Collection search - [Inuk woman with chin tattoos wearing a cloth parka]

This collection is no longer a loan, thus copies can be made.
Historically, all Inuit women received tattoos as a rite of passage. They were most often on the face and hands but could also be on the arms, legs, and/or chest. Sometimes the photographers traced already existing tattoos or painted the women's faces with designs of other regions. Sometimes it appears they tried to cover the tattoos with make-up (rouge) or erase them during the printing process in the darkroom. As a result, the tattoo designs shown here may not be representative of the woman or her region. Judging by the faded appearance, these look authentic.

Title assigned by Library and Archives Canada.

Copy negative available: C-053203.

[Edward Martin Kindle photograph album]