Like?⠀ ⠀ Much like the thanakha (face-paint tradition), the face-tattooed women in Chin State is an indispensable part of Burma diverse and distinctive culture. Women usually got their tattoo when they are about 12-15.⠀ ⠀ The tattoos are made using leaves, grass shoots and soot. The leaves give color, the soot acts as a disinfectant and the grass shoots are added at the end, acting as a bandage and natural healing cover. The concoction is applied to the face using sharp cane thorns (pictured), which prick the skin to create the pattern.⠀ ⠀ So why did Chin women do that? Some Chin tales say that the tattooing was done for beauty, and perhaps more plausibly, to differentiate the different tribes in case one was kidnapped by another.⠀ Other legend has it that when a Burmese king travelled to the region, he was so impressed by the women’s beauty that he kidnapped one to take as a bride. Because of this, Chin families began to tattoo their daughters to ensure they would not be taken away.⠀ ⠀ Another explanation may have to do with religion. Since the time of British colonisation, many Chin minorities have converted to Christianity or else accepted it alongside the animist beliefs. Some Chin remember being taught by their local pastors that only those who had tattoos would be deemed fit to go to heaven.⠀ ⠀ #burma #tattooartist #traditionaltattoo #diveristy #expedition #beautifulwomen