70+ Buffalo Tattoo Ideas: Meanings, Designs & Inspiration for 2025

Buffalo tattoos will link your body to revered creatures who are known for their sovereignty. The tattoo can evolve your body mind and soul to a new spiritual illumination.  These tattoos come in bold designs. They symbolise survival, strength, endurance and rage.

On the following list, you’ll have various kinds of buffalo tattoos with their meanings. The most amazing tattoos you will see in the water and native buffalo tattoo section. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s plunge into the list of the most prolific tattoos in the modern era.

70 Buffalo Tattoo Designs

Most of the buffalo tattoos come with a bull face in bold ink. They are highly capable of taking attention from people. In Hinduism, Buffalo is referred to as a deity who controls death and morality. The tattoos also reflect these myths and are designed in iconic ways.

Below are 70 blistering buffalo tattoos that can have your attention as you see them.

Traditional Buffalo Tattoo

Buffalo has been worshipped in many traditions. Even most of the ancient tribes worship them. The following traditional buffalo tattoos will have a bit to reflect these traditions.

1. Tribal

traditional-buffalo-tattoo--1
Source: thetattertot

The tribal tattoo illustrates a grave face of a buffalo. The bull’s expression is as common as most of the tribal members. The appearance of this bull’s face also indicates its herd’s outlook.

2. Tribal chief

traditional-buffalo-tattoo--2
Source: seanmillertattoos

Features a buffalo head with red eyes, sun emblem on forehead, and arrow motifs across the face, all in tribal style. Unique leadership symbolism stands out. No body placement shown. Ideal on upper arm to command attention. Perfect for confident leaders embracing tribal buffalo tattoo meanings.

3. Herd queen

traditional-buffalo-tattoo--3
Source: crimsonarrowtattoo

A cheerful buffalo face surrounded by floral elements in clean tribal outlines. Its nurturing vibe with flowers makes it special for family themes. Not placed on body in pic. Thigh or calf works best for flow. Great for women wanting feminine buffalo tattoo ideas with nature twists..

4. Rage bull

traditional-buffalo-tattoo--4
Source: mikeytay_tattoos

The smoke through its nose surely reflects the rage of this bull in this tattoo. Its anger is soaring like an erupting volcano. If you are a man of a hot temper, the tattoo is for you.

5. Shy bull

traditional-buffalo-tattoo--5
Source: jannertattoos

Unlike the previous bull, this black buffalo comes with a bit shy appearance. It has two small horns and an unusually innocent face. A person who relates to his shyness with this can wear this tattoo on his chest.

Water Buffalo Tattoo

Most of the tattoos in this section come in watery colors. That means, they’ll reveal your real complexion through their illustration of them. Interesting isn’t it? Below you’ll have a much more interesting water buffalo tattoo with unique designs. 

6. Aged

water-buffalo-tattoo--1
Source: fancy_chelini

An elderly water buffalo in watery grays, skeletal yet alive, munching leaves with branches nearby. Evokes life’s cycle uniquely. No placement visible. Forearm or leg for detail. Ideal for mature folks pondering aging in wildlife tattoo art.

7. Gazing bull

water-buffalo-tattoo--2
Source: calavera.studios

Straight-staring water buffalo with piercing, ambiguous eyes in soft watercolor style. The hypnotic gaze pulls you in specially. Not on body. Upper back best for mystery. Suits thoughtful types into enigmatic animal gaze tattoos.

8. Thug

water-buffalo-tattoo--3
Source: the.inkangel

The thugness will be shown through this tattoo as it appears with a thug bull face. The way the buffalo looks in this tattoo is simply savage. Your bicep would be the best place for this tattoo.

9. Untamed

water-buffalo-tattoo--4
Source: dani_luu_tattoo

This untamed tattoo is literally so big that it covers all the space wherever you put it on your back. The buffalo that comes with this tattoo looks hard to take control of. The scary face of this bull makes this tattoo gorgeous.

10. Calm heart

water-buffalo-tattoo--5
Source: tommipd

Serene water buffalo with relaxed eyes and pose in gentle watercolors. Soothing calm stands out amid usual rage. No body part. Wrist or ankle for subtlety. Suits zen seekers in peaceful buffalo symbolism tattoos.

Native Buffalo Tattoo

Buffalos are native to Africa and Asia. These are ancient in their species. You’ll have a glimpse of them in this section most charmingly. The tattoos mostly appear in dark colors. 

