Tattoos have been a distinctive and recognizable form of body art in India for thousands of years, holding special significance within tribal communities. For these tribes, tattoos are far more than just art; they are a deeply rooted traditional ritual and a way of life. Each tattoo is a powerful symbol, marking key life milestones, social status, and spiritual beliefs. The intricate designs are more than just aesthetic; they function as a unique language, telling stories of ancestors, conveying beliefs, philosophies, and illustrating the way of life within the community. It is crafted by skilled artists, whose expertise is often passed down through generations, using natural dyes and hand-carved tools. For the tribal communities, tattoos are personal expressions and a revered cultural heritage that connects them to their past and defines their identity.

Let’s take a look at some tattoos from tribal communities:

Appatani Tattoo of Arunachal Pradesh

In the Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, the Apatani tribe has a rich tradition of tattooing that holds deep cultural significance. These tattoos, which extend from the forehead down to the nose, lower lip, and chin, are powerful symbols of their identity. While both men and women in the community had tattoos, facial tattoos were particularly important for women and they often wore wooden plugs in their nostrils to make them less attractive to rival tribes that might abduct them. Appatani have mythical tales associated with these tattoos, according to some legends, when men died in skirmishes with other groups, their spirits would return to search for the wives they had left behind. If they couldn’t find them, these spirits would cause disturbances in the village. To protect the community, a priest advised the women to get facial tattoos, making them unrecognizable to the spirits, so they would leave the village peacefully. These tattoos were received by women at the age of 10. Women typically received these tattoos at the age of 10. The ink used was a mixture of soot, known as chinyu, and animal fat. The tattooing process involved a three-headed thorn needle, called tipe-tere, tied together and tapped into the skin with a small stick hammer known as empiaa yakho.

Konyaks Tattoo of Nagaland

Nagaland is home to the Naga tribe, along with numerous ethnic subgroups, one of which is the Konyak tribe. Known as the last headhunters of the region, they are deeply rooted in tradition, with tattoos playing a significant role in their culture. These tattoos marked key stages in their lives, symbolizing manhood, their animistic bond with nature, and their history of headhunting. After each victorious battle, warriors were honored with aubergine-colored diamond and lozenge-shaped tattoos, hand-tapped across their bodies as a testament to their bravery. Uniquely, these tattoos were applied by the wife of the chief, a woman of pure aristocratic blood. The ink was derived from the red cedar tree, and palm spikes were used as tattooing combs, making each tattoo a deeply personal and sacred rite.

Baigas Tattoo of Bhil

The Baiga tribe of Madhya Pradesh in central India is known for its rich tradition of tattoos, especially among women. This art form, called “Godna,” is deeply embedded in their culture. Baiga women typically begin tattooing at around the age of ten, starting with a small design on the forehead. As they grow older, tattoos gradually cover most of their bodies. The final tattoo, known as “Chhati Godai,” is done after the birth of their first child. This practice is believed to prepare women for the pain of childbirth. There are a lot of myths and folklore on the origins of tattoos. One folklore narrates that when Lord Indra, the ruler of the heavens, withheld rain and caused a severe drought on earth, Lord Shiva and Parvati grew worried about the impending famine. They asked Naga Baiga and Naga Baigin to persuade Indra to bring rain. Since Naga Baigin did not possess any ornaments, Lord Shiva and Parvati created Badi and Badnin, who were given the task of decorating Naga Baigin’s body with tattoos for the meeting with Indra. Since Baiga women do not wear ornaments, these intricate tattoos serve as their lifelong adornment, believed to stay with them even after death. The tattoos are created using a mixture of Neegar Seeds and bamboo sticks, with the ink being applied using a needle.

Toda Tattoo of Nilgiri

Nilgiri Hills in the Western Ghats are home to several unique tribes, among which the Toda tribe stands out for its distinctive art. Toda women are renowned for their elaborate tattoos, which cover their arms, legs, and faces. These tattoos feature geometric patterns and are created through a traditional process involving making cuts on the skin and inserting soot underneath. This method often leads to infections, resulting in a deep blue color. Additionally, these tattoos are believed to offer protection from evil spirits.

Rabari Tattoo of Gujarat

The Rabari, also known as Rewari or Desai, is a tribal caste of nomadic cattle and camel herders, as well as shepherds, residing mainly in northwestern India, particularly in Gujarat. Rabari women practice a unique form of tattooing called ‘trajva,’ which is a symbol of strength and identity. As part of their cultural tradition, girls close to marriage get these tattoos, as bare skin is considered shameful. Common motifs include scorpions and snakes for women, while men often have camel symbols. Although ‘trajva’ tattoos are a mark of pride, they are painful and carry a high risk of infection. The ink used is made from lampblack mixed with tannin from the bark of a local kino tree, sometimes combined with mother’s milk or urine.

Tattoos of Santals

In this culture, tattoos carry deep spiritual significance and vary between men and women. For women, these tattoos are known as ‘khoda‘ or ‘godna‘. These designs often feature symbols like fish or flowers, reflecting beauty and life. Traditionally performed by women, known as ‘khudni’ using black ink. Men, on the other hand, are not permitted to have ink tattoos. Instead, they undergo a ritual known as Sika, where round, coin-shaped burns are made on the skin. These marks are created by placing a cotton cloth directly on the skin and setting it alight. The number of Sika must always be odd, symbolizing life and continuity. In their belief system, tattoos are more than mere body art—they are seen as gateways to the afterlife.

In conclusion,

Tribal tattoos, rooted in traditional Indian art, carry profound cultural and spiritual significance, with each design telling a unique story that reflects the heritage of the tribe. As these tattoos gain popularity in modern fashion, it’s important to recognize and respect their rich history, rather than simply viewing them as trends. Understanding the meanings behind these tattoos allows us to honor their origins and preserve the cultural legacy they represent.

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By Shrushti Patel