Body Modification Collection

view of a Samoan Pe a tattoo, 19th Century (photo)
1079611 view of a Samoan Pe a tattoo, 19th Century (photo); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Pe a is the popular name of the traditional male tattoo of Samoa)

Portrait of a tattooed woman, c. 1905 (Sepia Photo)
1073947 Portrait of a tattooed woman, c.1905 (Sepia Photo); Private Collection; (add.info.: The model is thought to be the wife of Charles Wagner who registered the patent for the tattoo machine in)

Ani Matikino
2910303 Ani Matikino; (add.info.: 1882 Ani Matikino (Maori with face tattoos) photograophed in New Zealnd 1882.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Heta Te Haara
2910299 Heta Te Haara; (add.info.: 1880 Heta Te Haara, Ohaeawai (Maori chief with face tattoos) photograophed in New Zealnd 1880.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Hereni
2910305 Hereni; (add.info.: 1883 Hereni (Maori with face tattoos) photograophed in New Zealnd 1883.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Japanese Man with Tattoos, c. 1910 (colour litho) (see also 398198)
473199 Japanese Man with Tattoos, c. 1910 (colour litho) (see also 398198); Private Collection; Prismatic Pictures

Dayak couple in traditional dress and tattoos, c. 1920 (b / w photo)
DGC437476 Dayak couple in traditional dress and tattoos, c.1920 (b/w photo); Private Collection; (add.info.: the Dayak or Dyak are a people indigenous to Borneo; tattooing is a very important)

Maori warrior with moko face (photo)
DGC288158 Maori warrior with moko face (photo) by New Zealander Photographer (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Ta moko)

The Mad Merry Pranks of Robin Goodfellow (woodcut)
DGC405779 The Mad Merry Pranks of Robin Goodfellow (woodcut) by English School, (17th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Robin Goodfellow is a mischievous sprite or hobgoblin)

Two men with traditional Japanese Irezumi tattoos, c. 1880 (hand coloured albumen photo)
696838 Two men with traditional Japanese Irezumi tattoos, c.1880 (hand coloured albumen photo) by Japanese Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Irezumi (a...aaIa, a...aa)

Tattoed Forearm of WW1 French Soldier (b / w photo)
473228 Tattoed Forearm of WW1 French Soldier (b/w photo); Private Collection; (add.info.: Martyrs des Boches; tattoo shows a French soldier bound to a pole by a German soldier wearing the spiked)

Portrait of a Maori man, before 1880 (b / w photo)
740710 Portrait of a Maori man, before 1880 (b/w photo) by New Zealander Photographer (19th century); Private Collection; New Zealander, out of copyright

Maori girl with moko chin (photo)
DGC288160 Maori girl with moko chin (photo) by New Zealander Photographer (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Ta moko)

Man with traditional Japanese Irezumi tattoo, c. 1880 (hand coloured albumen photo
DGC398093 Man with traditional Japanese Irezumi tattoo, c.1880 (hand coloured albumen photo) (detail of 398092) by Japanese Photographer

A tattooed man (b / w photo)
DGC288165 A tattooed man (b/w photo); Private Collection; (add.info.: View of a mans heavily tattooed back); Prismatic Pictures; out of copyright

Solomon islander adorned with tattoos, a shell torque and frangipani (photo)
DGC288157 Solomon islander adorned with tattoos, a shell torque and frangipani (photo); Private Collection; (add.info.: traditional face)

Jed Speck, London (b / w photo)
DGC288126 Jed Speck, London (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; Prismatic Pictures; English, out of copyright

Tattooed Boy, 1921 (b / w photo)
DGC288125 Tattooed Boy, 1921 (b/w photo); Private Collection; (add.info.: view of an American boy heavily tattooed back); Prismatic Pictures; out of copyright

Man with traditional Japanese Irezumi tattoo, c. 1880 (hand coloured albumen photo)
930102 Man with traditional Japanese Irezumi tattoo, c.1880 (hand coloured albumen photo) by Japanese Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Irezumi (a...aaIa, a...aa)

