Berber tattooing

In a studio in the back streets of a quiet residential area in Casablanca, an old tradition is being reborn.

Berber tattoos, steeped in rich cultural history and symbolism, are more than just ink on skin; they are a profound expression of identity, tradition, and spirituality. Originating from the indigenous Berber people of North Africa, these tattoos are a captivating visual language that weaves myths and meanings into intricate designs. In this exploration of Berber tattoos, we will delve into the captivating symbolism behind these ancient markings that have stood the test of time. The process of receiving a Berber tattoo is often a rite of passage, marking significant transitions such as puberty, marriage, or achievements within the community. Berber tattoos are imbued with the echoes of ancient myths and legends that have been passed down through generations.

Berber tattooing

Eurovision Song Contest organisers are scrutinising the Israeli submission after lyrics leaked to the media appeared to refer to the Oct. Skip to main content. Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionals Learn more about Refinitiv. Few Tunisians now speak the Berber languages more commonly found in Algeria and Morocco, and outward signs of Berber cultural identity are often relegated to motifs found on the handicrafts mass-produced for tourists. Among Tunisians, they were seen as symbols of an impoverished past but some younger people are now becoming interested in their Berber roots and turn to Mahdouani, 35, to connect them to it with tattoos. She said she prized the way each marking signified a part of a woman's tribal or family identity. It's like a Facebook wall and this is my wall," she said, asking not to give her family name. As tattoos took off around the world, some younger Tunisians took up the trend, but without looking back at their own tradition of body art. Mahdouani said many Tunisians had grown to see Berber tattoos as low class or disreputable. Just as there are Maori and other tribal tattoos known all around the world, we should take pride too in a tradition going back 6, years in Tunisia," she said. Mahdouani has researched the traditional "tekaz" tradition of Berber tattoos, collecting designs and learning about the custom of using body art to ward off disease or bad luck through particular symbols on different parts of the body. In a village outside the central city of Kairouan, Mahdouani quizzed Seiada Issaoui, an elderly woman with ink marks on her forehead, cheeks, nose and chin, about the prevalence of tattoos when she was young. On their legs, arms and chests as well," Issaoui said. Later, Mahdouani carefully copied down Issaoui's designs. Read Next.

It is a reminder that each individual is a part of a larger tapestry, and berber tattooing actions ripple through the fabric of existence.

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Berber tattoos, steeped in rich cultural history and symbolism, are more than just ink on skin; they are a profound expression of identity, tradition, and spirituality. Originating from the indigenous Berber people of North Africa, these tattoos are a captivating visual language that weaves myths and meanings into intricate designs. In this exploration of Berber tattoos, we will delve into the captivating symbolism behind these ancient markings that have stood the test of time. The process of receiving a Berber tattoo is often a rite of passage, marking significant transitions such as puberty, marriage, or achievements within the community. Berber tattoos are imbued with the echoes of ancient myths and legends that have been passed down through generations. One such myth is that of Tifinagh, the mythical figure credited with the creation of the Amazigh script.

Berber tattooing

Berber tattoos were undoubtedly initially a distinctive sign, a mark of a tribe. Each clan had its particular designs and decorative composition. All the clan's women were labeled, willingly or forcibly, at the age of puberty.

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As Jaouad explains, the more tattoos a woman had, the wealthier she was. I was eager to know more about Jaouad and learn how he became one of the few people working to bring back a traditional form of tattooing that was once an integral part of the identity of the Amazigh tribes of Morocco. Mahdouani has researched the traditional "tekaz" tradition of Berber tattoos, collecting designs and learning about the custom of using body art to ward off disease or bad luck through particular symbols on different parts of the body. Jaouad sketching a design in his studio. In this exploration of Berber tattoos, we will delve into the captivating symbolism behind these ancient markings that have stood the test of time. Pirate likes to pounce at people's feet as they walk in. Jaouad describing some of his own tattoos. The ram, for instance, embodies strength and leadership, while the snake symbolizes protection and fertility. Jaouad sketching in his studio. Jaouad, for his part, does not believe that the religion is solely to blame. Myths and Legends:. Just as there are Maori and other tribal tattoos known all around the world, we should take pride too in a tradition going back 6, years in Tunisia," she said. We know you love our quizzes?

As it is with so many things in life, multiple meanings are attached to tattoos; they can represent a mark of unity or one of division. In Japan , for instance, tattoos are banned from public saunas due to their link to the underworld; in , criminals were branded to separate them. Meanwhile, in Samoa culture, women are known for their intricate malu ink designs — usually below the knee to the upper thigh — to represent the protection, shelter and security that they provide the community.

Sketches of traditional Amazigh designs hanging outside the tattoo studio. Read Next. In a studio in the back streets of a quiet residential area in Casablanca, an old tradition is being reborn. Just as there are Maori and other tribal tattoos known all around the world, we should take pride too in a tradition going back 6, years in Tunisia," she said. The Club hosts tattoo artists from all around the world, and Jaouad furthers his research by collaborating with those artists to create designs that honour the tattoos worn proudly by Amazigh women for generations. For centuries, Moroccan women proudly wore traditional tribal symbols etched into their skin on their hands, feet and face for all to see and admire. Eurovision Song Contest organisers are scrutinising the Israeli submission after lyrics leaked to the media appeared to refer to the Oct. This is despite the fact that Amazigh tattooing — and tattooing in general — was scarcely discussed in Morocco while he was growing up, driving him to ask questions that few people were asking. Geometric Patterns: Berber tattoos are renowned for their geometric precision and complexity. Spirituality and Protection: Beyond the aesthetic appeal and symbolic meanings, Berber tattoos also serve spiritual and protective purposes. Walking into the space, the first thing I notice is a vintage thrift store with a colourful array of clothes lining the entrance. As tattoos took off around the world, some younger Tunisians took up the trend, but without looking back at their own tradition of body art. Table of contents. Your subscription could not be saved. A girl would receive her first tattoo, known as the siyala , once she began menstruating.