Tattoo De Los Muertos

The Who: This tattoo belongs to my friend Nora. We've been friends for over a year, ever since I joined my school's radio station. Nora loves showing off her ink, and I thought it would be an awesome, original piece to showcase. I asked her to send me some pictures with her story and she so graciously obliged. 

                  

Photo Credit: Matthew Klein

Here's what Nora had to say about this beautiful tattoo:

The What:

"I have been in love with Mexican culture since I was in middle school and probably first heard of it. Day of the Dead has always resonated with me for a few reasons. I was raised Catholic, but never felt comfortable in graveyards. Everything in our culture is so gloomy when we speak of the dead and I never felt like a spirit had one place that I had to go to to talk to him/her. This is exactly what Day of the Dead is about. It is a celebration of the dead. Rather than be sad and mourn, Day of the Dead is about honoring life. People too often feel sorry for themselves. Life is sad, but it is more important to be grateful for what you have and all the beauty in life. Everyday should be celebrated, as well as every life. That is why the skeletons in Day of the Dead folk-art are always lively and partying. Initially, when I wanted a Day of the Dead piece, I wanted the ever-so-popular sugar skull, but I realized this was too stagnant. Dia de los Muertos is about celebration and life, so I wanted to have something that replicated this passion. I also am fascinated by the ability the ancient Aztec tradition has been able to reform into a Catholic tradition, without losing its main tenants and beliefs. I am constantly amazed by the indigenous population's ability to be flexible and adapt to even the harshest colonial rules, like Catholicism."

The Where & Why: Nora got her tattoo at No Ka Oi TikiTattoo on 4^th and South Street in Philadelphia. The inking was done in eight sessions that took place between November 2009 and November 2010. Nora is a small girl, but she clearly has an eye for beautiful artwork, not to mention a high tolerance for pain!


Leave a comment and let me know what you think! Got a tattoo? Send me a message and I'll put it up for the world to see! 

Posted in: Dia de los Muertos, Flowers, Mexican Culture, Na Ka Oi, Ribcage, Skeletons