Tattooed Betto, c. 1860-80 (b / w photo)
701545 Tattooed Betto, c.1860-80 (b/w photo) by Japanese Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A betto was a traditional Japanese horse-man, or groom.); Japanese

Tattoed warriors from Borneo, c. 1890 (litho)
DGC288156 Tattoed warriors from Borneo, c.1890 (litho); Private Collection; (add.info.: traditional form of body decoration in Borneo; ); Prismatic Pictures; out of copyright

Portrait of a tattooed man (b / w photo)
DGC288122 Portrait of a tattooed man (b/w photo); Private Collection; (add.info.: View of a mans heavily tattooed back); Prismatic Pictures; out of copyright

Man with traditional Japanese Irezumi tattoo, c. 1910 (b / w photo)
DGC418615 Man with traditional Japanese Irezumi tattoo, c.1910 (b/w photo) by Japanese Photographer (20th century); Private Collection; Prismatic Pictures; Japanese, out of copyright

Tattooed British sailor during the Great War of 1914-18 (back view) (b / w photo
473189 Tattooed British sailor during the Great War of 1914-18 (back view) (b/w photo) (see also 473188); Private Collection; Prismatic Pictures; out of copyright

Philippine man with tattoos, c. 1920 (b / w photo)
DGC437478 Philippine man with tattoos, c.1920 (b/w photo); Private Collection; Prismatic Pictures; out of copyright

Portrait of a tattooed woman, c. 1895 (Sepia Photo)
2630750 Portrait of a tattooed woman, c.1895 (Sepia Photo); Private Collection; Prismatic Pictures; out of copyright

Tattooed man from the Caroline Islands, 1894 (litho)
937210 Tattooed man from the Caroline Islands, 1894 (litho) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Caroline Islands (Islas Carolinas in Spanish)

Portrait of a Maori man, before 1880 (b / w photo)
740709 Portrait of a Maori man, before 1880 (b/w photo) by New Zealander Photographer (19th century); Private Collection; New Zealander, out of copyright

Men with traditional Japanese Irezumi tattoos, c. 1880 (hand coloured albumen photo)
DGC398092 Men with traditional Japanese Irezumi tattoos, c.1880 (hand coloured albumen photo) by Japanese Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; Prismatic Pictures; Japanese

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"Unveiling the Art of Body Modification: A Journey Through Time" Step into a world where bodies become canvases, telling stories of culture, identity, and self-expression. This captivating collection of vintage photographs takes us on a mesmerizing journey through the history of body modification. In sepia tones, we encounter a portrait from 1905 featuring a strikingly tattooed woman. Her inked skin speaks volumes about her individuality and perhaps even challenges societal norms of that era. Moving forward to the 19th century, we witness an awe-inspiring view of a Samoan Pe'a tattoo - intricate patterns etched onto the proud warrior's body, symbolizing strength and honor. Traveling across continents and cultures, we meet a Dayak couple adorned in traditional dress and tattoos captured in black-and-white in the early 1920s. Their elaborate designs reflect their heritage and serve as badges of honor within their community. The enigmatic Frank Howard emerges next; his cabinet card photograph from 1900 showcases his extraordinary body art that undoubtedly sparked curiosity wherever he went. Meanwhile, an enchanting colored engraving transports us back to 1769 when Maori Chief proudly displays his full facial Moko - each line representing ancestral connections and personal achievements. Delving deeper into Japanese tradition, hand-colored albumen photos from the late 1800s introduce two men with traditional Irezumi tattoos adorning their bodies like vibrant tapestries. These intricate artworks embody ancient symbolism while celebrating beauty in its most unconventional form. A thought-provoking image captures our attention as we observe another tattooed man from around 1880; his gaze hints at untold stories hidden beneath layers of ink. In stark contrast stands out the black-and-white photo showcasing the forearm of a WW1 French soldier bearing permanent marks acquired during times of sacrifice for country and comradeship.