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Heritage

International Day Of The World's Indigenous Peoples: An Artist Archiving India's Indigenous Tattoos

On this International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples we shine a light on Mumbai-based tattoo artist Shomil Shah's India Ink Archive, which aims to document and make accessible what remains of this ancient art form

Shomil hopes to collect information on India's indigenous tattoos Photo: India Ink Archive
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Five years ago, Shomil Shah got his first tattoo. He never looked back. Intrigued by the process, he decided to try it out he soon bought a DIY stick and poke kit online, and started tattooing himself while living and working in London as a graphic designer. His fascination with tattoos was almost destined around the same time, his mother regaled Shah with tales of his great grandmother, whose beautiful neck and arm tattoos had left vivid imprints on her.