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Tribal tattoo chin Myanmar -
Burma
Tribal tattoo chin lady Myanmar - Burma
effect. At first glance, each tribe or
ethnic group is captivating for its unique and exotic appearance. However,
indigenous people throughout the world are remarkable, not only for their
differences, but for their similarities. Some groups have recently experienced
their first contact with the outside world. Others have survived years of
exploitation, repression or modernization. What they all have in common is
ritual body decoration--where symbolism is paramount--and a fierce determination
to maintain their cultural identity.
Tribal
tattoo chin old lady with pipe Myanmar - Burma |
Since time immemorial, body art has been used to attract the opposite sex
and to provide clues about marital status. Perhaps no one clings as tenaciously
to these rituals and traditions as the resplendent tribes of Africa. At first
glance, the arid landscape of the desert and savanna would not be associated
with lively decoration, yet they have incorporated many style elements into
their glorious cosmetology.
Karo and Hamer women of Ethiopia scarify themselves to render their
bodies sexually appealing through elaborate decoration and skin texture. They
apply a concoction of red ochre and binding resin or animal grease to their
hair, and style it according to their marital status. This symbol of eligibility
simplifies things at the weekly market, which is a common meeting place for
young men and women. A Hamer man notches his ear on the occasion of his first
marriage, and the edges of his ears are pierced once for each of his wives.
Corporeal beauty is elemental to the Wodaabe tribe of Niger. They have
always kept to themselves and disdained other ethnic groups,
thus remaining a very pure race.
The most dramatic custom of their beauty cult is the gerewol
courting ritual. Young men adorn themselves with extravagant
costumes and facial makeup, which they carefully administer to
highlight their cherished elements of beauty: sinewy bodies,
thin noses and lips, and white eyeballs and teeth. |
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Once
festooned in full gerewol regalia, the men clasp hands, form a circle or line,
and start to chant and sway. There is an inherent romantic quality in the glow
of the moonlight, and each man is full of hopeful anticipation that he will
catch the equally hopeful eye of his soul mate, watching from the other side of
the campfire. The young girls choose the most handsome men, and many of these
pairings result in marriage. |
Intimidating the enemy
The illusive Dani warriors of Irian Jaya are notorious for glorious battles over
pigs, women and land rights. They set forth for battle stark naked, but covered
with a mixture of ashes and pig grease. This is meant to intimidate their
adversaries by appearing so fierce that they paralyze the enemy with tear.
In the Omo River Valley of Ethiopia, Karo and Hamer men wear their hair in a
multi-colored, painted clay bun to convey that they have killed an enemy or
ferocious animal. This symbol of bravery and courage is worn for up to a year
after the kill.
The Bume of Ethiopia are warriors who fight over grazing land, and their body
scarification is meant to illustrate their prowess in battle. These prestigious
marks are a record of personal achievement, closely linked to meaningful and
complex rituals in which hunting and killing play an important part. For each
enemy that a man has killed, he earns a highly esteemed scar of valor on his
arm, which resembles a sergeant's stripe.
Appeasing the spirits
Akha women of Thailand are never seen without their elaborate silver
headdresses. These crowning jewels often weigh as much as ten pounds, but they
wear them all the time--to festivals, to labor in the fields, even to bed. The
point of these ornate adornments? In a culture of strict animists who practice
spirit worship, quite simply, it would offend the spirits if they did not wear
their finery.
The remoteness of Orissa in India has provided the perfect environment for the
preservation of several exotic tribal groups. The most distinguishing feature of
Orissa's Kondh women is their geometric tattoos on their hands and faces. As
animists, they believe that when they die and turn into spirits, these markings
will help them recognize each other in the spirit world.
Mourning the dead
A Dani woman of Man Jaya paints herself with yellow clay, in mourning for her
deceased husband. The ghostly pallor gives her the appearance of more than just
his widow. She is the symbolic tomb in which his spirit rests. Until recently, a
woman's mourning rituals included amputation of a finger each time a relative
died. Although the practice is no longer common, it has taken a toll on many
village elders, whose hands are barely more than stumps. As they toil away in
the fields, digging for tubers to find sustenance for the living, do they think
any more of the fingers they have lost to the dead, cut off to mark the passing
of loved ones?
