Tattoos in Amazigh Culture: Body Engravings with Historical, Social, and Spiritual Significance.

Abstract

The current research dives into the profound significance of tattoos in the Amazigh culture. For Amazigh people, one of North Africa’s indigenous communities, tattoos are not just body art, they are deep symbols of historical, social, and spiritual identity as well as cultural belonging. Tattooing reflects traditions that have connected Amazigh communities for centuries. However, the Islamic religion has influenced people’s perceptions of these artistic symbols. This research investigates the spiritual, social, and cultural significance of Amazigh tattoos through both the semiotic approcah and the cultural anthropology approach. Findings indicated that tattoos marked important transitions in Amazigh history and society. They hold different meanings for people before and after Islam including identity, resistance, belonging, protection…etc. Despite the Islamic religious perspectives and the pressures of modern society, tattoos continue to resist, which reflects the resilience of the Amazigh people and their unwavering commitment to preserve their cultural heritage.