Inked Identities

Beyond the intricate detail and unique designs of body marking lies a language that transcends borders and spans centuries. Adorning the bodies of people across the globe, body markings hold diverse and multifaceted meanings, ranging from expressions of identity and spirituality to symbols of group belonging and rites of passage.

Words: EMELIE STEVENSON

History and ancient practices

Indigenous to the Terai region of Nepal and northern India, Tharu women have long celebrated their cultural identity and traditions through tattoos, known as ‘Godna’. Inspired mostly by n ature, the designs typically include intricate line work and small, repetitive symbols across the hands, feet, limbs or chest. The Godna symbolises both beauty and marks a rite of passage, the transition from adolescence to womanhood. Historically, these tattoos were used to stop Tharu women from being kidnapped by royals, but today they are believed to ward off evil spirits and protect against diseases. However, the influence of western culture has impacted the popularity of Godna, with less and less Tharu women continuing the tradition today.

Cultural preservation

Tattoos, or Tā moko, among Maori in New Zealand serve as cultural archives etched into the skin. These intricate facial and body tattoos are charged with ancestral knowledge, storytelling and the preservation of Maori heritage. Their presence allows Maori people to honour their roots and ensure the passing down of traditions and stories to future generations. Each design is unique, reflecting the wearer’s tribal affiliation and personal experiences. Moko kauae – received by women on their lips and chin – represent leadership within the community, and traditionally feature lines and spirals that accentuate the natural lines of the face to emphasise expressions.

Traditions that endure today

The Wai Kru Festival is a remarkable annual event held in Thailand, with attendees from all over the world gathering to receive Sak Yant tattoos. Monks or master tattoo artists, known as ajarns, perform the tattooing rituals, which involve chanting and meditative techniques to infuse the tattoos with spiritual power. The festival also allows those that have previously received a Sak Yant tattoo to spiritually ‘recharge’ them, as their power is believed to wear off over time.

Originally used by warriors for strength and protection in battle, today the tattoos are believed to offer blessings and spiritual guidance to those who wear them, often incorporating ancient Buddhist symbols into the designs. As pictured, Sak Yant tattoos traditionally feature geometrical shapes, animals, sacred phrases or deities. The festival is a mesmerising display, with participants engaging in prayer and blessings, paying homage to the spirits and showcasing their intricate body art with pride.

Spiritual connections

Across diverse cultures, natural motifs such as animals or plants have been incorporated into designs as symbols of protection or to represent spirituality. Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia share the tiger as a symbol of strength, power and courage, often associated with protection and warding off evil spirits. Similarly, elephants hold deep cultural importance, often symbolising wisdom, longevity and loyalty. The significance of the lotus flower within Hinduism and Buddhism can often be seen reflected in tattoo design as a powerful symbol of purity, enlightenment and spiritual growth.

Past impacting present

Dating back to the Edo period (17th–19th centuries), tattoos in Japan were traditionally used to mark criminals as a form of punishment. Whilst tattoos are becoming more culturally accepted, some negative implications have remained to the present day, with many public places prohibiting entry for visitors with visible tattoos unless they are covered. Today, younger generations are challenging some of these perceptions, increasingly viewing tattoos as a form of personal expression and art, the designs often featuring colourful creatures or characters.