Baiga Tribe
The Baiga tribe of central India is one of the oldest aboriginal tribal groups. They have tattoos as a symbol of belonging to this tribe. The designs are inspired by nature, such as cow’s eyes, the sun, and mountains. Baiga women often accessorize with colorful jewelry pieces.
Apatani Tribe
Apatani women receive tattoos of vertical lines on their foreheads and chins. This practice originated to make themselves less desirable to men from neighboring tribes. The Apatani women of Ziro Valley are known for their tattooed faces.
Santhal Tribe
The Santhal tribe is one of the largest tribal communities in India. They have an intense connection to nature and are known for their tattoos. Each individual adorns a different tattoo to commemorate each stage in life.
Gond Tribe
Tattooing, or gonna, is a long-standing tradition among the Gond tribe. It commemorates important life events and is seen as a form of body decoration. This custom is rapidly disappearing despite its historical importance.
Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh is home to numerous tribal communities with a vibrant tattooing tradition. The Wancho community has an intricate tattooing tradition, with men receiving a coined shape tattooed on their forearms and women opting for floral patterns.