Tribal full face tattoo chin Myanmar - Burma
Wealth is measured differently from one tribe to another, but one thing is
consistent: if they've got it, they flaunt it.
Cowry shells are a measure of wealth in the Dani tribe, although these
highlanders have no notion of the sea! The tribe's chiefs and most affluent
members wear a breastplate made of the shells to display this wealth. The value
of a shell is determined by its size, shape, color, ribbing and luster. Top
grade shells are given names, and accompanied by a detailed history of every
transaction in which they were involved. The shells take years to travel from
the coastal region to the highlands, passing through many hands en route, and
over time, this history increases their value.
Kayan or Padaung of Myanmar are known for the practice of "stretching" their
necks. Girls are first fitted
Kayan or Padaung Women Myanmar |
with the rings at the age of 5 or 6, on a day
prescribed by the horoscopic findings of the village shaman.
A new ring is added
to the coil stack each year until marriage. There are several theories about the
origin of this practice. Some say that it rendered the women
incapable of farming or heavy labor, thereby protecting them against kidnapping by invading
tribes and slave traders. Others believe it prevented tiger bites. Yet another
theory is that it is purely an expression of feminine beauty. What we do know is
that the number and value of the rings confers status on the wearer's family. |
Clay lip plates are a distinguishing feature of the Mursi women of Ethiopia.
Anthropological studies about the origin of the custom are inconclusive, but the
size of the plate is representative of the wearer's family's wealth, and
indicative of her bride price. Girls with particularly large plates fetch bride
prices of more than fifty head of cattle.
Fashionable naked people always accessorize
To this day, there are stone-age tribes that go about stark naked, but
resplendent in lavish personal adornments.
Dani men are immediately distinguished by their attire ... or lack of it.
They wear only a privacy gourd, or horim, and every man has several in his
wardrobe. They are very individualistic about their gourds, "training" them to
grow on the vine according to the shape they wish to wear. Some are thin and
straight, while some are curled at the end. Others look like rocket launchers,
but actually serve a practical purpose similar to a pocket: to carry cigarettes
and sweet potatoes. Another practical use for the horim is self expression. A
man will noisily flick the gourd with his fingernail to punctuate his words or
to indicate amazement. In spite of the ad hoc uses for the gourd, the primary
function is modesty. In addition to the gourds, Dani men use white lime,
flowers, fur, shells, feathers and curved bone nosepieces to make superb
accessories.
Known as "the naked people," the Bonda women of Orissa artfully cover themselves
with hundreds of strands of yellow, orange and white beads, which cascade
elegantly like a brilliant bib. The crowning accessories include a beaded
skullcap over a shaven head, silver neck and ear rings, and a brass nose ring.
(See cover story, January 2006 PSA Journal.)
A thing of beauty
Many adornments are used strictly for aesthetic effect, and manifest the rich
imagination of a tribe's sense of beauty.
Women of Orissa's Longia Soura tribe stretch their earlobes by placing
increasingly larger balsa wood earplugs into their pierced ears. After several
months, the earlobe is so elastic that it nearly reaches their shoulders.
Ethiopia's Mursi men paint themselves with white chalk, transforming the body
into a living, communicative art form and expression of individuality. To
complete the look, a stylish Mursi man always accessorizes with his weapon of
choice, which is just as likely to be a spear as a vintage Kalashnikov assault
rifle.
A word is worth a thousand pictures
It" you plan to photograph in tribal cultures, there are several things
to keep in mind. The first is the challenge of photographing dark skin tones
against a blue or white sky, without underexposing the subject. Use powerful
enough flash to accomplish this, but not so intense that it will wash out body
markings. As a rule, I set my flash at minus one for a perfect exposure, and if
at all possible, I ask the subject to move into a shaded area.
