Indigenous Tattoo Traditions

“Finalist for the Eric Hoffer Book Awards”
“Finalist for the da Vinci Eye Cover Design Award”
“A stunning visual survey.” * New York Times Book Review *
“There is a great deal of fascinating information presented, supported by many photographs and diagrams. The whole book is a visual treat.” * Blue Wolf Reviews *
”[A] revealing and comprehensive account of historical practices and the spiritual significance of tattoos in Indigenous communities worldwide… . [Indigenous Tattoo Traditions] is rich in knowledge and vibrant modern and historical photography, of which many have never been published before.”—Elaine Macguire O’Connor, Inked Magazine
“Both as a story of Indigenous art within Indigenous context and as an introduction to ethical and comprehensive current research, this book earns a recommendation for newly interested readers of culture and history, particularly those drawn to powerful photography and visually compelling artwork. Among tattoo enthusiasts especially, Krutak will certainly leave a mark.”—James Bland, First American Art Magazine
“A major contribution to that community of bodily markings… . [Indigenous Tattoo Traditions] is a veritable guided tour of global cultures and communities that have, from time immemorial, subscribed to the striking art of marking the body with designs that communicate through time.”—Donald Brackett, Critics at Large
“Indigenous Tattoo Traditions is an impressive, comprehensive, and visually enticing book thatadmirably documents the richness of tattooing practices and knowledge among Indigenous peoplesfrom around the world, both past and present. Archaeologists will find it of interest for its broad overviewof tattoo designs and meanings, its consideration of how gender and other aspects of identity are affirmedand reaffirmed through tattooing, and its discussion of how this visual language of the skin was thoughtto protect and carry the body to the afterlife.”—Catherine Elizabeth O’Connor, American Antiquity

Lars Krutak is an anthropologist, photographer, and writer. A research associate at the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, he is host of the Discovery Channel series Tattoo Hunter and the author of several books, including Tattoo Traditions of Asia and Tattoo Traditions of Native North America.

Sean Mallon is senior curator of Pacific histories and cultures at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

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