Some tribes in Indonesia use elaborate full-body tattoos to distinguish themselves. For these tribes, the art of body tattooing is not only an artistic expression but is part of one's life cycle where tattoos signify age, social status, and profession.
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| A tribesman from the Mentawai |
At around 11 or 12 years old, children are given their first tattoos starting from the upper arms. At 18, tattoos are applied on the thighs and then the whole body. The Mentawai believe that "dressing" themselves up with tattoos forms an essential part of life and their culture, since in the afterlife they will be able to recognize each other and their ancestors through their tattoos.
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| Mentawai tribesmen |
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