Tracing Rihanna’s Art: A Timeline of Her Tattoos Through the Years
Rihanna is known for her unique sense of style, which includes her extensive collection of tattoos. Over the years, she has accumulated many tattoos, each with meaning and significance. We have chronologically collected nine of Rihanna’s tattoos, from her earliest to most recent.
Music Note Tattoo
Rihanna’s very first tattoo was a music note on her ankle. She got the tattoo when she was just 18 years old, and it represents her love for music. Rihanna has said that she got the tattoo to remind herself to stay true to her musical roots and never forget where she came from.
THEO WARGO/ WIREIMAGE | The tattoo behind RiRi’s ear represents her astrological sign, Pisces
Pisces Tattoo
Rihanna was born on February 20th, which makes her a Pisces. In 2006, she got a small Pisces symbol tattooed behind her ear to celebrate her astrological sign.
Star Tattoo
Rihanna got a small star tattoo on her left ear shortly after getting her Pisces tattoo. The star symbolizes hope and good luck.
Sanskrit Tattoo
In 2008, Rihanna got a Sanskrit prayer tattoo on her hip. The tattoo reads “forgiveness, honesty, suppression, and control” and represents her commitment to living a life of balance and mindfulness.
Rebelle Fleur Tattoo
In 2010, Rihanna got a tattoo on her neck that reads “Rebelle Fleur,” which means “rebellious flower” in French. The tattoo represents her rebellious spirit and feminine energy.
TAYLOR HILL/ WIREIMAGE | Rihanna has inked more than 25 tattoos on her body over the years
Shhh Tattoo
Rihanna got a “shhh” tattoo on her right index finger in 2012. The tattoo is a minimalist design that symbolizes her desire to keep certain aspects of her life private.
Egyptian Goddess Isis Tattoo
In 2012, Rihanna got a large tattoo of the Egyptian goddess Isis on her chest. The tattoo is a tribute to her grandmother, who passed away that year. Rihanna has said that her grandmother was a strong and influential figure in her life and that the tattoo serves as a reminder of her legacy.
Henna-Inspired Hand Tattoo
In 2013, Rihanna got a henna-inspired tattoo on her hand. The design features intricate patterns and bold lines and uses a technique called Jagua, which uses a natural dye made from the Jagua fruit. Rihanna has said that the tattoo is a nod to her love of Middle Eastern culture and a reminder of her travels throughout the region.
Shutterstock/ Rihanna/ Instagram | Rihanna’s eighth tattoo was the phrase “Rebelle Fleur”
Maori Tattoo
In 2013, Rihanna got a Maori-inspired tattoo on her right hand. The design is a traditional tribal tattoo characterized by intricate geometric patterns. The tattoo was done using a traditional hand-tapping method, using a small wooden tool to puncture the skin. Rihanna has said that the tattoo is a tribute to her heritage and a symbol of her connection to her ancestral roots.
The Guns on her ribcage
Rihanna’s seventh tattoo was a small gun tattoo on her ribcage. The tattoo has been the subject of much debate, with some critics arguing that it glorifies gun violence. However, Rihanna has defended the tattoo, stating that it symbolizes her power and independence.
The Rebelle Fleur on her neck
Rihanna’s eighth tattoo was the phrase “Rebelle Fleur” on her neck. The tattoo combined the French words for rebel and flower and was chosen by Rihanna as a representation of her rebellious spirit and feminine energy.
The Falcon on her ankle
Rihanna’s ninth tattoo was a tattoo of a falcon on her ankle. The falcon symbolizes strength and freedom, and Rihanna has said that the tattoo represents her strength and ability to soar above any obstacle.