The Evolution of Tattoo Art in Nigeria

Hey everyone! I hope this post finds you well. This is my first post on this community, and I’ll be exploring how tattoo art has evolved in Nigeria, my country, as I am a tattoo lover myself. Tattooing is a form of art on the human body that has long been practiced in Nigeria. Our forefathers tattooed their bodies for several reasons. Some to distinguish, others for aesthetics, etc. Let's do a deep dive!!

Ancient Beginnings

Tattooing has long existed in Nigeria, as its practice bears evidence of historic connections with ethnic backgrounds. Tattoos among the Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo people were not mere drawings on the skin but actual representations of people’s identity, status, and spiritual affiliations. First, some traditional practices involved mark-making; the Yoruba people, for instance, engaged in scarification, a type of tattoo in which patterns are incised into the skin. What was very interesting was that these marks were not only for beauty but also for rights of passage, status symbols, and even amulets.

** A Shift in Perception**

When Nigeria entered colonial and post-colonial times, people's perceptions of tattoos changed. New inputs from the West began to transform societal cultures, and standards and practices were often seen in the light of the newly evolved civilisations, which were sometimes referred to as barbaric. This led to a shift in traditional tattooing as many constructive Nigerian citizens feared embracing what they considered a traditional art.

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The modern times

Today, much more people in Nigeria, particularly the youth, are tattooed, though in more stylish and classy ways. Also, the influence of fashion, music, and pop culture internationally has brought new life and encouraged people to get body art. The overreliance, acceptance, and rating of musicians and actors in Nigeria has contributed to the general acceptance of tattoos by members of society. Consider some Nigerian artists, such as Wizkid or Burna Boy; for them, tattoos are also a form of fashion. Also, tattoo parlours are growing in size in Nigerian cities, especially the major ones like Lagos and Abuja, and most of them incorporate traditional African tattoos as well as trendy ones.

** Acceptance and Controversy**

Even with the changes, modern tattoos in Nigeria still have mixed reactions when it comes to acceptance. Tattooing in more liberal cities with exposed citizens is thought of as the expression of one‘s individuality and a form of art. However, in some communities, it is different; in more conservative and rural areas, the point of view may be more traditional, and tattoos are seen as immoral. They are often represented as having bad characters or are assumed to be rebellious.

Another factor that contributes to this is religion. Even though there is evidence of tattooing in biblical times, there are some religious doctrines that are against tattooing in present-day Christianity and even Islam.

** Interesting Tidbits😅**

A fascinating feature that accompanies the view of the process of getting a tattoo in Nigeria is the combination of the most modern technology with the old traditional techniques. There is the presence and importance of Instagram stories and TikTok as well, which play the role of marketing for tattoo artists, breaking stereotypes. Such revelations help artists expand their audience base and help the general public understand art and the meaning behind tattoos.

Furthermore, the increase in tattoo conventions and festivals that have taken place in Nigeria shows the ever-growing population of supporters. Such events not only promote the culture of body art but also create a sense of community.

The future

What is next for tattoo artists and lovers in Nigeria? It can be noted that, like the rest of the world, the country has set the trend for trying to become more of a world-class state while valuing its traditions and heritage. The future for the art of tattooing is bright. It is safe to say that we will see more and more surprising stylistic references that carry an African message.

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In conclusion, I would like to add that we should be more open to the fact that people express themselves in different ways, and tattoos are just one of those ways. People with tattoos are not bad people, and yes, tattoos are beautiful! What do you think of this? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Thanks for reading.

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