This tattoo artist is preserving Indias tattoo traditions through an online archive – Cond Nast Traveller India

Soon enough stories started to roll in at a steady pace and the page kept growing. Alongside, peoples inclination to study their region or tribes tattoos increased and curious about these patterns, they even started replicating these motifs on their bodies.

Some of the most common markings on the India Ink Archive are the trajva designs. These tattoos originate from tribes in northwestern Indian states like Rajasthan and Gujarat and feature motifs like scorpions, snakes and camels. The pigment is made by mixing soot with tannin from the bark of trees and is applied with a single needle from a gourd bowl. Usually tattooed on throats, forearms and calves, these trajvas were extremely painful and made to test the resilience of the members of the tribe who got them on their bodies.

Most recently, the page documented a Tamil-descent Trinidadian named Vena whos grandmother, Tyar, carried her tattoo traditions with her across the ocean. Her tattoo is of Krishnas throne/crown, flanked by peacocks on either side. She also had a 7 dotted flower motif on her left hand and V shaped motif on her right hand. These are part of godna markings commonly seen on people as it was customary when they got married. Not all of her markings had a special meaning; some were just for the style they evoked like the tattooed line down her forehead. Recently, Vena and her cousin replicated the V shaped dotted motif on her own hands in the memory of her grandmother and her lineage.

According to Shah, The most fascinating part of these traditions was that it was traditionally a female pursuit but was not limited to them. The women in the family would be the ones to bear the tattoos and also the ones to apply them stick-and-poke style. Stick-and-poke tattoos use one or multiple long needles tied together to manually create the desired tattoo.

Today, many modern tattoo artists like Shah are returning to this style as well as creating a connection with ancient Indias tattoo heritage. Through efforts like the India Ink Archive, the largely undocumented history of this art form is finally getting a platform as well as providing inspiration for the current generation of tattoo enthusiasts.

For me, this project started off as a way to reconnect with my roots. Its rewarding to see I could help other families do the same. says Shah.

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This tattoo artist is preserving Indias tattoo traditions through an online archive - Cond Nast Traveller India