Tattoo and Body Art of Africa

Body Art may have become a popular fashion statement in the recent times, but its origin has been traced to many ancient times and has been very popular in different regions of the world among various cultures and tribes. It has been seen that every culture and race in the world has something unique about it that gives it a unique identity. Body Art or Tattoo has been one such form which has been exclusive to that particular tribe or race of people.

Men and women both sported such body art and the designs and patterns created were usually symbolic of their gods or other divine forms that they used to worship and follow. Some designs were also believed to have marked battles or ancestral relationships with their gods or forefathers and sometimes of reincarnation. Women would get tattooed, often after their marriage to mark their dedication to their husband and children. Thus a persons body art used to tell a lot about the person.

However the body art patterns differed from region to region and from tribe to tribe. This is because every civilization has its own cultures and traditions, and accordingly has its specific symbolization which were depicted through tattoos and body art. For example the tattoos of African origin differed greatly from those of the Mayan or Polynesian origin. But in the modern day as the cast and race barriers have broken down, the different patterns and designs of different origins are being merged to create great tattoos and body art. The art styles of every ancient civilization is being studied and worked upon to create excellent patterns and styles for the latest trends.