TUNISIA: Tattoo popularity increases in Tunisia, despite health warnings

Record ID: 591206

  • Title: TUNISIA: Tattoo popularity increases in Tunisia, despite health warnings
  • Date: 24th February 2010
  • Summary: TUNIS, TUNISIA (RECENT - FEBRUARY 2010) (REUTERS) TATTOO ARTIST AND FEMALE CUSTOMER HAVING TATTOO ON HER STOMACH CLOSE OF TATTOO ARTIST'S HANDS AND CUSTOMER'S TATTOO VARIOUS OF TATTOO ARTIST PREPARING MATERIALS AND INSTRUMENTS VARIOUS OF TATTOOING IN PROGRESS (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) SONIA, TATTOO SPECIALIST, SAYING: "Tunisians are now more accepting of tattoos. The materials used in tattoos have changed. In the past it was unhealthy, and it stayed on the skin for life. But now, the components of the raw materials used in tattoos have developed, and we use healthy and natural materials, materials such as copper and platinum. We can now also control the duration of tattoos, which last between three and five years." VARIOUS OF ANOTHER FEMALE CUSTOMER HAVING OUTLINE FOR TATTOO DRAWN ON HER NECK TATTOO ARTIST SONIA PUTTING ON FACE MASK VARIOUS OF SONIA TATTOOING CUSTOMER (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) CUSTOMER OLFA SAYING: "I choose this drawing, a tribal design which symbolises freedom. I wanted something that would express what is in me, even though Tunisian society does not accept the image and the symbol I've had tattooed. I'm free, I express my freedom as I want."
  • Embargoed: 11th March 2010 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Tunisia
  • Country: Tunisia
  • Topics: Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky
  • Reuters ID: LVA5G7W4OF1EQW0LOOS33HEK90PW
  • Story Text: As tattooing becomes an increasingly popular form of self-expression amongst young Tunisians, health workers warn of the possible risks.
    Young Tunisians today are using tattoos as a way of expressing themselves.
    Tattoo artists and their young customers take inspiration from nature, ancient and traditional civilisations and popular culture.
    The most popular are 'tribal' or 'ethnic' tattoos. For example the tattoos known as 'Maori' are based on the New Zealand Maoris' cultural symbols for force, or love or revolution.
    Both Berber and Arab cultures have a history of traditional tattooing, but contemporary western-style tattooing is often frowned upon in conservative Middle East societies. Some religious Muslims forbid tattooing as it is a permanent alteration of the body, prohibited by some interpretations of Islam.
    After an electric tattoo machine was patented in 1891 in the United States by Samuel O'Reilly, tattooing became less time consuming and painful and the practice spread more widely, with specialists becoming seen as artists.
    The first electric tattoo machine arrived in Tunisia in 1998 and soon more were in use, particularly in the capital.
    Sonia, a tattoo specialist in Tunis, says that Tunisians are more accepting of tattoos these days as developments in the production of the colours used in the process mean the designs are less permanent.
    "Tunisians are now more accepting of tattoos. The materials used in tattoos have changed. In the past it was unhealthy, and it stayed on the skin for life. But now, the components of the raw materials used in tattoos have developed, and we use healthy and natural materials, materials such as copper and platinum. We can now also control the duration of tattoos, which last between three and five years," Sonia said.
    One of her customers, Olfa, says she is free to choose her mode of expression even if Tunisian society does not approve of her choice.
    "I choose this drawing, a tribal design which symbolises freedom. I wanted something that would express what is in me, even though Tunisian society does not accept the image and the symbol I've had tattooed. I'm free, I express my freedom as I want," Olfa said.
    Another customer, Ramzi, says he thinks Tunisian attitudes are changing.
    "Every part in the tattoo reflects something in me, it is designed for me. Tunisian views on tattoos have changed, as have the materials used in tattooing, which have become more healthy," Ramzi said.
    As some Tunisians' attitude to tattoos relax, others are concerned by the possible health risks associated with the materials used.
    "Many diseases are caused by the tattoo, in particular cancer of the skin, which is one of the most dangerous types of cancer. It's the result of using metals and unhealthy liquids in tattooing," said Doctor Mohammed Zghayir, a cosmetic surgery specialist.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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