What does a hyena mask tattoo mean?

A hyena mask tattoo often means different things to different people. In some cultures, hyenas have a bad reputation, and these masks are associated with impurity, immorality, stupidity, cowardice, death, betrayal or corruption. However, hyena mask tattoos have positive meanings in certain areas of the world.

In some parts of India and Afghanistan, the hyena is associated with fertility and vitality. For Guro people of Africa, hyenas symbolize intelligence, resourcefulness and resilience, and they're associated with people's ability to live off the land. The spotted hyena makes laughter-like calls resembling human laughter, and for this reason, some cultures associate them with demons and witches.