The Tattooing Arts of Tribal Women

Book Details

• Author: Lars Krutak

• Brand: Bennett & Bloom

• Binding: Paperback

• Number of Pages: 192

• Release Date: 25-10-2007

• Languages: English

• ISBN: 9781898948742

About the Book

The Tattooing Arts of Tribal Women is a stunning, richly illustrated exploration of the ancient art of tattooing among indigenous women across the globe. Written by tattoo anthropologist Lars Krutak, this captivating book is the culmination of his decade-long research into the history and cultural significance of women's tribal tattoos. Spanning five continents, the book takes readers on a journey through the personal and collective acts of transformation that tattooing represents for these communities.

Throughout history, women have used tattoos to beautify, heal, empower, and even carry their souls into the afterlife. In The Tattooing Arts of Tribal Women, Krutak delves into the deeper meanings behind this practice, revealing how tattooing was not just a form of body art but a spiritual ritual, an act of sacrifice, and a powerful expression of identity. By marking their skin, these women created a living canvas that reflected their experiences, beliefs, and the shared pain of ritual, symbolizing their connection to the gods, ancestors, and the natural world.

Through more than 260 illustrations—both color and black & white—Krutak offers an in-depth examination of tattoo patterns, techniques, and their historical context. The book includes interviews with indigenous people who continue to practice this ancient art, providing valuable insight into the ongoing significance of tattooing in tribal cultures. The Tattooing Arts of Tribal Women is an essential resource for those interested in the cultural history of tattooing, as well as the deeper meanings and transformative power of body art in indigenous traditions.