Exploring Identity: 1- Symbolic Tribal Tattoo

This is the first of a series of projects that will deal with our understanding of identity and will touch on one of the key challenges and clear strengths that can be found in contemporary Native Canadian society.

From your handout:

Tattoo Assignment

Tattoos have been around for thousands of years. Over the years, they have been used to symbolize many different things in many different cultures such as ornamentation, punishment, recording/documenting history/stories/events, and even as acts of defiance.

PART 1: You belong to a tribal culture.  As a ritual for their coming of age, young people are initiated into adulthood by having tattoo etched in a band around their left biceps.

You are the tribe’s tattoo artist/designer. Design a tattoo, band (style at least 5 inches long) for an individual about to go through this ritual. The tattoo must be symbolic to the area they live in and their lifestyle. NOTE: this need not be connected to any specific group you have already studied - this is a chance to be inventive, to think defining about aspects of peoples lives, and cultures. The group may be entirely made up or reflective of something in the real world or even popular culture (Na'vi anyone?)

THIS TATTOO IS TO BE DONE IN POSITIVE/NEGATIVE ONLY – full contrast – no shading or extra colours! Though you can make use of some techniques similar to those in your scratchboard if you like please do keep it within the aesthetic realm of tattooing. When you finished doing your design in pencil I will provide you with special pens and ink to finish the project! In your Sketchbook write a brief, written description of how your tattoo design ties into the ritual and the daily life of the tribe. Include specific details regarding symbolism and lifestyle. Use your previous research as an inspiration.

Here are some tattoo designs from the internet that I have also put on your handout. What could the symbols mean? How do the artists use contrast? What types of techniques do you see?:



Below I will add examples of student projects to challenge and inspire you!