Tattoos, deriving from the polynesian word “ta” meaning ‘striking something’ and the tahitian word “tatau” meaning ‘to mark something’, are created whevener colored materials are inserted underneath the skin. They have been recorded back to over 5000 years ago and have managed to survive through out history, becoming more advanced as time progresses.

It has been said that the first tattoo was an accident, a wound that was touched by a dirty hand and healed leaving a mark behind. In 1991, a man was found, perfectly perserved within ice, covered in 57  tattoos. Scientists believed the markings were originally intended to treat arthritis.

Since then, tattoo parlors have opened on nearly every street corner, offering customers whatever they can imagine, permanetly on their skin. From realistic portraits, cartoons, writings, to white ink tattoos that show brightly in black lights, and images that look 3D on the skin, artists have left their permanent mark on over 45 million Americans alone. The rising type of tattoos; however, may have taken permanent to a new level.

Scarification is the process of getting a chosen design/image carved into one’s skin, using a scalpel, in hopes that it will scar. It begins with a stencil of the designated picture being traced onto the body. Next, the stencil is outlined with a scalpel, enough to pierce the skin and feel like a tattoo, so the design is not lost. Anaesthetics are applied and settle into the shallow outline. As soon as the area is numb, the scarring begins. The artist reoutlines the design, this time cutting different depths so as to create a variety of effects. Some skin removal may be required depending on the picture. Once the carving is done, the customer is bandaged and sent home with a set of cleaning instructions and precautions.

After the cuts and outlines heal, the design is left as a scar.