The heritage of Berber culture in the skin, Berber tattoo: history, beliefs and meanings
Our surf & yoga villa is located in Imi Ouaddar, north of Agadir, in Berber land. During your stay with us, during an excursion or a walk in the souk, you may encounter women, often elderly, whose faces, hands or feet are tattooed.
Berber women are known to pay great attention to their appearance: traditional clothing is always very colorful and embellished with gold jewelry and precious stones. Berber tattoos complete these adornments: numerous geometric symbols adorn the bare parts of their body. Let's discover these Berber tattoos: their history, the beliefs and rituals linked to them, and the meaning of the different symbols.
Where do Berber tattoos come from?
Tattooing, known as "ticṛaḍ" in the Berber culture, holds deep ancestral roots within the Amazigh community. Traces of this tradition can be found in Antiquity, predating the Islamization of Morocco. Over time, tattooing became a powerful symbol of Berber identity in an Islamized Morocco. However, in the 1950s, this age-old tradition abruptly ceased to be passed down within a single generation, giving way to a more modern way of life. Islam played its part in the disappearance of tattooing, as it was considered a desecration of the divinely created body. This, combined with social pressures, hindered the integration of the Berber people in urban centers and forced them to abandon certain cherished traditions. Today, these ancient symbols and practices remain alive on the weathered skin of elderly women in the remote villages, serving as the last poignant witnesses of a fading tradition.
How are Berber tattoos made?
Traditionally, Berber tattoos are made with inks based on charcoal, plants or minerals, which are inserted under the skin using a sharp object (needle, knife, feather or carved bone). There are two different techniques: either we cut the skin with the desired pattern, then apply ink to the cut part, or we trace the pattern in ink then prick with a needle following the lines of the pattern (this which is closer to modern tattoo techniques). In any case, I think we can conclude that Berber women embody the expression “you have to suffer to be beautiful”!
What is the symbolism of Berber tattoos?
Berber tattoos hold deep cultural and symbolic significance within the Berber communities of North Africa. These intricate designs, etched onto the skin, convey the heritage, beliefs, and identities of the wearers. Each tattoo embodies the sacred knowledge and ancestral traditions passed down through generations. The symbols found in Berber tattoos often reflect elements of nature, such as animals, plants, and the sun, as well as geometric patterns and tribal motifs. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these tattoos serve as a form of communication, storytelling, and protection. Each symbol carries its own meaning, conveying messages of courage, fertility, spirituality, or loyalty. In this way, Berber tattoos serve as powerful visual narratives that honor their rich cultural heritage and connect individuals to their community and ancestors.
Tattoos hold a significant place in the realm of self-expression, and they go beyond mere body art. In many societies, tattoos serve as a tangible representation of one's affiliation to a tribe, village, or family, with each group possessing its unique set of symbols. Through these intricate designs inked on our skin, we not only showcase our belonging but also communicate our social status. Take, for instance, the cultural practice of Berber women. In times of adversity or loss, tattoos become a powerful medium to convey one's story. A widow, mourning the loss of her beloved husband, may choose to tattoo her chin, neck, and cheeks up to her ears, symbolizing her deceased partner's beard. Similarly, during the Arab invasions of the 7th century, Berber women, whose husbands were taken captive, etched symbols of imprisonment onto their wrists and ankles, visually capturing their husbands' plight. These captivating narratives etched permanently on the skin create a visual testament to our heritage, emotions, and life journeys.
In Berber custom, tattooing has magical powers, and it is able to treat evils, both physical and psychological. He would have medicinal virtues, and would protect bad fate. "When the blood sank, misfortune has passed," it was said. Tattooing is therefore a therapeutic ritual for Berber peoples, and certain reasons made it possible to link man and minds. Some symbols also represented values that were displayed on your skin as a kind of talisman: strength, wisdom, prosperity, fertility ...
What is the meaning of the different Berber symbols?
Losanges, squares, triangles, stars, points, moon croissants ... Each motif has a meaning, and the whole tells a story, the story of each woman, significant events of her life. Some symbols, which often come back, have a known meaning, but many are only known to women who wear them, making the body of these women a real secret garden.
Some examples of decrypted symbols:
The sign + symbolizes the star whose light guides man in the night, it symbolizes the search for justice and truth. The vertical line represents God and creation to him, the vertical link between God in heaven and humanity here below.
Perdrix's eye is a small diamond with the swollen ends or wearing a small cross. It represents the partridge, a symbol of beauty and agility.
The crescent moon is symbol of the cycle of life, from what is born, evolves, and dies. And if a star is added in the curvature of the crescent moon, this symbol then means Islam and the devotion of the person to this religion.
The square sign represents the house, it is tattooed on those for whom the family is more important than they themselves. This tattoo is supposed to maintain the harmony of the home.
Two vertical features one next to the other, of the same size, represent the duality between the good and the evil that sleeps in each.
And there are hundreds of other symbols, which are also found on Berber carpets, traditional costumes and jewelry and talismans.
The return of the Berber tattoo, new trend
Berber tattoos have experienced a resurgence in popularity, capturing the attention of young people in both Morocco and the Western world. While few individuals dare to embrace the ancient Berber tradition of facial tattoos, the intricate Amazigh patterns now adorn wrists, ankles, and shoulder blades. Tattoos have long been a controversial practice in Muslim societies, but for the new generation, they serve as a way to reconnect with their roots and preserve this ancestral tradition. By embracing these symbolic designs, young people are not only expressing their individuality but also ensuring that the spirit of their heritage lives on. The revival of Berber tattoos thus stands as a testament to the resilience and persistence of an ancient cultural legacy.
At Chernaki Surf Experience, we believe in embracing diversity and celebrating cultural traditions. In addition to our passion for surfing, we offer unique experiences that allow our guests to explore and appreciate the rich tapestry of Islamic and Berber cultures. One such technique that allows us to bridge these traditions is the art of henna tattooing. With its intricate designs and vibrant colors, henna tattoos provide a temporary yet meaningful way to express oneself. Not only do they create a fascinating fusion of Islamic and Berber customs, but they also serve as a physical embodiment of the harmonious coexistence of these two cultural precepts. So why not immerse yourself further in this beautiful cultural exchange and let the allure of henna tattoos entice you?
Readings to go further
- « Berber tattooing in Morocco's Mittle Atlas », Felix & Loretta Leu
- « Tiny Tattoos of Berber Culture: Berber Tattoos Symbols and Meanings (The Amazigh Tattoos) », Your idlisen
- « Berber Tattooing: The Disappearing Tradition of Amazigh Tattoos », Mohammed Jiari
- « Les symboles communs des peuples agraires : des berbères aux amérindiens », Jean-Bernard Moreau
- « Paroles de symboles », Noureddine Hamouche
- « Couleurs de terre, couleurs de rêve », Noureddine Hamouche et Hanifa Hanchi