Berber Tattooing: in Morocco's Middle Atlas

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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. For important ceremonies and celebrations henna or Harquus are often used to replace the significant symbolism of the tattoo, but on a temporary basis. Despite this deep-rooted history, the practice is dying out due to a mixture of increasing religiosity and the spread of western fashions. Symbolising personal milestones and community history, the tattoos can say a lot about a woman’s life. For Amazighs, tattoos are generally transmitted from generation to generation, practised by expert women in the Chaouia villages. In the oases of the South, it seems that the women from the same family tattooed each other.

Women see the frog’s song as pure because this animal is deemed sacred as it lives in the rare waters of the desert. Many women today choose to mark themselves with henna instead, a natural dye that fades away over the course of a week or two. Bedouin Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.Albeit sharing similar culture, Amazighs are part of many regional sub-tribes that spread in different parts of North Africa, that include: Besides the aesthetic and ornamental functions, Amazigh tattoos aimed to symbolise social status. “ Young girls would wear tattoos to highlight the stage of puberty and indicate that girls were ready for marriage “, Maya added. Because they could not buy jewellery and henna as it was costly at that time, women tattooed themselves always to look and feel beautiful .”

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! The first of the facial tattoos is called ‘siyala’ and is on the chin. Siyala often takes the form of a symbolic palm tree tattoo which consists of a simple straight line from the bottom of the lip to the bottom of the chin. This line would sometimes be flanked by dots representing seeds. Spiritual virtues: Berber tattoos are known to have a purifying nature, according to the Amazigh people they have the ability to purify body and soul. Spiritually, they represent sacrifices for the purification and redemption of the soul, the tattoo would act as a bridge between the body and the spirit aiming to attain spiritual fullness. When I did the tattoo, I did not know that it is forbidden in Islam, when I went to the pilgrimage, I asked about that and they told me that there is no problem, because when I did it I did not know anything, but despite that I'm afraid and I want to remove it," says Taguelmane. 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.Men, among the Berbers, are rarely tattooed, except among the Zemmour, the Beni-Mguild, and the Aït-Youssi. In some cases, animals were also depicted in tattoos, for instance, the image of a gazelle would demonstrate grace and beauty. Kurdish 'deq' Tattoos have largely disappeared among the Berber tribes due to the fact that the Berber tribes have disappeared. Is there still a tribe? The Berber society has changed," says Es-Semmar.

But where does this tradition of tattooing on women’s bodies come from? The first reason is primarily aesthetic: these graphic drawings that adorn their skins are intended to remain there for life. It is a kind of natural and eternal jewel, which does not need to be removed, which blends into the skin and its natural wrinkles. 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. Amazigh use many symbols, in various types of carpets, ornaments for women, as well as in tattoos,'' says Es-Semmar. Tattoos in a tribal context are as much a communicator as they are a means of Adornment. They can be understood in the capacity of an expression of self, a sign of religious belonging, or relieve symptoms of spiritual or physical ills.

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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. Today, the term “Berbers” is still mainly used in the West to portray the native inhabitants of North Africa, which the Amazighs disagree with and find pejorative.

This operation was very painful, then I waited for a week until there was a crust on my face, then I removed it, at this time we can see the final result of the tattoo."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. But whilst many are well-acquainted with eldest son Filip Leu’s Japanese-style works (thanks largely to the tattoo publications which grew in number and accessibility during his rise), fewer people have been able to appreciate the art of his father and mentor Felix Leu (1945 - 2002). These areas of the body were perceived to require protection from the ‘Jnoun’ ( bad spirits) which may try to enter her body and possess her.