TATTOOING, a custom extensively prevalent among savage nations, of marking the skin with figures of various kinds, by means of slight incisions or punctures and a 'coloring matter. The term is of Polynesian origin, and is said to be derived from a verb ta, which signifies to strike. Tattooing is almost universal in the South Sea islands, -except where Christianity and civilization have put an end to it. New Zealanders' heads, exhibiting tattooing,' are among the curiosities to be seen in museums; and at one time it was very common for the masters of vessels visiting New Zealand to purchase them and bring them home, although there is too much reason to believe that the price for them stimulated the feuds of the natives. The tattooing of the New Zealanders and other South Sea Islanders often covers the whole face, and sometimes also the 'chest, anus, and other parts of the body with elaborate patterns. It is performed iu youth, and marks the transition from boyhood to manhood, like the assumption of the toga ririlis among the ancient Romans. The operation is accompanied with super stitious ceremonies, and is attended with considerable pain, which, of course, is to be endured with manly indifference. An instrument of bone, toothed on the edge, is employed, which is applied to the skin, and struck with a piece of wood, having first been dipped in a thick mixture made by rubbing down charcoal with a little water. The
marks which result are permanent, and appear black on a brown skin; although they are dark blue on the skin of a European. Tattooing is, or has been, practiced in almost all parts of the world. It seems to be one of the practices prohibited to the Jews, iu Lev. xix. 28, "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any ?narks upon you," from which may be inferred its prevalence among the surrounding tribes in the days of Moses, and its connection with their superstitions. The Bedouin Arabs, the Tunguses, and other eastern tribes, and many tribes of American Indians, practice it at the present day. Among the Bedouins, it is a favorite mode of female adornment. It prevailed among the aucicnt Thracians, and was distinctive of high. rank. The ancient Britons also practiced it, and traces of it appear to have lingered iu England till after the Norman conquest. Perhaps the practice of sailors to print anchors and other marks on their arms, may be regarded as a relic of it still subsisting..