This beautiful photograph was taken by @littleinukphotography - if you like portrait photography then definitely check their profile - but I mainly wanted to share this particular photo because it is a wonderful example of traditional Inuit tattoos. . Tattoos have always been a big part of human history, and can be seen on ancient carvings and wall art, as well as physically on well-preserved skin (for example on the Pazyryk mummies from the Atlay Mountains in Siberia, 3rd/4th century BC). Nowadays, most tattoos are merely for display, and sees not linked to a particular meaning or history. However - especially amongst indigenous groups, tattoos are a link to cultural heritage and a shared past. One of the most well-known tattooing traditions are the Maori face tattoos, which are related to the family history and story of each individual. One of the lesser-known traditions are tattoos for Inuit women. . In this photograph, you can see the decorated lines on the forehead, chin, and finger. Traditionally, the facial tattoos were only for women who had reached puberty and learnt all the skills necessary to be married, and were therefore a sign of skill and maturity. The finger tattoos were to allow passage to the afterlife by the sea goddess. These are just a few examples, but highlight the significance and symbolism of tattoos to Inuit women. . When the first missionaries arrived in the Arctic, they denounced the tattoos as shameful and demonic, did it was forbidden to receive any new ones. This meant that within one or two generations, the deep history of Inuit tattooing vanished. However, new movements by Inuit groups aim to reclaim this cultural tradition, and more and more Inuit women are embracing the associated ritual and meanings. (For more information, check out the documentary “Tunniit: Retracing the Lines of Inuit Tattoos” by the great @alethea_aggiuq ) . In this way, a tattoo is not just a static symbol, but a link to a historic tradition that goes thousands of years, and a way for indigenous groups to reclaim their cultural heritage. . #inuittattoo #Inuit #inuitculturalheritage #tattoo #culturaltattoo #tattooing #indigenous #culturalheritage https://www.instagram.com/p/CETrLMHngtJ/?igshid=1upl4ig8xcr0h