11. Fury

native-buffalo-tattoo--1
Source: theanvil804

Dark, angry buffalo resembling a horse slightly, in native style with black shades suiting pale skin. Fierce similarity adds intrigue. Not placed. Arm or leg ideal. Fits fair-skinned folks into native American buffalo fury designs.

12. Festival bull

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Source: ticiantattoo

Adorable buffalo face with sunflower accents in dark native inks, festive vibe. Joyful elements make it celebratory. No placement. Forearm best. Perfect for party lovers wanting cute festival buffalo tattoos.

13. The bull of medusa

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Source: jadietattoo

Buffalo with snake-like hair evoking Medusa, in dark native style. Mythic fusion is its standout weirdness. Not on body. Shoulder or calf for detail. Suits mythology fans blending Greek and buffalo medusa ink.

Electric Buffalo Tattoo

Electric buffalo tattoos don’t come with electricity though, they consist of great meaning and vibe. Most of these tattoos reflect spiritual illumination with their fascinating designs. Don’t miss to take a glance at this part with a bit more attention. 

14. God of mountain

electric-buffalo-tattoo--1
Source: cutthroatmontana

Here you see the most glorious buffalo with snake-haired and a number of flowers surrounding it. You can see a sun illustrated in its body. Apparently, it looks like a god of mountains in this tattoo.

15. Tribal bull

electric-buffalo-tattoo--2
Source: billy.meira

Yelling buffalo in dark tribal patterns, calling the herd, suits light skin. Dynamic shout is special. Not shown on body. Arm best. Great for vocal types into electric tribal bull yelling designs.

16. Flaming bull

electric-buffalo-tattoo--3
Source: ill.tidings

A buffalo face with a flame surely reflects the tribe of a buffalo herd. The buffalo has got a tantric look and appears as some kind of God.

Cape Buffalo Tattoo

African buffalo are referred to as cape buffalo. They have survived a long journey and still exist with great strength. Their gorgeous tattoos will surely please every bit part of your mind. 

17. Enraged

cape-buffalo-tattoo--1
Source: sloweace

Here we see another angry face of a buffalo. This one is small though, it has two scary large horns. The tattoo is small, so you can wear it on your sleeve.

18. Native

cape-buffalo-tattoo--2
Source: prick.simmons

A native buffalo is always from Africa. This one appears with its large face and horns. There is also an illustration of trees in the background. If you have a big arm, it’ll suit you best. Even if you are skinny, you can wear it on your chest.

19. Strong but tired

cape-buffalo-tattoo--3
Source: lmazzilli_tattoos

Here we see an old buffalo looks so strong but tired. It looks like it’s tired of leading its folk. Two immense horns though indicate its strength massively.

20. The Thumping Crowd

cape-buffalo-tattoo--4
Source: inkbyangelikas

This is the most unique tattoo so far. Why? Because you’ll get a group of buffalo running towards you with a thumping speed. Wherever you wear it, the tattoo will reflect a blaze of wildlife.

21. Shadow

cape-buffalo-tattoo--5
Source: tezwork

This tattoo doesn’t illustrate a buffalo yet a macabre silhouette of it. It looks kind of pencil art. The tattoo is small and easily fitted on any space of your body.

Geometric Buffalo Tattoo

You might not like geometric subjects in your student life but the buffalo tattoos with geometric style will make you thrilled. Here you can have unique ideas and designs as well. 

22. Cubist bull

geometric-buffalo-tattoo-1
Source: wildeblumetattoo

This bull comes in a cubist style with a sunflower underneath it. If you are a fan of cubist art, you will like this tattoo. The tattoo can fit on a woman’s sleeve nicely.

23. Bull of gem

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Source: tomsieben_tattoo

The illustration is of diamonds in bull face shape. This is why it is called bull of gem. This buffalo tattoo is suitable for anyone of any complexion.

24. Bull and bull

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Source: tattoos.by.deana

Now you see the diamond art and the real art side by side. Both of the bull faces have an angry expression. If you are a man of two different personalities, you can wear this tattoo.

Simple Buffalo Tattoo

Simple buffalo tattoos come in the simplest design. However, they are eye-catching as well. Wearing these tattoos will give you the simplest yet the most charming look.

25. One-line bull

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Source: tattooist_raven

The watery colour of this tattoo makes it unique. It’s the simplest tattoo you can have. Just a line scratch can change the entire look of your body significantly.

