There are several forms of body
art. Body art can be temporary, for example, body painting,
or permanent, such as shaping, dyeing, and scarification,
tattooing, and piercing. This article will provide some
insight into body art.
Body art painting and shaping
Body painting transforms a person into a spirit or work of
art; this can include another gender or a sacred place.
Emphasizing on the visual appeal of the subject, the
protective body paint is what gives it the appeal.
Body shaping is a technique in which to sculpt the body.
Culturally defined ideals of beauty have caused people to
bind the soft bones of children's skulls and feet, stretched
necks with rings, and removed ribs to make their waist
smaller. The most common method today of body sculpting is
plastic surgery. Plastic surgery can sculpt and define
almost any part of the body.
Skin Dyeing
Henna, is used as a temporary skin dye, in which different
patterns and designs are applied to the body. The crushed
leaves of the henna plant, when mixed with other natural
ingredients, provides a thick, aromatic paste used for
painting hands and feet. The olive green, dried out henna
powder, mixed with such ingredients as black tea and coffee
turns dark. When applied to the skin and left on overnight,
it will harden and when pealed leaves a red tone to the
skin.
Body art piercing, tattooing, and scarification
Piercing is ornamental as it allows the body to hold certain
kinds of ornaments, which are inserted through the skin. The
most common parts of the body that are pierced is the face
although you will often find ear, nose and lip ornaments.
Piercing is often part of a ceremony marking the coming of
age. Ornaments might be limited to certain people or worn
only on certain occasions
Tattoos are intended to be permanent and the patterns and
techniques have varied over the years. The effects of
tattooing depend on the country you live in. As an example,
in the United States, tattooing is typically looked upon as
being rebellious. Tattooing, in the last decade, has become
a very popular form of body art throughout the world.
Scarification is much like tattooing, instead of placing a
color into the skin with a tattoo needle, the color, or
substance is placed into the wound or cut. Once the wound
has healed, a permanent mark will remain on the skin
All of the forms of body art listed above can have adverse
effects on individuals. There are health concerns with types
of body art. If you are contemplating any of the above
procedures, be sure to consider all the risks and facts
before making any commitments.
For more information, visit www.BodyArtGuide.com
David Chandler
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