May 16th, 2022

60 Terrific Tombstone Tattoos

These tattoos are set in stone.

Death is something that unifies all human beings, and for many of us, we’ll be immortalized with a headstone. Headstones, also known as tombstones or gravestones, serve as markers over a grave. They are commonly used across Christian, Jewish, and Muslim religions, often inscribed with the deceased’s name, birthdate, and death date. Additionally, they may feature a personal message, a prayer, inset photography, or pieces of funerary art. Tombstone tattoos are a poignant way for individuals to reflect on mortality and memorialize loved ones, carrying their memories with them in ink.

For the most part, headstones are made of stone, with some of the most commonly used being granite and marble. Other times, field stones, sandstone, slate, and schist may be used. There are some older examples of headstones being made out of wood, iron, and white bronze as well. Over the years, many different symbols have been incorporated into headstones and each has a different specific meaning. For example, anchors represent steadfast hope. A broken column represents early death. A horseshoe represents protection from evil. And a pillow represents eternal sleep. Tombstone tattoos creatively reinterpret these enduring symbols, offering a personal and artistic way to reflect on mortality and honor loved ones.

In the last few decades many famous films and television shows have incorporated cemetery scenes that have features headstones. Some of our favorites include “Steel Magnolias” (1989), “Pet Semetary,” (1989) “Night of the Living Dead” (1990) and “Hocus Pocus” (1993).

Take a look at 60 of our favorite terrific tombstone tattoos in the gallery below. Then let us know your favorite tattoo from this list in the comments section on social media.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ardelean Andrei (@_ardelean_andrei_)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Madison Haley (@tattymadi)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kayla Gohm Webster (@kgw.tattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ben Tausend (@bentausendtattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jan (@jandruff)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Amanda Carmel (@0uchless)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ben Tausend (@bentausendtattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@jillians.ink)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Melody Crow (@melodycrowtattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@georgechandrinos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Robyn Emlen (@inkbyrobyn)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Soo (@soosoopower)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Siarn Engels (@siarnthecatwitch)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ross Hallam (@rosshallam)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Melody Crow (@melodycrowtattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Zoe Margot (@batsforbrains)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Vil (@vil_tattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Taylor De Witt (@purplemartintattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@konradtattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by •♡ ♡• (@xanthianmoon)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tattoo Snob (@tattoosnob)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Janine Ramos (@janinetattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by lǝɐɥɔɐᴚ (@mutated_sushi)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Caroline Vale (@carolinev_tattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Janine Ramos (@janinetattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Natalie Morguette (@morguettetattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rachel Smith (@rachelsmithtattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@needle.mistress)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Makayla (@makayla.tattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ↠Dani Harkey↞ (@daniturkeysammie)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Melody Crow (@melodycrowtattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Paula Castle (@paulacastletattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by •⛓ ~ ⛓ • (@tillydee)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by •⛓ ~ ⛓ • (@tillydee)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by sirdrizzle (@sirdrizzle)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ethan Jones (@ethanjohnjones)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by rach (@littlerachtattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Makayla (@makayla.tattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ashley Love (@ohashleylove)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by •⛓ ~ ⛓ • (@tillydee)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tattoo Prodigies (@tattooprodigies)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Angelo Parente (@angeloparente)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Angelo Parente (@angeloparente)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Angelo Parente (@angeloparente)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Logan Isaacson (@loganisaacson)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Gracie (@gracietattoos)

Editor's Picks

Art
The Ultimate Jurassic World Tattoo Roundup: Just in Time for the New Film

With our fan-familiar dinos back on the big screen, the excitement of the newly released Jurassic World: Rebirth has brought the prehistoric to the present, one tattoo at a time.

Art
Inked & Adorable: Meet Hunter, the Artist Tattooing Labubus One Toy at a Time

What started as a fun surprise for his boyfriend has turned into one of the most unexpected and addictive trends in the tattoo world.

Culture
The Story Behind Nonlee’s Signature Tattoo Style

Nonlee Ink merges fine art with tattooing in a style she calls “Realistic Impressionism”.

InkedMagCover