Let’s talk about the taboo of tattoos — Cosmopolitan Sri Lanka
Listen up and buckle up, you. I’m going to take you on a journey through the highs and lows of why you need to make the decision to sport that tattoo you’ve always wanted.
From nosy neighbours to gossiping aunties, us Lankan girls have enough problems of our own. So it’s time we break down these outdated norms and introduce new ones because it all boils down to one thing, Do you really care? If you don’t, then what are you waiting for, hop in a tuk and get to that tattoo parlour right now! But if you do, here’s everything you need to know.
In ancient Egypt, tattoos were actually restricted to women
Even though your grandma told you that in her day, people were “more civilized” and didn’t do such “horrific” things, tattoo culture dates back to Neolithic (new stone age) Europe, well before the Egyptian empire existed.
It was often used to depict wealth and status and functioned as an amulet for women in ancient Egypt. According to Joanne Fletchers, a research fellow department of archaeology at the University of York in Britain said in an interview with the Smithsonian Magazine, “I personally believe that the tattooing of ancient Egyptian women had a therapeutic role and functioned as a permanent form of amulet during the very difficult time of pregnancy and birth. This is supported by the pattern of distribution, largely around the abdomen, on top of the thighs and the breasts, and would also explain the specific types of designs, in particular, the net-like distribution of dots applied over the abdomen.”
It is further said that these tattoos found on the abdomen would expand during pregnancy and create an illusion of a web-like barrier.
What’s more, Fletcher states that, “It appears to have been restricted to women during the purely dynastic period, i.e. pre-332 B.C. Also, the way in which some of the designs can be seen to be very well placed, once it is accepted they were used as a means of safeguarding women during pregnancy and birth.”
The modern-day stigma associated with women and tattoo culture
Even though tattoos have been a part of society for as long as humans, today in Sri Lanka, tattoos are associated with outlaws and low-lifes. This stigma surrounding tattoo culture dates back to colonization. Sri Lanka was colonized predominantly by Catholic nations (the Dutch, Portuguese and British) and that’s how the stigma came to being in the first place. Although some religious texts don’t directly refer to the prohibition of tattoos, they were generally associated with those who were not God-fearing.
When European customs were introduced to Sri Lanka, natives were introduced to the more “civilized” way of living. So naturally, tattoo culture was a no-go. Thus the modern-day stigma of body art was born. Prior to this, there are no records of Sri Lankans ever being against tattoo culture, some even claim that the Sigiriya Frescoes of the damsels holding blossoms in their hands also have hints of tattoos across their neck, which is said to have delineated wealth and status.
Breaking norms
Tattoos have now developed from being a part of therapeutic rituals and symbols of order to a way of expressing yourself and making a fashion statement.
In our effort to break down the stigma surrounding this culture and to change the illusion of girls who sport tattoos (um, no they’re not walking spawns of Satan), we spoke to our own Lankan queen of doing it her way, Gaia Kodithuwakku. Did you know she has close to 35 tattoos across her body? We’re in awe!
Q/ What is the story behind your first tattoo?
A/ I got my first tattoo when I was 18-years-old. I remember going to a very cheap, dodgy tattoo parlour at Liberty Plaza, and I got a random tattoo on my back. Then, I fell in love with the process, and what it’s like to express yourself through ink. I believe that every piece I’ve gotten symbolizes something important. And, I feel like every time I get something new, it adds to my core energy changing me forever. This is why every single piece has such deep meaning to it.
Q/ What do your tattoos symbolize?
A/ I’ve sacred geometry and symbols of mental alchemy on me, which means having the power to turn any negativity into positivity. I have representations of Nirvana and rebirth. I also have a phoenix and a dragon which symbolizes my physical and mental transformation. I have a sleeve dedicated to my 19-year-old brother who passed away, and I have tattoos of people who inspire me like Frida Kahlo and Tupac.
Q/ Did you face any opposition when it came to getting your tattoos?
A/ I’m the only child and the only grandchild in my family, so everyone was very possessive over me. But, when I decided to get a tattoo, just like any other decision I’ve ever made in my life, I didn’t consider the opinion of people around me, although they were important to me (i.e. my mother and grandmother). I always knew deep down what I needed to follow and that’s how I’ve always made my decisions. I don’t think this is the same for everyone. Most people, especially girls, are very intimated and value the opinion of their family which is completely valid. But, I’m a different person in that regard, so when I got my first tattoos, obviously my family went nuts, but it didn’t really bother me because I knew there’d be a reaction, and it will eventually wash away with time.
Q/ Have you ever faced any issues out in public with your tattoos?
A/ There was one incident, four years ago when I had to go to the police station to file a complaint over a serious incident. Instead of receiving the rightful attention, the police harassed me because of my tattoos despite most of them being covered up.
I typically get stared at a lot, probably because most of my body is covered in tattoos! It doesn’t really bother me any more because I know that they look at me because it’s different; because it’s interesting, intriguing or they’re curious about what’s going on with this person. I don’t think it’s judgement every single time, but either way, I’ve lived with it for so long, it’s no longer troublesome. I embrace it, and its part of me. I’m happy that Sri Lanka is opening up to the idea of tattoos and self-expression, it’s much better than what it was 10 years ago.
Q/ Why do you think the stigma exists?
A/ It exists because it’s different. It also represents more, like the fact you may have rebelled, disregarded people’s opinions, may not have a good character, are “lose” or that you have a rough past. Our culture has given tattoos wild connotations over time.
Q/ What is your advice to other gals out there who are fearful of getting tattoos because of social norms?
A/ Unless you’re someone who needs the permission of a third party or validation in order for you to make your own decisions, I truly believe you can be whoever you want to be. It’s a matter of embracing who you are. For me, this whole tattoo progression represents my own evolution throughout the past 14 years since I was 18-years-old. You need to embrace your journey and your own personal truth. Don’t worry about what people say, even if you’re “perfect” in the eyes of society, there will be always someone who won’t see you that way. So it’s simply a matter of not giving a s#@$!
Bottom line, ladies: if you want to express yourself with a tattoo, then don’t let society dictate terms. You’re in charge of your narrative, and while society will surely try to play a significant role, make a conscious effort to follow your heart.
This article was originally published as ‘Let’s talk about the taboo of tattoos’ in the March 2020 Issue of Cosmopolitan Sri Lanka. For more relationship-related content, grab a copy of our latest magazine or subscribe here.
Originally published at https://cosmomag.lk on April 11, 2020.
