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Tattoo History: Algerian Women
On traditional Algerian women’s tattooing, Mathéa Gaudry identifies the forehead pattern as a palm tree, a symbol of fertility.
The jaw line patterns “are broken lines with a diamond to repel the Evil Eye. The
simple, geometric patterns act as topographical lines on the face. As facial contours
change with smiles, frowns, and grimaces, the lines flex.“
Among Berber Amazigh* women, “the lip was frequently tattooed as well as the underlip and chin. Sometimes this
tattooing extended into the inside of the lip, even to the gums of the lower teeth.
Nibbling the lower lip was a favorite sexual foreplay, so a tattooed lower lip was an
‘invitation to nibble’.”
Most Algerian women were tattooed prior to marriage, to become “suitable for marriage, and virtually all women married. If a woman
did not quickly become pregnant, she was likely to be repudiated (divorced) by her
husband. If her family did not take her back, sex work was one of the few ways she could
earn a living.”
Sources:
Catherine Cartwright-Jones, PhD, harquus.com (2005)
Mathéa Gaudry. ”La Femme Chaouia de L'Aures“ (1929)
👇 via The Center For Tattoo History and Culture👇
@centerfortattoo
*EDIT: "Berber” was changed to Amazigh, the preferred term for people of this group. While many historical texts use the term “Berber,” it was brought to our attention that this is considered a racial slur by Amazigh people. Thanks to the fans who help edit @tattrx !
