What Could Shuri’s New Tattoo Mean In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever?

The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever official trailer has been released and has excited fans a lot. The trailer gives us a glimpse of the main

By Chandraboli Majumdar
October 4,2022
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The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever official trailer has been released and has excited fans a lot. The trailer gives us a glimpse of the main characters that the story will revolve around. We saw Namor and several shots of the Talocan empire. In Wakanda, the kingdom is mourning the death of T’Challa, with Queen Ramonda and Shuri leading the funeral. This is where we see a great look at Shuri’s new tattoo on her hand. We have some theories regarding what they could mean and here they are. It could also be that the tattoos are just pretty designs.

Shuri has some new ink on her hand in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever trailer

Shuri has new tattoos in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Shuri has new tattoos in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Letitia Wright’s Shuri can be seen with some new tattoos on her hand. These tattoos were also seen during the promotion pictures, revealing her new look for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. We get to see these tattoos again in the trailer. By the looks of it, the tattoo seems to be in the shape of either a star or a flower. We think it’s a star because of its 6 corners. However, as mentioned before the tattoo could just be some pretty mandala-like designs. Nonetheless, here’s all it could mean.

What could her tattoos mean?

Wakandan alphabet with T'Challa mural
Wakandan alphabet with T’Challa mural

The signs and symbols used in Black Panther and Black Panther Wakanda Forever are derived from West African heritage and culture. These pictographic signs are called Adinkra symbols. They originated in Ghana and represent various concepts. In fact, even the alphabets on the mural of T’Challa or Chadwick Boseman, are Nsibidi symbols derived from Nigeria. Additionally, those symbols were adapted into a language for Black Panther called Wakandan. The alphabet on the mural can even be translated and here’s what it says, “The Panther King Forever Live in Us and Rests…”

Shuri wears Adinkra symbol in Black Panther
Shuri wears Adinkra symbol in Black Panther

So coming back to the tattoo, if it is considered to be a flower then it could mean wisdom. However, the most likely scenario is that the tattoo is representative of a star. In Adinkra symbols, a star symbols is known as Nsoromma. The star symbolizes being God’s child or a child from the heavens. This represents Wakanda and Shuri’s faith and belief in God or a Supreme Being. In fact, Wakandans worship Goddess Bast and Black Panther too is an extension of her power and blessing. This would make a lot of sense considering that its T’Challa’s funeral and at a time such as this, the people would look to their God and depend on them for strength to keep going despite the loss and tragedy. It would symbolize God’s protection over them and give the people the hope and inspiration they require.

And that’s what we think Shuri’s tattoo means. Tell us your thoughts too!