Ancient Ink Reborn: Revitalizing Traditional Inuit Tattooing

For thousands of years, Inuit people have marked themselves with tattoos. While designs and meanings vary, tattoos remain a vital part of the culture. But a century ago, the tradition was nearly lost when missionaries came to Inuit communities and began colonizing. Now, artist Marjorie Tahbone is intent on reawakening this ancient art using the traditional techniques of her native people.

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[lollypop]

I am SO proud and happy to see our native traditions coming back. Thank God we are seeing a revival of the old ways so our children can rightfully claim what was once ours! Blessings to us all!!!

[Robert-M]

as somebody living in Canada I think it is extremely important to acknowledge that part of our history. Things have been done and can't be undone, but the way people think about First Natives and the rights we give them, can change. It's great to see how this helps reviving these ancient cultures and how it helps this woman identify with her heritage!

[InnocentLemonade]

how can it be so acurrate? i mean she is literally just poking into her skin here and there and the result are perfectly accurate lines, so unreal!

[sikurojas]

Wow ❤️ such beauty. I'm a 15 year old Inuk from Iqaluit Nunavut, and have been thinking of getting traditional tattoos for a while now. Seeing this video makes me so happy and extremely proud of my culture. All these years that have taken away our culture, and all the pain we have felt as a community by residential schools is a lot to think about. Even I, one of the youngest generations feel the pain of it but to have these tattoos come back and not be a taboo anymore is so amazing. I'm in tears just thinking about my future tattoos and how much they are going to mean to me. Not only because they will be forever on my skin but they will be a permanent symbol that I a Inuk woman am strong. That I'm still here, my people are still here and we are very proud of your culture. That never again will we let anyone tell us we are wrong or that our culture is not right. I'm very excited to be getting my tattoos. Thank you for this beautiful video ❤️❤️

[gagepfleger]

the needle through the skin was painful to watch

[Lavender_Louis]

I wrote a paper about tattooing and specialized on inuit tattooing. It's so beautiful to see that the tradition is coming back to life..!

[ShamWerks]

Never seen the threaded needle method before, very interesting. Love the blue color, and the chin tattoo. Great job!

[blackcitroenlove]

Eastern Cherokee here, good to see you have brought your traditions back too. We're bringing ours back. I have my first of four on my arms, and there will be four on my legs as well.

[owenmiles]

Maori Woman in Aotearoa (New Zealand) has also experienced a similar situation. Ta moko (pronounced as Tar more core} declining as an art form during the 20th century, now in recent decades there has been a revival. Each moko contains ancestral tribal messages specific to the wearer. These messages tell the story of the wearer's family and tribal affiliations, and their place in these social structures. A moko’s message also portrays the wearer’s genealogy, knowledge and social standing. Replanting Ancient Traditions

[RainSaffy]

I'm really glad she's managed to gain some more of her culture back in modern day times.

[aarynbastian]

this is so beautiful
im sure everyone would agree when i say that we want to see more of these!
its a bit rare for me to come across videos about inuit cultures.

[tamazighthussain]

amazigh women in Morocco have the same chin tattoo that's really interesting

[brunobeaupre]

Never let go of your roots, culture and ancestor, they are part of who you are, you should be proud of it. I’m happy for her, she has found her way in this word by being true to herself and to her people, well done!

[schymark]

love the art and the history and the tradition

[barryirlandi]

How amazing... The Berber women of Algeria also have chin tattoos...

[silverlve]

Whoa... threading ink through is very hardcore! So amazing to see this video.

[maxpark]

Let's sit back and wait for the white hipster girls to make it "their thing"

[ancientskin.tattoo]

This is so amazing. Thank you so much for this contribution ✍🏻🙏🏻🙌

[ANTSEMUT]

I knew some Canadian Aboriginal did traditional tattooing but it never occurred to me the Inuit do/did it. Interesting.

[NifuzzyWuzzy]

Hey great big story, if you could visit wang od that would be great. That would be one hell of a story