Anubis tattoos bring together mystery, strength, protection, and ancient Egyptian symbolism in one striking design. The jackal-headed figure has a powerful appearance that works beautifully with detailed artwork, dark shading, geometric patterns, and symbolic elements. I love how an Anubis tattoo can feel bold while still carrying a deeper meaning.
You can keep the design small and simple or create an elaborate piece that covers a large area of the body. This collection features creative Anubis tattoo ideas for different tastes and styles. Take a look at these designs and find an idea that feels right for your next ink session.
1. Realistic Anubis Tattoo
A realistic Anubis tattoo is perfect if you want ancient Egyptian imagery to look dramatic and lifelike. Detailed facial features, sharp ears, flowing robes, and carefully shaded textures can make the figure appear almost three-dimensional. Black and grey ink works especially well for this style because it gives the design an aged, mysterious appearance.
I would choose a larger placement such as the upper arm, thigh, chest, or back so the artist has enough space for fine details. Adding subtle Egyptian symbols around Anubis can make the entire composition feel even more complete.
2. Small Anubis Tattoo
A small Anubis tattoo proves that powerful artwork does not always need to take up a lot of space. A simplified jackal head, small seated figure, or clean Anubis silhouette can create an eye-catching tattoo with minimal detail.
This idea is especially appealing if you prefer subtle body art that can remain relatively discreet. The wrist, forearm, ankle, calf, or upper arm can all work nicely. I like the idea of using clean black lines with just enough shading to define the ears, face, and Egyptian-inspired details without making the design look crowded.
3. Anubis With Pyramid Tattoo
Combining Anubis with a pyramid creates a tattoo that immediately feels connected to ancient Egypt. The pyramid can sit behind the figure, beneath the jackal head, or form part of a larger landscape.
I especially like compositions that use the pyramid as a background element while Anubis remains the main focus. You can add sand, clouds, stars, or Egyptian hieroglyphic details to make the design richer. This concept works particularly well as a forearm, upper-arm, calf, or back tattoo, especially when you want a scene rather than a single isolated symbol.
4. Anubis With Egyptian Eye Tattoo
Anubis paired with an Egyptian eye creates a strong symbolic composition. The eye can be positioned beneath the figure, behind the head, or incorporated into a decorative frame surrounding Anubis.
This design gives you plenty of opportunities to combine fine details with bold shapes. Blackwork, black and grey, and traditional Egyptian-inspired styles can all work beautifully here. I would keep the eye crisp and recognizable so it balances the more detailed appearance of Anubis. A forearm, chest, shoulder, or upper arm provides enough room to create a balanced arrangement.
5. Anubis With Scarab Tattoo
A scarab adds another recognizable Egyptian element to an Anubis tattoo. You can place the scarab directly beneath Anubis or use it as a smaller focal point within a larger composition. Detailed wings, ornamental lines, and Egyptian-inspired patterns can give the design a luxurious appearance.
I particularly like black and grey versions because the combination of dark Anubis imagery and intricate scarab details creates strong contrast. This concept is suitable for the forearm, chest, back, thigh, or shoulder. Adding a few hieroglyphic-style markings around both figures can help tie the artwork together.
6. Anubis Blackwork Tattoo
Blackwork Anubis tattoos are ideal for people who love bold, dramatic ink. Heavy black areas can emphasize the jackal head, ears, clothing, and surrounding Egyptian patterns while creating a powerful silhouette.
This style does not rely heavily on realistic color, making it timeless and easy to pair with other black tattoos. Geometric shapes, solid shadows, and decorative Egyptian symbols can also be added around the central figure. A larger surface such as the calf, thigh, upper arm, or chest gives the artist enough room to create strong contrast without losing the recognizable features of Anubis.
7. Anubis and Ankh Tattoo
The ankh is one of the most recognizable symbols associated with ancient Egyptian imagery, so pairing it with Anubis creates a visually meaningful design. You can have Anubis holding the ankh, standing beside it, or place the symbol beneath the figure as a central detail.
I would use fine ornamental lines around the ankh to make it stand out without competing with Anubis. This idea works especially well in black and grey, although subtle gold-inspired or muted color accents can also create an interesting appearance. The chest, forearm, shoulder, and calf are excellent placements.
8. Anubis With Wings Tattoo
Anubis with wings creates a dramatic tattoo that combines the recognizable jackal-headed figure with large, flowing feathers. The wings can spread behind the head, extend around the shoulders, or form a symmetrical frame around the entire figure.
