The Middle East has a rich tradition of body art, both in the form of permanent ink tattoos and the temporary Mehndi markings also seen in southern Asia, that stretches across history. A variety of methodologies to create body art in this region have seen employment from the dawn of civilization and the dynastic Egyptian period to the modern day. Tattoo traditions in particular have endured in the collective culture of tribal societies even as the spread of Islam subdued the propensity toward tattooing in mainstream Middle Eastern society. By examining the trifecta of history, methodology, and anthropology, greater insights into the fascinating and unique elements of Middle Eastern body art may be gleaned - and that is the driving purpose of this exhibit.
Bedouin: A tribal culture typically associated with Arabia and its environs, where the majority of it resides, the Bedouin have held fast to their traditions of tattooing for a multitude of generations. The word itself stems from the plural form of badaw, which means "desert dweller" in Arabic. Bedouin body art favors the application of tattoos to the face, particularly amongst women, coupled with displays of jewelry and other material items that in some sense elevate the entire body as a canvas for artistic expression.
Muslim Diaspora: With the rise of Islam, specifically the Sunni branch of Islam, the practice of tattooing lost some popularity in the Middle East due to the belief that tattoos mar the flesh and therefore mar the creation of Allah, which can be considered a grevious sin. The Shiite branch appears more relaxed on the issue, although as expected opinions do vary between individuals. Those who strictly forbid tattoos base their opinion on a hadith recorded by Bukhari - ""It was narrated that Abu Juhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) cursed the one who does tattoos, and the one who has a tattoo done."
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