You are a privileged visitor when you are in another culture. Acquaint
yourself with local customs, be aware of the feelings of the people, and avoid
offensive behavior that may violate their belief system. Tribal people are among
the most photogenic in the world and many do not mind being photographed;
however, some are far less willing. Always ask permission before taking
someone's portrait, and be sensitive to the fact that some do not want to be
photographed. Photographing someone against their will violates their privacy
and is treated as a very serious infraction. It could result in the confiscation
of film or cameras, and place you at risk. Before focusing on the picture, focus
on cultural interactions by smiling, making friends and learning a few basic
phrases in the local dialect. A picture, as they say, is worth a thousand words,
but when you're photographing indigenous people, one friendly word in the right
language can be worth a thousand pictures.
Living in the remnants of time
Of all the ways that a culture distinguishes itself--through music, dance,
architecture, religion, ceremonies--ritual decoration is the most fascinating of
all. So, why do tribes adorn, tattoo, pierce or scarify themselves? Why do they
create a visual uniformity that so obviously sets them apart? Certainly to
convey beauty, wealth, status, bravery, or to appease the spirits. But beyond
the significant and unambiguous symbolism of body art, jewelry, clothing and
hairstyles, there is another, more timeless reason. It's a matter of survival.
It keeps them together ... and keeps everyone else out. The more rituals a tribe
binds into its culture, the less likely that members of the group will
assimilate into the surrounding society; the less likely that they will be
"civilized" into extinction. By remaining true to tribal identity, they maintain
a perpetual memorial to their ancestors. These rituals honor the past, nurture
the future, and preserve extraordinary people living in the remnants of time.
Author Debbie Jefkin-Elnekave, Chicago, Illinois, COPYRIGHT Photographic Society
of America, Inc. and Gale Group
Tribal Tattoos and Tribal Tattoo Designs Uncovered
Tribal tattoo are
some of the most popular tattoo designs in the entire world, and although they
have become so mainstream, people around the world are still buying into the
traditional tribal tattoo design.
 
Tribal tattoo chin Myanmar Burma 1 lady
Tribal tattoo chin Myanmar Burma 2 lady
Tribal tattoos are absolutely fascinating. There are so many different types
that it's impossible to say anything bad about the design in general. There are
so many different people and tribes throughout culture and history who have
practiced this traditional tattoo. To call a tattoo tribal simply means to be of
a tribe, but the style hasn't been taken from one specific group of people.
Instead it is characteristic of bold, solid black patterns similar to the styles
of Polynesia and the Pacific.
Tribal tattoo art is significant of its
sweeping curves and sharp points that work together to form patterns.
The tribal style can easily be a part of any type of image and can portray just
about anything at all.
The tribal tattoo was not originally
intended to be something that looked cool.
The main intent for the tattoo was power, in that the Samoans believed a body
suit of tattoos was a great step toward becoming a man.
American Indians used the style of body art to protect themselves while in
battle, and Burmese villagers believed that tattooing a design over the heart
will protect the area of the body from bullets.
Tribal tattoos are not meant for looks, but more for the extreme symbolism
saturated within the design. Tribal tattoos were once significant only to
Pacific Islanders and Africans, but now are one of the most popular throughout
the entire world.
Tribal tattoo
Myanmar Burma Chin Lady
Within the Maori
culture of New Zealand, tribal tattoo
symbolism is a huge part of their lives. Many believe the Moko style of tattoo,
in which the tribal tattoos are drawn on a face, believed to be a necessity in
the afterlife. The Maori people believed tribal tattoos helped spirits find and
identify dead Maoris.
The Maori people used small chisel-shaped pieces of bone when
creating their tribal tattoos.
Maori Tribal Tattoo |
The bone was dipped
in pigment,
and then struck with a mallet to create
the grooves and characteristics of the desired tattoo.
But when creating the Moko tattoo, artists needed for the bone to penetrate deep into the skin and
cuts were often so deep that they went straight through the cheek.
But
the pride of the Maori warriors
kept caused them to continue the fascinating body art.
