Bow with five arrows by Thomas Don Braga

Bow And Arrow Tattoo Ideas For Passionate People🏹

Categories Simple TattoosPosted on

Bow and arrow tattoo is a great option either your zodiac sign is Sagittarius or if you love archery and want a tattoo with a deep meaning. Many archers get bow and arrow tattoo to pay tribute to their passion. For them, it means much more than just a simple piece of body art. It represents their lifestyle and reminds them to practice more often. Others like the idea that the tattoo of a bow and arrow is an image of their milestones and achievements, which marks one’s goals and dreams. It is also a reminder to keep working hard until you reach your dreams. Finally, it is a beautiful tattoo idea which also represents a free spirit.

Bow and arrow tattoo by Kate Stardust
Bow and arrow tattoo by Kate Stardust

So, whether you’re a Sagittarius or just like the archery – bow, and arrow can be an excellent way to express yourself and your beliefs. In this article, we are going to take a look at one of the oldest humanity’s weapons. What does it mean? Who should get it? And of course, as always – we have gathered a beautiful bow and arrow tattoo gallery for your inspiration. So, stay with us for a while and find your perfect tattoo idea!

Bow and arrow tattoo on the upper back by Lisa Kruse
Bow and arrow tattoo on the upper back by Lisa Kruse
Bow and three arrows tattoo by Flamin' Eight
Bow and three arrows tattoo by Flamin’ Eight
Traditional style, colorful bow on the back of the left upper arm
Traditional style colorful bow on the back of the left upper arm
Hunter's bow tattoo
Hunter’s bow tattoo

Bow – a universal weapon used throughout the history

It is one of the oldest weapons in the world, which consists of an elastic launching device and arrows. People were using bows since the Paleolithic era. The earliest found bow and arrow dates back to 17,500-18,000 years. People were using them since the dawn of time for hunting, fishing, battles, and sports. Until the invention of the gunpowder, bows were a crucial weapon in the battlefield. However, unlike some other guns or armor such as shield, bow didn’t disappear, and some tribes still use them for hunting. Also, archery is an active sport included in the Summer Olympics.

Pull back before you can shoot
Pull back before you can shoot

The usage of a bow and arrow is impressively broad. Hunters provided not only food but the skin and bones of the animals which were one of the primary materials for making clothes and various tools. During the battles, archers played an essential role in defending the front lines. You could also say, that the archer was an early version of a sniper. So, if you’re serving in the army, a bow and arrow tattoo could be a great way to record your days spent in the troops.

Compass rose with bow and arrow
Compass rose with bow and arrow

The meaning of bow and arrow tattoo

People are usually assuming that a bow is a symbol of Sagittarius sign. It’s true, but there are lots of other meanings that bow tattoos have. One of them is a situation when you experience that something or someone is pulling you back or doesn’t let you fight back. Well, a bow and arrow tattoo that is loaded and stretched back, perfectly describes this feeling.

Minimalist bow and arrow with dashed circles by Johnson Luong
Minimalist bow and arrow with dashed circles by Johnson Luong

On the contrary, a stretched bow can also signify one’s need to achieve something new in life. A bow with a released arrow could symbolize the break from a bad situation in life. If one has break-free from addiction – bow tattoos are a perfect choice.

Small bow and arrow tattoo on the left hand by Andi Fitzpatrick
Small bow and arrow tattoo on the left hand by Andi Fitzpatrick

Bow and arrow can also express that a person needs to conquer his fears or to go through difficult situations in life. The bow represents the pulling back, and the arrow is a symbol of freedom. It inspires you to go forward and straight like an arrow, and never to give up. So, a tattoo of a bow and arrow could signify that you have gone through bad situations and you have conquered the obstacles. It can also be a great reminder to never forget about what you have gone through. We can also find a symbolical meaning of a bow in the Bible. A single bow represents the doctrine of truth. It also means victory against the evil forces, and according to some psalms, it denotes falsehood and deceit.

Compass and bow tattoo by Liv Larouche
Compass and bow tattoo by Liv Larouche

Another meaning of bow and arrow tattoos relate to the hunting and war. Of course, we believe no one would get it to mark the kills of innocent animals, but it could represent your traits. If you are strong, powerful and capable of inspiring others – bow and arrow tattoos could also be a great choice. Moreover, since it is a weapon, it is also a symbol of protection. So, if you have kids, you could ink bow and arrow as a reminder of them.

Bow and two arrows tattoo by Esme Lynch
Bow and two arrows tattoo by Esme Lynch

Bow and arrow tattoo – a symbol of love and passion?

