Cultural Tattoos

Why Are Tattoos Cultural? • Tattoos define individuals but are also used as

symbols that society can use to identify them as part of a certain group or demographic.

• Not every tattoo happens in a tattoo studio. Many cultural methods are used, involving sharpened bamboo sticks, metal tools or even the teeth of a barracuda.

• Different types of tattoos require different kinds of tattoo aftercare, and different kinds also use different kinds and colors of ink that can affect the skin differently.

Check out the following cultural tattoos to get a sense of what kinds of tattoos are common throughout the world.

Maori Tattoo

• Maoris have facial tattoos that resemble masks to

tell their life story and delineate their ancestry.

• This is known as ta moko.

Maori Tattoo

Traditional Thai Tattoo

• Thai tattoos are performed using bamboo reeds

and ink derived from organic substances.

• This is a practice begun centuries ago, and still

continues today.

Traditional Thai Tattoo

Chinese Dulong Tattoo

• A clan-based society in China, the Dulong or

Derung had 15 clans.

• Every woman would receive facial tattoos after the

age of 12 or 13, and could sometimes resemble

facial hair.

Chinese Dulong Tattoo

Hawaiian Tattoo

• Hawaiian tattoos can have a variety of different

meanings:

– Religion

– Rite of Passage

– War stories

– Status

– Heritage

Hawaiian Tattoo

Gang Tattoo

• Gang tattoos most often show allegiance to a

particular gang.

• Other tattoos can symbolize kills or time served in

prison.

Gang Tattoo

Hindu Henna Tattoo

• Henna has been a significant part of Hindu culture

for several centuries.

• Although it is now used as part of wedding

preparations, Hindu women could wear henna

tattoos at any time.

Hindu Henna Tattoo