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Source: doartinkstudio

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Source: diegodiazmwt

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Source: luke_satoru

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Source: daveham.art

Tribal Buffalo Tattoo

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Source: nguyenmanhcltattoo

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Source: kensukeyokogawa

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Source: kokoro.ink_tattoo

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Source: strokertattoo

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Source: mim_dabbs_tattoos

American Buffalo Tattoo

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Source: traditionalkings

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Source: davelurks

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Source: chasetuckertattoo

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Source: mattalexandertattoo

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Source: unionavetattooco

African Buffalo Tattoo

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Source: lingtattoos

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Source: itattyou

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Source: dennisclements2tattooer

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Source: chris_diligent

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Source: kelynjames

Old Buffalo Tattoo

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Source: tou_ink

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Source: waynebmcfarlane

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Source: skin_tattooer

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Source: rechi_tattoo

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Source: kayleejo.art

Realistic Buffalo Tattoo

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Source: sten3tattoo

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Source: mikietatt2

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Source: matthewmcmatthewtattoo

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Source: kingcalaveratattoo

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Source: anthroe

Standing Buffalo Tattoo

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Source: jwilky_tattoos

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Source: racheljfriel

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Source: maedragoni

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Source: salvationtattoo

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Source: janman_tattoos

Japanese Buffalo Tattoo

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Source: nickhetzel

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Source: kingofthemoon

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Source: printerwoman

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Source: ash_nijiya

Old School Buffalo Tattoo

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Source: fitness_junkie_lover

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Source: dagger.d_tattoos

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Source: ej_tattooist

This old school buffalo tattoo shows a snarling bison head with thick black outlines, red and yellow fills, and simple green shading for depth. Bold, classic vibe stands out with its no-nonsense strength. Seen on a forearm in the example. Best on upper arm for folks who dig vintage Americana style—suits rugged outdoorsy types seeking timeless power symbols.

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Source: inkvan_peimberth

A side-view buffalo in traditional tattoo form, featuring heavy lines, blue horns, and minimal detailing for that retro punch. Special for its raw energy and heritage nod. Displayed on a thigh. Ideal on calf for adventure lovers; perfect for men or women embracing wild spirit without overcomplication.

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Source: eduardotieppotattoo

Compact old school bison silhouette with crossed horns, in black, red, and gold—clean, iconic look that pops. Unique in its symmetry and folk art feel. Pictured on a shoulder. Suits best on back for nature enthusiasts; great for anyone wanting subtle yet bold wildlife tribute.

Origami Buffalo Tattoo

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Source: sebastian_tattoo

Geometric origami buffalo tattoo with sharp fold lines forming the body, in black ink for a paper-like illusion. Stands out with minimalist elegance and clever 3D effect. Shown on wrist. Best on ribcage for creative souls; fits artistic individuals who appreciate subtle, intricate bison origami art.

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origami-buffalo-tattoo--2
Source: e.rrez

Folded origami style bison design, using dotted lines and shadows to mimic paper creases, mostly monochrome with light blue accents. Special for its abstract, modern twist on animal forms. Visible on ankle. Optimal on collarbone for thoughtful wearers; ideal for those into geometric buffalo tattoos symbolizing patience and transformation.

Conclusion

Now that you have explored all the way to this, you’ve surely got to know how gravest vibe can a buffal0 tattoo can give you. There are lots of myths about buffalo and in many religions, they are treated as deities. Their iconic tattoos are popular amongst a large number of groups. These tattoos are highly suitable for your backspace and chest. So, if you have already picked one, go to your nearest tattoo artist and have the buffalo tattoo on your body only for a couple of bucks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does a buffalo tattoo mean? 

A: A buffalo tattoo demonstrates endurance and survival. Just like the buffalos themselves. The way they survive the harsh nature in Africa, and sustain their tribe for eternity, is the main aspect of a buffalo tattoo. These creatures are also known for their long walk and freedom of life. If you are a person of free will and proud to be a free person, this buffalo tattoo will clearly reflect that personality of yours.

Q: How much is a buffalo tattoo? 

A: Buffalo tattoo price varies between $10 to $50. There are so many buffalo tattoos to choose from, and if you want, you can make a custom design. For this, you have to go to that tattoo artist who offers custom buffalo tattoo designs. Within an hour or so, you can have your own tattoo and these are less painful as well.

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