Hey there! Ready to take a peek into Rihanna’s world through her ink? With over 20 tattoos, each tells a unique story of her life and style. Let’s explore what these tattoos reveal about this music and style icon, from musical notes to meaningful mantras. Buckle up; it’s going to be an exciting ride!
Rihanna has over 20 tattoos, inked mainly by renowned artists like Bang Bang (Keith McCurdy) and Cally-Jo in New York City.
In This Article
Music Notes on Rihanna’s Ankle
- When: 2006
- Meaning: Rihanna’s first tattoo, this simple and elegant design of two music notes on her right ankle, is a tribute to her blooming music career. It symbolizes her love for music and marks the beginning of her journey in the music industry.
Pisces Sign Behind Rihanna’s Right Ear
- When: 2006
- Meaning: This subtle tattoo, a Pisces sign, is a nod to her astrological birth sign. Being a Pisces, Rihanna identifies with the traits of this zodiac: intuitive, artistic, and empathetic.
Sanskrit Prayer on Rihanna’s Hip
- When: 2007
- Meaning: This one is exciting. It’s a Sanskrit prayer going down her hip. However, it’s a mystery and has sparked curiosity because it’s believed to be incorrectly spelled. This adds a layer of enigma and a reminder that beauty can be imperfect.
Star Inside Rihanna’s Left Ear
- When: 2008
- Meaning: A small star inside her left ear is a subtle piece, likely symbolizing fame and celestial guidance. It’s a personal reminder for Rihanna, hidden yet always with her.
Tribal Design on Rihanna’s Hand
- When: 2008, later extended in 2013
- Meaning: Originally a geometric pattern on her right hand, it was extended into a complete tribal design. This tattoo shows her appreciation for tribal art and perhaps a connection to something primal and ancient.
Skull with a Pink Hair Bow
- When: 2008
- Meaning: Placed on her ankle, this tattoo is a striking contrast of themes – a skull, often seen as a symbol of death, adorned with a pink bow, a symbol of femininity. It reflects Rihanna’s embrace of her personality’s edgy and delicate aspects.
“Shhh…” on Rihanna’s Finger
- When: 2008
- Meaning: One of her most iconic tattoos, the word “Shhh…” on her index finger, is both a statement and a playful gesture. It’s been replicated by many, but for Rihanna, it might signify her influence and ability to set trends.
Roman Numerals on Rihanna’s Shoulder
- When: 2009
- Meaning: The Roman numerals XI-IV-LXXXVI on her left shoulder represent her best friend Melissa Forde’s birthday. It’s a testament to the value she places on close relationships.
“Rebelle Fleur” on Rihanna’s Neck
- When: 2010
- Meaning: Translating to “rebel flower,” this tattoo signifies Rihanna’s self-perception as a woman who is both strong and beautiful, embodying the spirit of a rebel and the delicacy of a flower.
Goddess Isis Below Rihanna’s Breasts
- When: 2012
- Meaning: This is perhaps her most emotionally significant tattoo. The Egyptian goddess Isis, depicted below her breasts, is a tribute to her late grandmother. Isis, a symbol of motherhood and femininity, reflects Rihanna’s respect and love for her grandmother.
“Love” on Rihanna’s Middle Finger
- When: 2008
- Meaning: The word “Love,” inked in cursive on the inside of her middle finger, is a simple yet profound statement. It’s a daily reminder of the importance of love in its many forms.
Gun Tattoo on Rihanna’s Side
- When: 2009
- Meaning: This tattoo, a small gun just below her right armpit, is often seen as a symbol of power and protection. For Rihanna, it might represent her strength and resilience, especially in the face of challenges.
“Never a failure, always a lesson” on Rihanna’s Shoulder
- When: 2009
- Meaning: Mirrored so she can read it in the mirror; this phrase underscores her philosophy of learning from every experience in life, turning each setback into a stepping stone.
Tribal Dragon Claw on Rihanna’s Hand
- When: Extended in 2013
- Meaning: This tattoo, which extends the tribal pattern on her hand, incorporates elements of a dragon claw. It’s a fusion of cultures and symbolizes power, fierceness, and fearlessness.
Nefertiti tattoo on Rihanna’s Side
- When: 2012
- Meaning: An homage to the ancient Egyptian queen Nefertiti, known for her beauty and power, this tattoo on her left side resonates with Rihanna’s sense of regality and strength.
Falcon tattoo on Rihanna’s Ankle
- When: 2012
- Meaning: It’s shaped like a gun but actually a falcon. This Egyptian falcon symbolizes Ra, the sun god, reflecting her connection to ancient wisdom and celestial power.
Cross tattoo on Rihanna’s Collarbone
- When: 2012
- Meaning: A small, delicate cross located on her left collarbone. This may reflect her spiritual beliefs, serving as a symbol of faith and guidance.
“1988” on Rihanna’s Ankle
- When: 2015
- Meaning: The year of her birth, 1988, on her ankle, is a nod to her roots and the journey that began in Barbados. It’s a celebration of her life’s journey.
Henna-Inspired Design on Rihanna’s Hand
- When: Extended in 2013
- Meaning: Covering her right hand, this intricate design mirrors traditional Indian henna art. It’s a testament to her appreciation for different cultures and art forms.
Shark on Rihanna’s Ankle
- When: 2016
- Meaning: A camouflage-print shark, a replica of a toy given to her by a significant other. This tattoo is a quirky and personal symbol of a particular moment in her life.
Rihanna Arabic “Freedom in God” Side Tattoo
- When: 2012
- Meaning: Translating to “Freedom in God,” this Arabic inscription on her ribcage speaks to her spiritual side, a personal expression of faith and belief in a higher power.
Stars Cascading Down Rihanna’s Neck and Back
- When: 2008
- Meaning: Starting on her neck and flowing down her back, these stars are an extension of the single star in her ear. They represent ambition, navigation, and being guided through life.
Rihanna’s tattoos are a canvas of her life experiences, beliefs, and personal milestones. Each tattoo we’ve discussed is a piece of art with its own narrative, reflecting the depth of her personality. Her body art is as diverse and vibrant as her career, from expressions of love and faith to symbols of strength and cultural homage.
What’s your take on these tattoos? Do you find a personal connection with any of them?
