Tattooing has different significance for different people and their culture. Since tattoo is a primitive art form, there are many reasons of having one on the body. The most significant reason among them is religious, spiritual, health, fashion, and even protection against bad spirits or enemies. Tattoos were also created on the body to show class or status. Different symbols of tattoos used to identify people of various ranks in a community. Making tattoos for the purpose of showing ranks and status was especially seen within the tribal people of Africa. However the different purpose of tattooing varies from one culture to another.

Various purposes of tattooing for various cultures

People from the pacific islands had different purpose of wearing a tattoo. The Tahiti island inhabitants used to wear tattoos on their whole body mostly to decorate themselves. The tattooing used to be an integral part of their custom, which was being mentioned in their songs and legends which down through generations. The inhabitants of the Hawaii Island had a different purpose of tattooing their body. They not only loved decorating their bodies with beautiful tattoos, but also used it for health and spiritual purposes. The Samoan islanders used tattoos for the purpose of distinguishing class and family. Members from a celebrated family will wear a unique tattoo to mark their status. People like the chieftain and his followers would wear tattoos to show off their power and authority on their clan.

In the prehistoric age, tattoos were done mainly for therapeutic and spiritual reasons. The early Egyptian women used to wear tattoos as a symbol of fertility. Many mummified bodies have been discovered which bore different types of tattoos. People from the prehistoric era used to believe that tattoos had healing power and thus they were used as means of therapy for various ailments.

In the modern times the only purpose that a tattoo serves is that of grooming the body. It has become a style statement for many. And with more and more people trying out this art, tattooing has got a real boost.

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