Tattooing

Tattooing, method of decorating the skin by inserting coloured substances under the surface. The skin is punctured with a sharp instrument, often an electric needle.

In many parts of the world, various peoples use tattooing and scarification to indicate social rank and affiliation, or as a sign of mourning. Scarification involves slashing the skin and introducing irritants into the wounds, which, when healed, leave pronounced scars.

Tattooing was practised by the Egyptians as early as 2000 bc. Colour tattooing became highly developed among the Maoris of New Zealand and was once popular as a form of adornment in China, India, and Japan. Tattoos were thought to provide protection against bad luck or illness. They were also used as identifiers of status or rank, or of membership of a group. Their most common use, though, was as a form of adornment.

Because of complaints by health authorities that contaminated tattooing needles spread infectious diseases, particularly hepatitis, the practice has become less popular in recent years. Body paints and pictured adhesives, called skin transfers or decal tattoos, are easily removed, and are now becoming more common. Tattoos applied with a needle can be obliterated by a laser beam.

See also Body Modification.