For centuries, tattoos have carried stories etched onto skin – tales of identity, faith, and heritage. In today’s world, they’ve become a popular canvas for self-expression among young Indians, who mix contemporary designs with deeply personal meanings. But long before tattoos became a fashion statement, they were an integral part of India’s cultural fabric, woven into the lives of its diverse tribes.
Tattoos have symbolised everything from protection and beauty to social status and spirituality. These age-old practices, known as ’gonda‘ or ’tarazwa‘, are steeped in meaning, with each tribe offering a unique take on this ancient art.
Let’s journey through India’s tribal heartlands and uncover the fascinating tattoo traditions that continue to thrive, each telling its own unforgettable story.
The Apatani Tribe
In the Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, the Apatani women bear distinctive tattoos as a mark of identity. Starting at age ten, they are tattooed in winter to minimise pain. Soot mixed with animal fat forms the ink, which is hammered into the skin using thorny needles and small hammers. The resulting infection enhances the design, leaving bold patterns that signify their tribal pride.
The Ao Nagas
Among the Ao tribe in Nagaland, tattooing is an essential rite of passage for girls. Without these tattoos, a girl faces shame and risks an unfavourable marriage. Cane thorns and tree sap pigments create intricate designs, while rituals such as offering a sacrificial fowl, ward off evil spirits. Men are strictly forbidden from observing this sacred ceremony.
The Dhanuks
For the Dhanuk women of Bihar, tattoos act as shields against unwanted attention. Even behind their veils, their inked faces and bodies deter predatory noblemen. These tattoos, stark markers of lower caste status, contrast with the unmarked upper-caste women, making a bold statement of defiance and resilience.
The Rabaris
In Gujarat, Rabari women proudly display ’trajva‘ tattoos, symbols of strength and identity. Despite the pain and risk of infection, brides undergo tattooing to enhance their beauty, as bare skin is considered unattractive. Men often wear camel designs on their hands, while tattoo ink is crafted from soot, tannin, and even mother’s milk.
The Santhals
The Santhals of Bengal and Jharkhand link their tattoos to life’s milestones. Men wear coin-shaped ‘sikka’ designs on their forearms, with odd-numbered patterns symbolising vitality. Women, on the other hand, bear intricate floral tattoos, believed to prepare them for motherhood and imbue them with resilience.
The Toda Tribe
In Tamil Nadu, the ’pachakutharathu‘ tattoos of the Toda tribe are inspired by their traditional embroidery. Complex kolam patterns are inked to trap malevolent spirits and ensure safety until reunification with ancestors. These designs, adorning the hands and legs, reflect the tribe’s deep connection to their cultural roots.