Berber Tattooing: in Morocco's Middle Atlas

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For important ceremonies and celebrations henna or Harquus are often used to replace the significant symbolism of the tattoo, but on a temporary basis. The rosette, composed of triangles: the one with the point up represents fire and virility, while the triangle with the point down represents water and femininity The symbols can, among others, have meanings related to strength, energy, fertility, healing, and protection from envy. The first of the facial tattoos is called ‘siyala’ and is on the chin. Siyala often takes the form of a symbolic palm tree tattoo which consists of a simple straight line from the bottom of the lip to the bottom of the chin. This line would sometimes be flanked by dots representing seeds.

Some tribes used tattoos to intimidate their enemies; The hostility of a tribe or the clan spirit retained their purity in these distinctive tattoos. The first one was purely ornamental. Most Amazigh women were living in the mountains and couldn’t afford jewellery. Thus, they used tattoos to beautify their bodies and faces. Considered a true sign of beauty, mothers encouraged their daughters to tattoo themselves to differentiate their faces from men and make them desirable and attractive. But these body designs also have an important symbolic dimension. Some marked an identity belonging to a group, a family, a region. Others signified the marital status of the woman who wears it: widow, single, or newly married. Still others represented animals symbolizing essential values in Berber culture, such as fertility, wisdom or goodness. Some Bedouin tribes also believe that markings will cure them of ailments, and symbols such as dots on the side of the head or above their eyes are said to heal a person's aches and pains. Many tattoo designs were of a style and placement on the body so as to offer protection from the evil eye. Indeed the name for Berber tattoos is ‘Jedwel’ meaning Talisman.Even though tattooing is frowned upon in Morocco by today’s predominantly Islamic religion, its roots in the ancient Berber culture ensure that it remains a part of their custom. The people described and quoted .. were welcoming and warm, strong people living a difficult and hard lifestyle. Most were farmers and herdsmen.. in and around Khemisset in the Middle Atlas area of Morocco. Stories of the Leus’ escapades and travels lend a unique perspective to parts of tattoo history that remain unexplored by many of us. Berber tribal tattooing in Morocco is one of these unique traditions and looks that lends itself to diverse ethnographic history; fast disappearing even thirty years ago when this book was first written, the women represented now are largely gone, taking their history with them. Berber Tribal Tattoo Berber Tribal Tattoo Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

At that moment, despite her refusal I decided to do it, I went to a woman tattooer, I did it so that I would be beautiful, but unfortunately my mother and my grandmother did not accept this gesture." But beyond the innovative designs flowing throughout the book, it is Felix’s philosophy, work ethic and outlook on life which strikes the reader. His charisma and energy shine through Loretta’s words. Felix Leu’s consistent pursuit to further his craft is humbling and inspiring. Felix was ahead of his time in his art and an individualist in his lifestyle. The younger generation of tattooers knows little to nothing about his story in tattooing and I feel that I am the best person to tell it. In August 2018 my daughter Aia Leu, the publisher of seedpress.ie, encouraged me to put together the material I had begun to gather about Felix’s tattooing. She would then publish it. We had collaborated on “Berber Tattooing in Morocco’s Middle Atlas” in 2017 and we worked well together once again on this book. Together we chose the format, paper, fonts and worked out the layout. I wrote some texts and we included Felix’s own words in excerpts of interviews he had given. With her help and a lot of hard work on both our parts the book came to life. Tattoos or ticheret in Tifinagh, the traditional Berber language, is not a recent practice despite its popularity among new generations. Indeed, tattoo has always been linked to practices, beliefs and ideologies by a large number of people on all continents. Symbolising personal milestones and community history, the tattoos can say a lot about a woman’s life.The placement of Berber Tattoos was often around openings in the body.( eyes, nose, mouth, navel and vagina) or upon surfaces of the body which may be perceived as vulnerable ( the feet and the hands).