Tattooing is an ancestral practice that serves as both body adornment and a distinctive mark. It is important to realize that these permanent patterns on the skin are not simply ornaments. They can convey profound messages and, in some cases, serve as warning signals. Used to symbolize belonging to a tribal community or as symbols of rebellion, tattoos have crossed ages and cultures, taking on multiple meanings.
Tattooing as an expression of a complex identity
Historically, tattooing has functioned as a means of visual expression, indicating membership in a particular group or reflecting an individual’s social status. More than a simple work of art, it reveals aspects of the personality and life experiences of the tattooed person, thus influencing different environments, from popular spheres to the artistic and sporting worlds. The tattoo oscillates between stigmatization and recognition, thus embodying a spirit of rebellion and non-conformity.
Continued on next page