Detailed feather shading can give the design impressive depth. I think this concept looks especially powerful in black and grey because the feathers can be layered with different levels of shading. The upper back, chest, shoulders, or large thigh area can provide enough space for the wings to spread naturally while keeping Anubis as the main focal point.
9. Anubis With Moon Tattoo
A moon can give an Anubis tattoo a darker and more mysterious atmosphere. You can place a large crescent moon behind the jackal head or create a night scene featuring Anubis standing beneath a glowing moon. Small stars can fill empty areas and create a more complete composition.
I like this idea for people who want their tattoo to feel mysterious rather than purely historical. Black and grey shading can make the moon and figure blend beautifully together. The forearm, upper arm, back, calf, and thigh are all suitable placements for this type of artwork.
10. Anubis With Pharaoh Tattoo
Anubis paired with a pharaoh creates an elaborate Egyptian-themed tattoo with plenty of visual detail. The pharaoh can stand beside Anubis, appear behind the figure, or form part of a larger scene inspired by ancient Egyptian artwork.
Crowns, robes, jewelry, hieroglyphic patterns, and architectural details can make the design feel rich and dramatic. I would choose a large placement for this idea because small areas may not provide enough room for all the facial and ornamental details. The back, chest, thigh, and full upper arm can work particularly well.
11. Anubis Sleeve Tattoo
An Anubis sleeve tattoo gives you the freedom to create an entire Egyptian-inspired story across the arm. Anubis can serve as the main focal point while pyramids, scarabs, eyes, ankhs, hieroglyphics, and Egyptian architecture fill the surrounding areas. I like sleeves that use different levels of shading so the central figure remains visually dominant.
You can choose a realistic black and grey approach or a heavier blackwork style. Since a sleeve offers plenty of space, your artist can add small details that would be difficult to include in a smaller tattoo.
12. Anubis With Staff Tattoo
Anubis holding a staff creates a strong, authoritative image that looks excellent as a vertical tattoo. The staff can extend along the length of the design, helping guide the viewer’s eye toward the figure’s face. Decorative Egyptian details can be added to the staff, clothing, and surrounding background. I would choose black and grey shading for a serious, ancient appearance.
This concept works especially well on the forearm, calf, thigh, or upper arm because the natural vertical shape of these areas complements the composition. Small hieroglyphic elements can fill any remaining spaces.
13. Anubis Geometric Tattoo
A geometric Anubis tattoo combines ancient Egyptian imagery with modern linework. The jackal head can remain realistic while geometric triangles, circles, lines, and symmetrical patterns surround it. Another option is to build the entire Anubis figure using geometric shapes for a more abstract appearance. I think this style works especially well when you want something contemporary but still connected to Egyptian symbolism.
The forearm, upper arm, chest, and calf offer excellent surfaces for clean geometric arrangements. Keep the lines evenly spaced and avoid adding too many competing details so the design remains easy to read.
14. Anubis With Egyptian Hieroglyphics Tattoo
Hieroglyphic details can transform a simple Anubis tattoo into a much more elaborate Egyptian-inspired piece. You can surround the figure with vertical columns of symbols or use them as a decorative background. I recommend choosing symbols carefully and checking their intended meanings before putting them permanently on your skin.
Anubis can remain the main focal point while the hieroglyphic details add texture and visual interest. Black ink keeps the overall design cohesive, while selective shading can create depth. The back, forearm, chest, and thigh offer enough room for multiple rows of decorative elements.
15. Anubis Head Tattoo
An Anubis head tattoo focuses entirely on the most recognizable feature of the Egyptian deity. The long ears, sharp facial structure, and distinctive jackal appearance give artists plenty of opportunities to create a detailed design. You can choose realistic shading, blackwork, fine lines, or a combination of styles.
I particularly like versions that add a decorative Egyptian collar around the neck area to make the design feel more complete. This tattoo can work on the forearm, bicep, calf, chest, or shoulder. Keeping the background simple allows the face to remain the clear focal point.
16. Anubis With Roses Tattoo
Roses create a beautiful contrast against the darker appearance of Anubis. You can place roses around the jackal head, along the sides of the figure, or underneath the design. Black and grey roses can keep the entire tattoo dark and dramatic, while red roses can create a stronger focal point. I like this concept because the combination feels both powerful and artistic.
The upper arm, thigh, chest, and back provide enough space for Anubis and the flowers to blend naturally. Fine leaves and small ornamental details can also help connect the different elements.
17. Anubis With Snake Tattoo
Anubis and a snake make a bold combination for anyone who prefers darker tattoo concepts. The snake can wrap around the figure, curve beneath the jackal head, or form a border around the composition.
