Tattoos were technically used to refer to something about a person or a kind of message that can be understood within the community. The ancient tribes across the world who used to live together often got tattoos either to please their Gods or as a symbol of valor and glory. A leader from the community or someone with a special position used to wear these tattoos.
Today, we will look into the Naga community and how they have embraced the tattoo tradition, which is used to show how it’s intertwined with the community and their beliefs.
Significance of Tattoos in Different Societies
Tattoos are not just simple markings in the body it’s more of a form through which one shows their connection and roots of their traditions. Like other communities in the tribes of Naga, people also get tattoos to show respect and care for their loved ones and the faith they follow.
Often, in these communities, marking the body means they are ready to withhold the pain and can do good in the next life. All these beliefs are intertwined with body art, and thus, it’s a sacred art form in the tribal communities. In modern times, there are tattoo supplies that allow new tattoo artists to make traditional tattoos for clients and can create deep significance through their work.
How Tattoos Are Getting Different From the Traditional Ones
The major difference in the art of tattooing from the traditional ones is that in the old ones, there were single designs of the tattoo, and since it follows the tradition, there was no creative liberty.
However, in the modern subculture, tattoos are evolving, and people within the tribal community are also now getting influenced by the impacts of modernity. They are getting tattoos that hold the mark of their tribe but are more creative in the process.
Role of Tattoo in the Current Naga Community
When it comes to Naga communities, they are the less impacted ones who are influenced by fashion trends. It happens mainly due to their seclusion from the overall community of the people. Therefore, the tattoo art there is influenced by the nature around them and through their imagination.
Difference Between the Methods of Tattooing: Traditional vs Modern
Tattoos are something that are sacred in the Naga community. In today’s time, we see the rise of tattoo gun accessories in the modern tattoo studio. However, within the community, there are still practices of using thorns as needles, and the ink is made from the pigments of the plants. Medicinal leaves are still in use to wipe off the blood.
In the modern city centers, which are beyond the village of the community, there are tattoo parlors that use needles and tattoo guns, which are safe and follow the hygiene protocol, which reduces the risk of any major accidents.
The Meaning of Icons in the Traditional Naga Tattoos
Finally, it’s the icons of tattoos in the Naga communities that have taken forms in the textiles, wall paintings, and tattoos. These icons of the tribe show the culture and quality of the people.
The beliefs of the Naga community are open for the world to explore and how they have captured life in its simplest forms.
