Decorating our bodies is not new; it has a long history. Traditional practices of tattooing and piercing date back to very ancient civilizations.
Today, from our tattoo studio in Madrid, we travel the world through the traditions of different cultures.
Traditional tattoo and piercing practices
Nowadays we use them as expressions of individuality, but tattoos and piercings have deep roots in spirituality and social markers in each region of the planet.
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Polynesia
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Their tattoos are among the oldest and most complex in existence.
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They are called tatu and the process is sacred.
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They tell the person’s story, lineage, achievements, and spiritual connection.
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Māori (New Zealand): facial moko represent identity, family, and social position.
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Samoa: pe’a for men and malu for women reflect strength and service to the community.
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Africa
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Piercings and body modifications indicate group belonging, social status, or passage to adulthood.
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In Ethiopia, Mursi women wear lip plates symbolizing beauty and status.
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Many other cultures practice scarification, leaving marks on the skin that indicate courage, maturity, or personal achievements.
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India
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Nose piercings, usually in the left nostril, are linked to fertility and ease of childbirth, associated with the goddess Parvati.
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In southern India, ear piercings are performed through the karnavedha ceremony, with a function similar to acupuncture.
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Asia
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In southern countries like Thailand and Cambodia, tattoos have a millenary tradition as protective amulets.
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The Sak Yant tattoo is performed by monks and masters, containing inscriptions that protect and attract good luck to those who wear them.
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North and South America
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In indigenous American cultures, traditional tattooing and piercing practices are associated with spirituality and connection to nature or gods.
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In the Arctic, Inuit women tattooed lines on their faces to mark life events such as marriage or motherhood; this tradition has been revived.
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In South America, the Mayas performed piercings on the tongue and other body parts as blood offerings to the gods.
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In many other cultures, decorating the body with paint is common, even if not considered a tattoo in the strict sense, as it is not permanent.
Traditional tattoo and piercing practices offer a fascinating journey through history from their origins to the present day. Every time we get a new tattoo, we pay homage to the peoples and cultures that began adorning their bodies centuries ago.