Detailed scales can add texture while Anubis provides the main focal point. I would choose a black and grey style if you want a serious appearance, or add subtle color to make the snake stand out. This design works well on the forearm, upper arm, thigh, calf, and back. Curved body placement can make the snake look naturally integrated into the tattoo.
18. Anubis With Sun Tattoo
A sun behind Anubis can create an impressive halo-like effect while giving the tattoo a strong circular composition. You can use simple rays for a minimalist appearance or create elaborate decorative rays inspired by Egyptian artwork. Anubis can sit directly in front of the sun so the head becomes the center of the design. I like using contrasting shading to separate the figure and background clearly.
The chest, shoulder, upper arm, and back are excellent placements for this idea. Small stars, Egyptian symbols, or ornamental lines can be added around the sun if more detail is desired.
19. Anubis With Pyramid and Sun Tattoo
If you want an elaborate Egyptian scene, combine Anubis, pyramids, and a rising or setting sun in one composition. Anubis can stand in the foreground while pyramids create depth behind him. A large sun can sit near the horizon and provide a strong background shape. Sand, clouds, birds, and small Egyptian symbols can complete the scene without taking attention away from the main figure.
I would choose a large area such as the back, thigh, chest, or upper arm for this design. Black and grey shading can make the entire scene feel dramatic and cohesive.
20. Anubis Fine-Line Tattoo
Fine-line Anubis tattoos offer a softer alternative to large, heavily shaded designs. Thin lines can outline the jackal head, ears, facial structure, clothing, and Egyptian accessories without creating a heavy appearance. This approach works particularly well if you prefer elegant tattoos with plenty of open skin around the artwork. The wrist, forearm, ankle, ribs, and shoulder can all be suitable locations.
I would keep the design relatively simple so the thin lines remain clear over time. Small stars, an ank, or subtle geometric details can add personality without overwhelming the composition.
21. Anubis With Crescent Moon and Stars
A crescent moon and stars can give an Anubis tattoo an atmospheric nighttime appearance. Anubis can stand beneath the moon, sit inside the crescent, or appear in front of a large celestial background. Tiny stars can be scattered around the design to fill open spaces while maintaining a delicate appearance.
I like black and grey versions because the darker figure contrasts beautifully with the open areas surrounding the moon. The forearm, ribs, upper arm, thigh, and back are great placements. This design can also be made smaller if you prefer a more subtle tattoo.
22. Anubis With Pharaoh Mask Tattoo
Anubis combined with a pharaoh mask creates a dramatic tattoo packed with Egyptian visual elements. The mask can sit beneath the jackal head or become part of a larger vertical composition.
Ornamental patterns, Egyptian crowns, jewelry, and hieroglyphic-inspired details can make the design feel highly detailed. I would choose a realistic black and grey approach if you want the mask to have a carved or metallic appearance. The chest, forearm, thigh, and upper arm provide good space for this concept. Keeping the background relatively dark can make the facial details stand out.
23. Anubis Back Tattoo
The back is one of the best locations for an ambitious Anubis tattoo because it offers a large, relatively flat canvas. You can create a full Egyptian scene featuring Anubis as the central figure, surrounded by pyramids, hieroglyphics, scarabs, moons, or ornamental patterns.
A symmetrical design can look especially impressive when positioned along the spine. I would use detailed black and grey shading to create depth while leaving enough open areas for the composition to breathe. This is an excellent option if you want your tattoo to become a major piece of body artwork.
24. Anubis Sleeve With Egyptian Symbols
An Anubis sleeve surrounded by Egyptian symbols is a fantastic choice if you want a complete themed tattoo rather than one isolated image. Anubis can occupy the upper section while scarabs, ankhs, pyramids, eyes, hieroglyphics, and Egyptian patterns flow down the arm.
I would connect each element with consistent shading, small ornamental lines, and carefully planned negative space. This helps the sleeve look like one unified artwork instead of several separate tattoos. Black and grey is a popular approach, but selective color can also highlight important symbols and give the sleeve extra personality.
Anubis tattoos offer a striking way to explore ancient Egyptian imagery through modern tattoo art. The jackal-headed figure can look bold, mysterious, elegant, or highly detailed depending on the style you choose. I especially like designs that combine Anubis with meaningful symbols such as pyramids, ankhs, scarabs, moons, and Egyptian patterns.
Placement also makes a major difference, so think about the size and level of detail you want before booking your appointment. Take your favorite ideas to a skilled tattoo artist and discuss how the artwork can suit your body shape, preferred style, and personal meaning. A well-planned Anubis tattoo can become an unforgettable piece of art.
