Pirate Ship Tattoos

The image of a pirate ship can emphasize the idea of a crew or gang with selected members. As well, the pirate ship is a distinct symbol of life outside the society and law, particularly because of the distaste pirating holds for convention, literally pillaging those who live within normal means. Multiple sails on the ship can indicate experience and skill while a single sail can highlight simplicity.

Pirate ships can also be rendered as pirate ghost ships, worn and torn down vessels that contain no living crew. Rather, the crew are supposed to haunt the ship, creating an ominous image of ragged sails and broken masts. The sails of these ships are either missing or tattered or darkly colored to emphasize the ghostly appearance and further the idea of death. A large full moon is often included as well. Streaks of rain and dark clouds are added to indicate a storm and a tumultuous time in the individual’s life. Skulls, full skeletons, and drooping black seaweed also adds to an ominous ship design and illustrates mortality. In some designs, very little detail is used and only a black silhouette of the ship is rendered. The full moon is generally included in this design to add depth and shadow to the image and create a sense of realism.