The decorative art of
the tribal tattoo was said in earlier times
to reflect their character and the fierceness of their nature. Even if the
ancient warrior was killed by their enemy, the untattooed body would be kicked aside, while the
tattooed would be treated with respect. |
Today tribal tattoos
are so rarely looked upon for their symbolism,
but more for the beauty of the design within itself and what it means to the
individual person holding the art.
About the Author
Neil Crespi
Find more in depth information on tribal tattoos at Rank My Tattoos; where
writer Neil Crespi is an editor.
Maori - The Tattooed Face Of Native Marketing
As a marketer, have
you spent many a late night coming up with a new marketing concept? Or perhaps
you are a business owner who seeks to balance ethical business practices with
making sustainable profits. You shake your head as you read the recommendations
of your marketing manager. Quick-fix solutions. No long term thinking.
Everything is now, now, now. So you decide to watch Discovery channel. You flick
the remote. You stare at the screen...
Tattooed faces of Maori warriors from New
Zealand. Performing a war dance. Raw,
authentic, alive. You think, this what my marketing should be like. Real,
natural, authentic. A facial tattoo worn with pride rather than an uniform with
a brand on the pocket.
Tribal tattoo chin old
lady Myanmar - Burma |
Tell me, have you heard of the
Maori of New Zealand?
Probably not. Just like not many people outside of China have
heard of Sun Tzu. Yet his ancient text on the arts of war has
influenced Chinese business thinking for centuries. So what's
the point? Well in today's global markets, understanding different cultures is
very important. Even more important is the ability to sense the subtle layers of
communication. To perceive what's important in the minds and hearts of your
international customers. It's about vibrations. Picking up what your customers
are thinking. What they are feeling.
Now the word Maori is a very
interesting word.
Physically it means the native people of New Zealand. There are
about 650,000 Maori in a world of 6.5 billion people. They are
one of the most advanced native cultures in terms of integrating
western thinking. They managed to sign a treaty with the British
which showed strong independence and political acumen.
Metaphysically the word Maori means pure, natural vibration. You
are 100% pure natural vibration wrapped up in a body. You are
100% pure YOU. Every person has their own unique vibration.
Their own personal signature. Their own individual tattoo.
Everybody is a natural vibration of energy. |
Here is how you can
use the word Maori as an acronym to market and celebrate your uniqueness...
M = Metaphor.
Use stories. Use symbols. Use the senses to impart your message. This is why the
tattooed
Maori face is such a powerful metaphor. It evokes the primeval emotions. The
whirling spirals of the cosmos. The star patterns. The flowing tides. The
unfurling fern. These images were all metaphors. They all represented aspects of
nature. By tattooing these symbols into the skin they strengthened a man's
connection to the universe.
A = Authentic.
You must be authentic. Your marketing, your business is an extension of who you
are. So you must align the purpose of your business with your own higher
purpose. What would you die for? Or what would you survive for? Your answers to
these questions point towards your higher purpose. Your true path. This is why
the tattoo was so respected by the Maori. The spilling of blood and the intense
pain endured during the tattooing process gave the tattoo-wearer much mana or
prestige. The blood and the pain strengthened the character of the person for
peace and war.
O = Organic.
Model the wisdom of nature. Look to the insects, the plants, the animals, the
trees for lessons on life and business. We are a part of nature, not apart from
nature. So finds way to be more organic in your thinking, in your actions. Think
about your mortality for a moment. One day you will die. What will endure after
your body has gone? In death there is life reborn. So find ways to leave a
legacy that will last for a 1000 years or more.
R = Reciprocity.
The Maori law of reciprocity is called Koha. It means to exchange energy. It is
the principle of giving and receiving. Just like breathing, you must exhale in
order to inhale. Life and nature operate on reciprocity. For example a forest is
a marketplace of exchange. Energy is being exchanged right now between the many
species that comprise a forest. It represents the perfect economy. The perfect
marketplace where everything benefits. There is no waste. Just transformation of
raw matter into useable energy. So make sure that you are finding ways to
cooperate and share your abundance with others. You make a living from what you
get. You make a life from what you give.
