Snake and Dagger Tattoo
A classic American traditional flash design: a snake winding down a dagger blade, in bold lines and a few strong colours.
- Style
- Traditional
- Joined
- Wrap
- Placement
- Forearm
Opens Tattoo Fusion with these choices. Change the style, placement or what it means to you; every design is new.
What a snake and dagger tattoo means
The dagger stands for courage and for pain faced head on; the snake for danger and renewal. Sailors and soldiers wore it as a sign of being willing to fight, and of surviving what tried to kill them. Today it often marks a person who has been through something sharp and come out stronger.
- SnakeRebirth and transformation
- DaggerCourage, and pain overcome
Where to put it
The design is long and narrow, so it fits the inside or outside of the forearm, the shin or the side of the calf. Point the blade down toward the wrist or ankle; it reads more naturally that way.
Tips for the design
- Traditional style holds up best: thick outlines, solid black and two or three colours.
- Let the snake's head rise above the hilt so the eye lands on it first.
- A drop of blood at the tip is traditional, but optional.
Try it in another style
Questions
What does a snake and dagger tattoo mean?
Courage, survival and facing danger. In old flash it meant someone who would fight back; now it often marks getting through a painful time.
Which style suits a snake and dagger?
American traditional is the classic choice, because the bold outlines keep the coil and blade readable as the tattoo ages. Blackwork also works well.
