It is my first below the tattoo below the elbow. The symbol is a jaguar, one of the most revered animals in the indigenous world in Mesoamerica. It is a symbol of strength.
I study native peoples in Mexico and Central America for a living.

Each of my tattoos symbolizes something very important to me (well, except the one I let an ex-boyfriend pick out...)
This particular one relates to my work, which I've spent 14 years doing so far, and will spend the rest of my life studying. It's a 3000 year old symbol (at least).


Tattooing is as old as human civilization. I find it fascinating, although it has become rather mainstream. Most people have no idea I have tattoos until they see me in the summer.

Full sleeves or all the way to your boots?

My students have no clue I have tattoos unless they catch me in the gym or the pool. I like to keep my personal life just that.
I don't like tattoos on certain parts of the body (i.e. the face, neck, hands, or thighs). So, I'll go to my wrists, and from my knees to my heels (the backs of my legs just need a bit of filling in and they're done). Then my ribs and I'll finish up my back and I'm done. But this will take the better part of the rest of my life.

Are you in WV? If so, whereabouts? I'm in Morgantown.

Was it painful?

in general.
I got one a few years back (wanted to do it on my 40th bday but got delayed a few years!
It is a very special symbol to me.
Very glad spring is here so I can see it more (it is above my ankle). I am trying to come up with one that I can see more in the winter but don't want it to be too conspicuous. (Don't know why. I am an out of work middle aged woman tending to her grandsons while my daughter works. I guess I worry about future jobs!).