Evidence of tribal tattoos can be traced to ancient civilizations, across a wide range of cultures. The word "tattoo" is spoken in many different languages, and the traditions carried by each rendition are each unique and sacred to its people. Tribal tattoos often signify social status, rank or affiliation, or mark a rite of passage. The indigenous Ainus of Japan practiced an artful style of tribal tattooing. Older women may have tattooed themselves in celebration of their goddess, hoping to appear in her form in order to scare away sickness or threats to their village. Younger women were probably tattooed when they reached a marriageable age. The Maori of New Zealand commonly used their form of tribal tattooing to create pacts, or contracts among their people. This form of tattooing, referred to as "Ta Moko", is a process in which deep grooves are cut into the skin, and pigment is then packed into the wounds to seal in color while healing takes place. Like the Maori, the people of Borneo have a long-held tradition of tribal tattooing. Their practices are viewed as very ceremonial, and include an animal sacrifice before every tattoo. Today, tribal tattooing is making its way to mainstream Western culture. You may find replicas of ancient tribal tattoos on the walls of many tattoo shops. These images, referred to as flash art, are not based on the same traditions and rituals as their predecessors. For those interested in the tribal tattoos, but not in the pain commonly found associated in getting one, nor the commitment of inking a lifetime mark, temporary tattoos are available.
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