A tattoo is a form of body modification made by inserting tattoo ink, dyes, and/or pigments, either indelible or temporary, into the dermis layer of the skin to form a design. Tattoo artists create these designs using several tattooing processes and techniques, including hand-tapped traditional tattoos and modern tattoo machines. The history of tattooing goes back to Neolithic times, practiced across the globe by many cultures, and the symbolism and impact of tattoos varies in different places and cultures.
A sailor's forearm tattooed with a rope-and-anchor drawing, against the original sketch of the design; see sailor tattoos.
An example of a tattoo design
Application of a tattoo to a woman's foot
An identification tattoo on a survivor of the Auschwitz concentration camp
Tattoo inks consist of pigments combined with a carrier, used in the process of tattooing to create a tattoo in the skin. These inks are also used for permanent makeup, a form of tattoo.
Bottles of tattoo ink
Ink and tools used by Whang-od for traditional Filipino tattoos (batok)
Tattoo inks recalled by the FDA in August 2015 due to bacterial contamination
Fred Harris working with tattoo ink in 1937, Sydney, Australia