I = Inspired. The word "inspired" comes from the Latin root word spiritus
meaning breath.
So what ignites your breath? What makes feel alive? It is
essential for the longevity of your business that you build it from the
heartwood of inspiration. Carved with the laboring hand of love. There to stand
for centuries as shelter for the homeless and the needy.
So when you need to add more impact, just think Maori and set your inner
vibrations to high. Tattoo
your mark upon the face of the world.
About the Author
Hirini Reedy is a Maori metaphysicist, former military officer, martial arts
founder and eco-business coach. He combines ancient Maori wisdom with modern
insights at http://www.maorisecrets.com
Hawaiian Arm Tattoo and Arm
Band Tattoos - The New Tribal Tattoo
One of the biggest
and hottest growing trends in the art of tattoo design is Hawaiian arm or leg
band tattoos. As this trend goes a lot of
people think to themselves, well of course. At least that is what I said to
myself at first. You can hardly drive more then 10 minutes on the freeway in
southern California where I am from and not see a big SUV like a Lincoln
Navigator or a Cadillac Escalade and not see a Hawaiian sticker. Things with
flowers designs, or turtles, dolphins. Ya see it started off with the sticker
and then the car seat covers with hibiscus flowers everywhere and it just grew
from there.
This trend of Hawaiian design
has then met it's match with the whole
tribal tattoo movement. Tribal tattoos have been the hottest thing in the tattoo
world since sliced bread or the old school WWII era Hula dancer. You see these
influences have been all around us for a long time my grandpa even has one of
those Hula Girls tattoos still. Granted it is a little saggy and faded now but
he still has one on his forearm nonetheless. So the whole tribal tattoo and the
growth in interest for Hawaiian designs have combined to make a hot and growing
market for Hawaiian tattoos. This is really an up and coming thing and it not
huge yet. However many tattoo artists are spotting the trend and jumping on it
already.
Of course there is a lot of controversy on
this subject also like anything. If you
look on the internet there is a controversy about getting Kanji and Japanese
Tattoos also. Anytime you try and take the designs of a culture and do not
depict them accurately it creates a sense of bastardization or what I call the
"Disney Effect" towards the culture. I mean how would you feel if you were in
China and someone said, oh you should try this hot new restaurant out it serves
this great food that is really American. They have fried chicken and apple pie
that is the best." Well, at first you would be excited right? Sure it would be
nice for a good home cooked meal if you have been out of the US for a long time.
However once you get there you see the place has really tacky and awful
reproductions of 50's art and the all the food tastes kind of strange. It would
probably bee kind of close or resemble what you were thinking of but it would be
missing something or a few key ingredients. I bet this would leave you feeling a
little sad and like your culture was not totally understood.
Well, I can not speak for you and maybe
you will feel different but I was pretty
sad when after staying in Japan for 3 months I was invited to a 1950's classic
hamburger joint. When we got there it was Elvis with a funny accent playing on
the jukebox and when my hamburger came it had a fried egg on top of it with
teriyaki sauce. WOW what a surprise that was for me. I kind of felt weird about
being in the place that had tried to recreate something from my own culture.
So, the same controversy rolls on in the world of tattoos. Anytime you get a
tattoo design from another culture just make sure you go with a professional. Do
not have your friend trace out some Kanji in a book for a tattoo and don't go
and rip some design of the internet because it states that it is Hawaiian. Go to
a real custom tattoo designer and have them do the research and come up with
some designs. After all this is going to be on your body for the rest of your
life and since Hawaiian arm band tattoos and leg tattoos are typically big it
will be a significant investment in pain, time and money to get the thing done.
So you should consult with a professional and get top notch work done.
Author
Chris Ryerson
has been running Design My Tattoos website for the last three months. He
likes helping people find the custom tattoo designs and where to get them done
by professional tattoo artists.
Check out the site and post a job to get your own custom tattoo design. If you
are a tattoo artist and would like to earn some extra income go ahead and sign
up as an artists and make some money in your spare time. Check out this article
on Hawaiian arm tattoos on the site.
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