Tattoo

A tattoo is a form of body modification in which pigment is inserted into the skin to create a design, symbol, or text.

A tattoo is a form of body modification in which pigment is inserted into the skin to create a design, symbol, or text. The term also refers to the resulting permanent or long-lasting mark on the body. Tattoos have been used for decorative, symbolic, religious, and identification purposes across many cultures.

Definition

A tattoo is a visible mark or design on the skin produced by injecting pigment beneath the surface. Dictionaries and reference works describe it both as the act of tattooing and as the finished image or inscription.

History

Tattooing is an ancient practice attested in many societies, with evidence discussed in reference sources as extending back to prehistory. It has appeared in different cultural settings for identity, ritual, and ornamentation.

Cultural meaning

Across cultures, tattoos may function as personal decoration, signs of belonging, religious marks, or symbols of status and transition. Their meaning depends heavily on social context and the specific motif used.

Technique

Modern tattooing generally uses needles to deposit pigment into the dermis. Reference sources note that the permanence of the result depends on how deeply the pigment is placed and on later body changes and possible removal methods.