A tattoo is a permanent marking made by inserting ink into the layers of skin
to change the pigment for decorative or other reasons. Tattoos on humans are
a type of decorative body modification, while tattoos on animals are most
commonly used for identification or branding.
Tattooing has been practiced worldwide. The Ainu, the indigenous people of
Japan, traditionally wore facial tattoos. Today one can find Berbers of
Tamazgha and Maori of New Zealand with facial tattoos. Tattooing was
widespread among Polynesian peoples and among certain tribal groups in the
Philippines, Borneo, Mentawai Islands, Africa, North America, South America,
Mesoamerica, Europe, Japan, Cambodia, New Zealand and Micronesia. Despite
some taboos surrounding tattooing, the art continues to be popular in many
parts of the world.