decorative ornaments for religious sites during this time.
An ostrich as a spirit animal is used to symbolize stepping into power, tackling new beginnings, protection, and finding abundance in your life.
Depending on the context of your design, an ostrich tattoo can symbolize stepping into your feminine power or tapping into your sexual desires. An ostrich is a social creature that always travels in groups called pods. Tattooing two or more birds on your arm or torso can symbolize brotherhood or a partnership. You can personalize it further by including the names of the people your ostriches represent.
Ostriches are the only bird species in which males and females are equal in size. Both sexes are responsible for incubating the eggs, caring for the young, and other roles. A tattoo of an ostrich couple would therefore symbolize equality in your relationship. It shows love, care, companionship, and a willingness to work together.
A tattoo of an ostrich with its head buried in the ground shows invisibility or protection. This happens especially in the wild when ostriches use this as a camouflaging tactic.
Most popular ostrich tattoo design ideas
Different types of ostrich birds to consider: The ostrich is one of the most iconic birds in the world, renowned for its large size and distinctive appearance. It is a member of the Struthionidae family, which includes several species that are found throughout parts of Africa and Asia. Ostriches come in a variety of types, each with their own unique characteristics and traits.
The Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus) is by far the most populous species and can be found across much of Africa. This type has feathers that range in color from brown to black on its upper body, while its underside is white or cream-colored. The Common Ostrich also stands out due to its long neck, long legs, small head, and stout bill. On average they weigh 250-400 pounds (113-181 kg).
The Somali Ostrich (Struthio molybdophanes) is another popular type found mainly in East Africa’s Somali region but also in Ethiopia and Kenya’s coastal regions. The Somali Ostrich has feathers that range from pinkish gray to reddish brown on top with a yellowish underside. It typically weighs about 220 pounds (100 kg), making it slightly smaller than the Common Ostrich but still quite large compared to other bird species.
The South African Ostrich (Struthio australis) can be found primarily in South Africa as well as parts of Namibia and Botswana. This type has feathers that are predominantly black on top with whitish barring underneath them, along with white flight feathers on their wings. They usually weigh around 200 pounds (90 kg).
Next up is the Masai Ostrich (Struthio massaicus), which can be found across East Africa including Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia as well as parts of southern Sudan and northern Zambia/Zimbabwe borderlands areas. This cool bird features dark grayish-brown feathers on top with buffy bars underneath. You can also find white flight feathers on their wings like those seen on South African Ostriches. Unlike other ostrich types, these birds have yellow facial skin around their eyes instead of red or pink colored skin.
Northern Cassin’s Ostrich or North African Ostrich (Struthio camelus syriacus) inhabit North Africa across Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, and borders mostly desert environments. These ostriches have light grey plumage above mixed with darker grey barring patterns below. However, it’s important to note that this bird lacks any distinguishable facial coloring, instead having just plain pale grey facial skin.
The Arabian Bustard or Middle Eastern Bustard is a smaller version at only 90lbs(45kg). t lives mainly throughout Saudi Arabia and Yemen, but sometimes can be spotted further north into Jordan, Syria and Iraq. Its plumage consists mainly of sandy hues atop mixed with dark stripes below. It does feature some distinct facial markings, including a bright chestnut colored face mask stretching down towards its throat and breast area. All of which is surrounded by light feather patches near behind where eyes are located.
Ostrich tattoo meanings and symbolism:
What do ostrich bird themed designs mean and symbolize?: The ostrich has long been seen as an emblem of power, strength and resilience. In ancient Egypt, ostriches were believed to be a symbol of eternity due to their long life span, and they were often depicted with wings spread wide in hieroglyphics representing protection. In some parts of Africa, they are still considered a sacred animal, respected by those who hunt them for food or use their feathers for decoration. Even today, the ostrich is seen as a symbol of smart strength and confidence in many cultures across the world.
In addition to being associated with physical strength, the ostrich is also thought to represent mental acuity and intelligence. Its keen eye can spot predators from far away; its sharp senses can detect danger before others even know it’s there; and its famous ability to run fast makes it a masterful escape artist when needed. This combination of physical prowess coupled with mental alertness, makes an ideal representation for those striving for success.
When we look at how ostriches interact with one another within their own species, we see another layer of symbolism at play: cooperation and community building among individuals. Ostriches tend to form large flocks that act together as one unit; each bird contributes something unique yet valuable towards achieving harmony. It’s a reminder that we too should strive not only for individual success but collective prosperity as well.
There’s something innately graceful about this animal too that captivates us. Despite their size and weight, ostriches have been known to fly short distances over open fields gracefully swaying in time with the wind. It’s a sight so beautiful it could take your breath away! This elegant movement carries a message all on its own: that beauty isn’t always found only in what is seen on the surface level. Honestly, true beauty lies underneath where we must make an effort every day towards discovering it ourselves. Both meditation and contemplation practices such as yoga, plus mindfulness exercises like journaling or even walking, are all ways we can unlock our inner beauty.
An ostrich can be designed in any style or color to create a unique design that expresses your personal feelings or beliefs. It can represent strength, courage, freedom, intelligence, wisdom and pride; all attributes associated with this impressive animal. An ostrich tattoo can also be used to symbolize hope or victory over adversity. As such, it is a popular choice for women who have overcome great challenges in their lives, and want to celebrate their success with a meaningful image.
Ostriches are also associated with spiritual growth due to their ability to fly high above the ground into the sky above. This is truly something we all strive for when seeking enlightenment and understanding of our place in this world. This makes an ostrich tattoo not only attractive but super meaningful too. Giving insight into your own life experiences while helping you stay connected to nature’s beauty at the same time is such a powerful thing.
The elegant curves of an ostrich feather make it perfect for creating eye-catching designs that stand out from other tattoos. A feathery design may include multiple feathers arranged together or single feathers cascading down like strings of pearls. Each feather can be carrying its own symbolic meaning, along with whatever message you wish to communicate through your artwork. You could opt for bolder elements such as tribal markings, or simple lines which will add texture without overwhelming your skin canvas.
The symbolism behind an ostrich tattoo goes beyond just physical traits however. These cute birds are often represent transformation due to the metamorphosis experienced during lifecycles: From eggs laid on land into fully mature flying creatures soaring through the sky with ease! This speaks volumes about resilience and determination (two qualities we could all use more of), inspiring us all towards greater heights, no matter what circumstances we face in life!
No matter how you decide to incorporate an Ostrich into your body art design; it is sure to be beautiful reminder of endurance within yourself. Slways striving towards greatness even when faced with difficult times ahead! Whether boldly displayed on arm sleeve or subtly etched onto wrist, this stately bird will serve as constant reminder of perseverance.
