One of the oldest and most grueling professions recorded in history, the coal miner is the eternal figure of back-breaking endurance in the darkest caverns most would tremble at the thought of descending into.
Many nations were built on the back of the coal mining industry, and whether you boast a proud familial or personal connection to it or wish to honor the trademarks of the men who went to work underground, a coal mining tattoo is an unforgettable homage.
Starting with the traditional tools–shovel, pickaxe, and cart–and moving on to more symbolic references such as guiding lanterns and canaries sent in to test carbon monoxide levels, there are a number of ways to commit the spirit of coal mining to your flesh. While black and white calls to mind the 19th century aesthetic of the American coal mining world, bright hues denote a light and color many miners never enjoyed in the dark.
Perhaps you are following a fragile but sacred light ahead, and thus the lantern is a perfect fit for your coal mining salute. Or maybe you too are chipping away at life’s many trials, and the pickaxe is your symbolic companion tool. The beauty of coal mining inspired tattoos today is that they speak of the timeless, individual struggle to carve out an existence even in the most formidable environment. No matter his profession, creed, or walk of life, every man is at work in the subterranean reality of life, fighting his way through the unknown to not only provide, but thrive in the uncertain dark.






































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