Berber Tattooing: in Morocco's Middle Atlas

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The facial tattooing of women in the ancient Berber tradition is a mark of cultural identity and womanhood. Many tribes in Africa view the body as a canvas for decoration and would prefer to wear little to no clothing. Body decorations and transformationswere made to mark certain milestones in a person’s life. The Berbers, indigenous to North Africa, have a rich and ancient culture. Their traditional crafts, including jewellery, pottery, weaving, and henna art, hold great value and have been passed down for generations.

Some Bedouin tribes also believe that markings will cure them of ailments, and symbols such as dots on the side of the head or above their eyes are said to heal a person's aches and pains. Therapeutic function: for the Berbers Tattoos have a therapeutic function, since they protect the human being against organic and psychological ailments and protect them from the dangers of acute epidemics and nature. For example, women used tattoos on the overthrow to protect themselves from goiter disease, tattoos on the ankles, Achilles ligament and shoulders protect against sterility, those on the wrists protect against sprains and above the chest. brow bone, they relieve eye pain. In some tribes, tattoos are generally limited to a single point above the chin, one on the right side of the nose to protect against scratches.Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

Amazigh use many symbols, in various types of carpets, ornaments for women, as well as in tattoos,'' says Es-Semmar. The placement of Berber Tattoos was often around openings in the body.( eyes, nose, mouth, navel and vagina) or upon surfaces of the body which may be perceived as vulnerable ( the feet and the hands). Today, there are lots of misconceptions regarding the people of North Africa. Amazighs are often mistaken for Arabs or associated with people of the Middle East by Westerners. As you will have understood, tattoos are an important part of the culture and history of the Amazigh people, beyond the simple aesthetics, it is a symbol of belonging and a talisman of protection for who recognizes and wears it!

They are indigenous inhabitants of that region who came with their own language -Tamazight- culture and religion. Amazighs also share a common heritage and linguistic origin with various dialects such as Tachelhit-Tamazight-Tarifit-Taqbaylit and Tamasheq. According to legend, Amazigh women would cover themselves with tattoos in the presence of French soldiers in a bid to deter their sexual interest. In some cases, animals were also depicted in tattoos, for instance, the image of a gazelle would demonstrate grace and beauty. Kurdish 'deq' Some tattoos also signify a girl's transition into womanhood and, typically, a group of girls of a similar age get tattooed at the same time.