Monday 27 January 2014

Henna Tattoos: Exquisite, Impermanent Stains

image credit: Khadija Dawn Carryl

Henna has been used since ancient times as a dye to color fabrics such as wool, leather and silk. Yet at some early point in its shared history with humanity it was discovered that it could be used to stain the skin temporarily.

Ancient wall paintings discovered during the excavation of Akrotiri (destroyed by volcanic eruption in 1627 BCE) show women adorned with patterns and designs wholly consistent with henna on their nails, palms and soles. It is a tradition still thriving and evolving today.

1 comment(s):

Anonymous said...

I think it is beautiful.