The tradition of Amazigh tattooing in North Africa dates back to thousands of years. Historically, the Berber tattooing aided nomadic Amazigh communities across Morocco in distinguishing their tribal affiliations and identities as well as to show their martial status and if they were ready for marriage. They were also done for cosmetic and therapeutic reasons.
The tattoos tradition is now quickly disappearing due to the Spanish and French occupations as well the rise of radical Islam in North Africa that prohibited the use of body tattoos in the name of Islam.
Learn more about the Berber tattoos symbols and their meanings here.
