MAGICAL TATTOOS AND SCARIFICATION

Spiritual Skin: MAGICAL TATTOOS AND SCARIFICATION is a photographic masterwork in two parts exploring the secret world of magical tattooing and scarification across the tribal world. The journey into highly sacred territory reveals how people utilize ritual body modification to enhance their access to the supernatural. The first part delves into the ancient art of Thai tattooing or sak yant, and the tattooing worlds of the Amerindians, from Woodlands warriors to Amazonian shamans. The discussion of talismanic tattooing is concluded with a detailed look at the individuals who created magical tattoos and the various techniques they used. Part two is an absolute must-read-and-see for anyone seeking knowledge about the religious meanings of tribal scarification. The rituals, techniques, and spiritual iconography of scarmasters in Benin (Bétamarribé), Papua New Guinea (Kaningara), and Ethiopia (Hamar) expose a relatively undocumented world of permanent body symbolism created through painful and bloody rites of self-sacrifice and restraint. 24.5 x 31.5 cm; 400 pages about 420 images and illustrations hardcover thread bound