BODY ART

TATTOOS A tattoo is a permanent marking made by inserting ink into the layers of skin. The art of tattoos has been around for thousands of years, with early cavemen mummies found with ink markings. This picture is a chieftain’s arm from over 2,000 years ago!

TATTOOS The origin of the word tattoo is from the Samoan word tatau, meaning "open wound.” Tattoos have served as: rites of passage marks of status or rank symbols of religious and spiritual devotion decorations for bravery pledges of love marks of outcasts, slaves and convicts

TATTOO EXAMPLES

MEHNDI Has a difficult history to trace since henna grows in many places, and has been used as a dye for thousands years. Its found in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The Egyptians stained the finger tips and toes of pharaohs before mummifying them 5,000 years ago. Brought to India in the 12 century A.D., where it is most known for its use.

MEHNDI Most mehndi is known today through Indian culture. Mehndi designs are found through all classes, regardless of status or standing. Mehndi is well known as a wedding ritual. In the days before the wedding, the bride’s female family members and friends will join together to apply henna to her hands.

HENNA Henna powder is green, but dries a dark brown- red Applied by squeezing the paste through a cone with a fine tip, drawing a design. The paste is left to dry over night. Depending on the quality of the paste, the design may last for weeks.

SYMBOLS There are many symbols used in mehndi designs: Flowers: Joy and Happiness Sun, Moon and Stars: Deep and everlasting love Water: Human emotion Vines/Leaves: Devotion Diamonds: Enlightenment Square: Stablitiy

EXAMPLES

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