The god Anubis holds a special place in Egyptian mythology as the protector of graves and guide to the underworld. Shown with the head of a dog or jackal and the body of a man, the god Anubis oversaw the process of mummification. He also weighed the hearts of the dead against the feather of truth.
Tattoo clients will go for an Anubis tattoo because of the symbolism - to protect themselves, honor loved ones who have passed, or because they like the meaning of safe passage through hard times in life. Others are simply drawn to the pyramids or have an interest in ancient traditions.
In this article, you’ll find:
Egyptian Gods and Their Lasting Appeal
The Egyptian gods have captured our attention for thousands of years. Their imagery remains popular in modern tattoo art. From Ra the sun god to Isis the divine mother, these gods stood for the forces of nature and human experience.
The appeal of Egyptian gods in tattoo culture comes from their rich visual symbols. The pyramids, hieroglyphics, and detailed headdresses linked to these gods offer endless design options. Each Egyptian gods design can be changed to reflect personal meaning while honoring the original stories.
To create a stronger composition, tattoo artists will usually add elements like the Eye of Horus, sacred scarabs, or the ankh (the sign of eternal life) into their work.
The God Anubis: Guardian Between Worlds
In ancient times, Egyptians would search for his blessing to protect their loved ones after death. The god Anubis was believed to guard tombs and guide souls safely through the underworld.
His connection to Osiris, the ruler of the dead, made him even more important in Egyptian beliefs.
Before Osiris rose to power, the god Anubis was seen as the main lord of the dead. Even after Osiris took that role, Anubis remained important as his trusted helper.
This bond between Anubis and Osiris shows the linked forces of death and rebirth that meant so much to ancient Egyptians.
Choosing Your Perfect Anubis Tattoo Stencil
Picking an Anubis tattoo stencil means thinking about both looks and placement. The long snout and alert ears of this jackal-headed god work well on the forearm, shoulder, or thigh.
An Anubis tattoo can range from simple line work to detailed full-color designs (though black and gray realism is probably the most popular choice). The background of your Anubis tattoo stencil might include the pyramids rising from desert sands, hieroglyphic writing, or the scales of judgment.
Different people will go for different poses and backgrounds to emphasize a specific piece of Anubis’ story. For example, you can choose an image showing Anubis’ role as a protector (with a strong stance or angle) or as a symbol of death and change (by showing Anubis and Osiris together).
Pro Tip:
How much an artist will charge will often depend on the style of the tattoo. If you select a realism design, it will cost more than a simpler style that takes less time.
Anubis Tattoo Stencil Gallery
For each page, feel free to add your own elements. For example, adding pyramids in the area behind Anubis can help you create more depth.
Become a Tattoo Artist With the Artist Accelerator Program
Having a career in tattooing is not only fulfilling, but it’s also the most stable way to make a living as an artist. However, for decades, the process to become a tattoo artist has been notoriously difficult.
The apprenticeship process requires aspiring tattoo artists to work 50-60 hours a week without pay for 2-4 years. That, combined with the toxic culture of abusing apprentices, makes getting into the industry almost impossible for newcomers.
That’s why we created the Artist Accelerator Program. Our online course provides a simple, structured way of learning to tattoo that has been proven to work by over 7500 successful students, with many of them having gone on to open their own shops all around the world.
Inside the program, we’ll take you through every step of the tattooing process in 9 clear, easy-to-follow modules and support you along the way within the Tattooing 101 Mastermind online community.
In the Mastermind group, you’ll collaborate with other students, get answers to your questions, and receive personalized video feedback on your artwork and tattoos from professional tattoo artists. With this friendly community of both new and experienced tattoo artists, you’ll never be stuck again.
When you join the Artist Accelerator Program, you’ll have instant access to the full course and the Mastermind community, as well as our 30-Day Flash Challenge and recorded interviews with tattoo artists from all over the world.
Click here to learn more about the Artist Accelerator Program.