Tattoos and Body Modification: Culture, Therapy, and History

Tattooing has been transforming its meaning over time, it is a practice related to fashion, the dominance of aesthetics over the body, beliefs, forms of expression and identity, a practice that has become commonplace in contemporary societies. The article is divided into two segments. The first summarizes a detailed review of 152 publications exploring various aspects of tattooing derived from a systematic review of the scientific production surrounding tattoos and how they have been conceived over time. The second includes an analysis of these articles based on their theoretical and conceptual contributions, expanding the literature on the study of tattooing (in categories such as: anthropological, gender perspectives, work environment considerations, medical factors and body modification practices). This research revealed a broad spectrum of conceptual and epistemological perspectives that have influenced the practice of skin inscription. It also highlights the important role that tattoos play in the practice of skin inscription.