Raven tattoos have long captivated those drawn to imagery with deep mythological roots and striking visual appeal. The black and white illustrations of raven pairs featured here showcase a distinctive aesthetic that combines bold linework with intricate detail, creating powerful symbols of partnership, wisdom, and mystery.
The Symbolic Meaning of Raven Pairs
Ravens are among the most symbolically rich creatures in human mythology and folklore. When depicted as a pair, they carry additional layers of meaning:
Ancient Connections
- In Norse mythology, Odin’s ravens Huginn and Muninn (representing thought and memory) traveled the world gathering information
- Many indigenous cultures view ravens as creators, tricksters, and messengers between worlds
- Celtic traditions associate ravens with prophecy and protection
Modern Interpretations
- Loyalty and partnership, as ravens often mate for life
- Balance between wisdom and playfulness
- Communication and intelligence, as ravens are among the most intelligent birds
- Duality of light and shadow, life and death
The paired ravens in these designs speak to deep bonds – whether between lovers, family members, or close friends. Their face-to-face positioning suggests conversation, connection, and mutual understanding.
Ideal Body Placements for Raven Pair Tattoos
1. Back/Shoulders
The broad canvas of the upper back allows these symmetrical designs to spread their wings fully. Placing one raven on each shoulder blade creates a balanced composition while allowing the branch to follow the natural curve of the spine. This placement is ideal for larger, more detailed pieces and symbolically positions the ravens as guardians or guides watching over you.
Pain level: Moderate, with higher sensitivity near the spine Visibility: Private, revealed only when chosen Sizing: Large (8-12 inches wide) to showcase detail
2. Chest/Pectoral Area
For those seeking a bold statement, the chest provides an excellent canvas. The ravens can be positioned symmetrically across the sternum or spread across the pectoral muscles. This placement carries significance as it keeps the ravens close to the heart, emphasizing their connection to deep emotions and important relationships.
Pain level: Moderate to high, especially near sternum and nipples Visibility: Selective, visible with certain clothing Sizing: Medium to large (6-10 inches wide)
3. Forearms
Forearm placement creates a striking visual that you can easily see and appreciate daily. The linear nature of raven designs works particularly well with the long canvas of the forearm. Consider having the ravens face each other from opposite arms for a creative paired design that completes when arms are brought together.
Pain level: Low to moderate Visibility: High, easily displayed or covered Sizing: Medium (4-7 inches long)
4. Thighs
The thigh offers one of the largest and flattest canvases on the body, allowing for detailed renderings of these intricate designs. This placement works particularly well for the larger compositions that include more environmental elements like the flowing branches, grasses, and botanical elements seen in the reference images.
Pain level: Low to moderate Visibility: Private, revealed only when chosen Sizing: Medium to large (6-10 inches)
5. Sides/Ribs
Though more painful for tattooing, the side of the torso offers a dramatic vertical canvas that complements the organic lines of branches and ravens. This placement creates a piece that appears to flow with the body’s natural contours.
Pain level: High Visibility: Private, revealed only when chosen Sizing: Medium to large (5-12 inches)
6. Calves
The rounded surface of the calf provides an excellent opportunity for a raven pair design to partially wrap around the leg. This placement allows for good visibility while being easily covered when desired.
Pain level: Low to moderate Visibility: Selective, visible with shorts or skirts Sizing: Medium (5-8 inches)
Style Considerations
These particular raven designs feature several distinctive stylistic elements:
1. Bold Contrast
The stark black and white approach creates dramatic impact. When selecting an artist, look for someone skilled in bold black linework and smooth gray shading.
2. Botanical Elements
The incorporation of branches, leaves, and natural elements enhances the composition and adds symbolic depth. These can be customized to include flora with personal significance.
3. Composition Variations
- Face-to-face positioning (intimate, communicative)
- Side-by-side positioning (unified, supportive)
- Stacked positioning (protective, watchful)
Finding the Right Artist
These raven designs require specific artistic skills. Look for tattoo artists who:
- Specialize in black and gray work
- Demonstrate skill with both fine lines and bold outlines
- Show attention to detail in feather textures and natural elements
- Have experience with animal anatomy
- Can showcase similar nature-inspired or bird designs in their portfolio
Aftercare Considerations
To ensure your raven tattoo maintains its striking contrast and detail:
- Follow your artist’s aftercare instructions precisely
- Protect the tattoo from sun exposure, which can fade black ink
- Apply sunscreen when the tattoo is exposed
- Consider touch-ups every few years to maintain the crisp black lines and shading
Personalization Options
While these designs are striking as shown, consider personalizing elements to make your raven tattoo uniquely meaningful:
- Add small symbolic items held in the ravens’ beaks
- Incorporate lunar elements (moon phases enhance the mystical quality)
- Include meaningful text or dates in subtle placement
- Customize the branch with specific types of leaves or flowers
- Add small runic symbols or geometric elements that hold personal significance
Ravens are timeless symbols that connect us to ancient wisdom while remaining powerfully relevant in modern symbolism. Whether chosen for their mystical associations, their representation of partnership, or simply their stunning aesthetic appeal, raven pair tattoos create a striking statement that balances beauty with deeper meaning.
