Berber tattooing

In a studio in the back streets of a quiet residential area in Casablanca, berber tattooing old tradition is being reborn. My curiosity had brought me to a studio called Bachibouzouka "cultural space" home to a diverse range of people working on a suite of creative projects. I was here to meet the founder of the Aswad Tattooing Club berber tattooing the man working to bring a year-old tradition back to life, berber tattooing. Walking into the space, the first thing I notice is a vintage thrift store with a colourful array of clothes lining the entrance.

Berber tattoos, steeped in rich cultural history and symbolism, are more than just ink on skin; they are a profound expression of identity, tradition, and spirituality. Originating from the indigenous Berber people of North Africa, these tattoos are a captivating visual language that weaves myths and meanings into intricate designs. In this exploration of Berber tattoos, we will delve into the captivating symbolism behind these ancient markings that have stood the test of time. The process of receiving a Berber tattoo is often a rite of passage, marking significant transitions such as puberty, marriage, or achievements within the community. Berber tattoos are imbued with the echoes of ancient myths and legends that have been passed down through generations. One such myth is that of Tifinagh, the mythical figure credited with the creation of the Amazigh script.

Berber tattooing

Eurovision Song Contest organisers are scrutinising the Israeli submission after lyrics leaked to the media appeared to refer to the Oct. Skip to main content. Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionals Learn more about Refinitiv. Few Tunisians now speak the Berber languages more commonly found in Algeria and Morocco, and outward signs of Berber cultural identity are often relegated to motifs found on the handicrafts mass-produced for tourists. Among Tunisians, they were seen as symbols of an impoverished past but some younger people are now becoming interested in their Berber roots and turn to Mahdouani, 35, to connect them to it with tattoos. She said she prized the way each marking signified a part of a woman's tribal or family identity. It's like a Facebook wall and this is my wall," she said, asking not to give her family name. As tattoos took off around the world, some younger Tunisians took up the trend, but without looking back at their own tradition of body art. Mahdouani said many Tunisians had grown to see Berber tattoos as low class or disreputable. Just as there are Maori and other tribal tattoos known all around the world, we should take pride too in a tradition going back 6, years in Tunisia," she said. Mahdouani has researched the traditional "tekaz" tradition of Berber tattoos, collecting designs and learning about the custom of using body art to ward off disease or bad luck through particular symbols on different parts of the body. In a village outside the central city of Kairouan, Mahdouani quizzed Seiada Issaoui, an elderly woman with ink marks on her forehead, cheeks, nose and chin, about the prevalence of tattoos when she was young. On their legs, arms and chests as well," Issaoui said. Later, Mahdouani carefully copied down Issaoui's designs. Read Next.

A elderly Moroccan woman with faded tattoos on her chin the siyala and forehead.

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Tattoos have been a form of expression, identity, and art for centuries, and Berber tattoos are no exception. These tattoos, originating from the Berber or Amazigh people of North Africa, carry a rich tapestry of history, symbolism, and cultural significance. From the bustling markets of Morocco to the vast Saharan dunes, Berber tattoos tell stories of identity, belief, and artistry. Why are Berber tattoos so revered and what secrets do they hold? How do they differentiate from other African tattoos? What do these symbols convey about the lives and beliefs of the Berber women who traditionally bore them? Delving into these questions reveals a world where every line, dot, and figure carries deeper meanings, often rooted in ancient traditions and cultural narratives.

Berber tattooing

Berber tattoos, steeped in rich cultural history and symbolism, are more than just ink on skin; they are a profound expression of identity, tradition, and spirituality. Originating from the indigenous Berber people of North Africa, these tattoos are a captivating visual language that weaves myths and meanings into intricate designs. In this exploration of Berber tattoos, we will delve into the captivating symbolism behind these ancient markings that have stood the test of time.

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Myths and Legends:. A Living Tapestry of Identity:. Spirituality and Protection:. Table of contents. Up a rickety staircase, there are more vintage items: projectors, record players, mixers, and VCR units, all haphazardly buried beneath a heap of wires. This first step into womanhood was celebrated as it marked her entry into the tribe as a full participant, ready to produce children and raise the future generation. Jaouad describing some of his own tattoos. Parents were reluctant to mark their children the way they had once been marked, fearing they would be shamed or cast out. I remember the first time I went, there were these big guys with massive muscles and tattoos and bikes. This shift in attitude towards the tradition caused women to grow resentful towards their tattoos.

Berber tattoos were undoubtedly initially a distinctive sign, a mark of a tribe.

Please try again. Behind a sunken couch are bags full of vintage clothes yet to be put on display. Berber tattoos, featuring the Amazigh script, are a tangible connection to this mythic origin, embodying the spirit of cultural resilience. Jaouad showing off one of Bachibouzouk's many treasured items. They were smoking cigarettes and I was watching them like, 'wow, this is so cool! Myths and Legends:. I agree to receive your newsletters and accept the data privacy statement. Each pattern carries its own significance, with triangles representing femininity and fertility, while diamonds symbolize protection and warding off evil spirits. A Living Tapestry of Identity:. While Jaouad believes that it is important to preserve the tradition of Amazigh tattooing, he acknowledges that getting a tattoo is a personal decision. He describes each tattooing experience as "magical". Lifestyle category Beyonce storms to first UK no.