Each person has different ways of expressing love, and for many people, tattoos are one of those ways. In classical Greek Mythology, there is the famous god of desire, love, and affection – Cupid. He carries his bow, shoots people with an arrow, and fills them with uncontrollable lust. You probably all know it from the symbol of Valentine’s day. And that’s why bow and arrow tattoo is a popular choice among couples who wish to mark their love.

Small traditional style bow and arrow on the left arm
Small traditional style bow and arrow on the left arm

However, if you’re not in that kind of love-expressing ways, a bow and arrow could symbolize your passion for an activity. Maybe you’re terrific at something, you’re passionate about it, and spend a lot of your time and energy on it. Then this type of tattoo could be another excellent way to express that!

Small bow and arrow on the right ankle by Jake Bowman
Small bow and arrow on the right ankle by Jake Bowman

Last but not least – every tattoo can have an entirely different meaning for each person. So, remember that your tattoo could have any purpose that you like. It can be a reminder of a passed family member, or it can mean something unique only to you. Finally, it can have no meaning at all. Maybe you just like bows and arrows 😍.

Three arrows, bow, and dotted circle
Three arrows, bow, and dotted circle

Bow and arrow tattoo – a perfect choice for Sagittariuses

It is not a secret that this tattoo is trendy among people who were born between November 22 and December 22. The sign of Sagittarius is the ninth in astrology and Zodiac. A typical design of this tattoo represents a centaur holding a bow and arrow directed towards the sky. Sagittarius is the symbol of fire, and its tattoo embodies the person’s energy, charisma, and passion.

Geometric bow and arrow on the right ankle
Geometric bow and arrow on the right ankle

Bow and arrow tattoo ideas

So, as you can see, there are many beautiful and inspiring motifs to get this tattoo. It can represent a lot of different things that are important to you. Take a look at our selection of bow and arrow tattoos below. Maybe you will find your dream idea right here!

Celtic style bow and arrow on the right shoulder blade
Celtic style bow and arrow on the right shoulder blade
Bow and compass tattoo by Sera Hunt
Bow and compass tattoo by Sera Hunt
Bow with bolts tattoo on the left upper thigh
Bow with bolts tattoo on the left upper thigh
With geometric shapes
With geometric shapes
Bow and arrow with a goal to travel the world by Noam Yona
Bow and arrow with a goal to travel the world by Noam Yona
Matching bow and arrow tattoo for a couple
Matching bow and arrow tattoo for a couple
Beautiful blackwork style bow tattoo on the hand
Beautiful blackwork style bow tattoo on the hand
Floral bow and arrow by Kai Smart
Floral bow and arrow by Kai Smart
Tattoo of a crescent moon as a bow and an arrow on the right shoulder blade
Crescent moon as a bow and an arrow on the right shoulder blade
Tiny bow and arrow tattoos on fingers by Kimri Rosaluna
Tiny bow and arrow tattoos on fingers by Kimri Rosaluna
Old-school style bow with arrows on the belly by Steve Roberts
Old-school style bow with arrows on the belly by Steve Roberts
Bow and arrow tattoo for a couple
Bow and arrow tattoo for a couple
Landscape tattoo with a bow and arrow by Alexis Herzog
Landscape tattoo with a bow and arrow by Alexis Herzog
Stylized bow and arrow with geometric shapes
Stylized bow and arrow with geometric shapes
Custom bow with arrows
Custom bow with arrows
Hand-poked crescent moon and arrow tattoo
A hand-poked crescent moon and arrow
Neo-traditional piece by Joe Bartsch
Neo-traditional piece by Joe Bartsch
Lovely traditional piece on the left shin
Lovely traditional piece on the left shin
Patterned bow and arrow on the right rib cage by Darryl Melzer
Patterned bow and arrow on the right rib cage by Darryl Melzer
Tattoo by Gerardo Gomez Tonda based on the performance by Marina Abramovic
Tattoo by Gerardo Gomez Tonda based on the performance by Marina Abramovic
Ax and bow by Izzy Curran
Ax and bow by Izzy Curran
Traditional style bow and arrow with two flowers tattoo by Chad Schloss
Traditional style bow and arrow with two flowers tattoo by Chad Schloss
Matching bow and arrow on the left wrist by Keely Fx
Matching bow and arrow on the left wrist by Keely Fx
Bow with five arrows by Thomas Don Braga
Bow with five arrows by Thomas Don Braga
Floral bow and arrow by Kaysee Shuster
Floral bow and arrow by Kaysee Shuster