Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

20th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Amazigh Woman With Face Tattoos

Tattooing in North African countries is an ancient practice that pre-dates Islam. It used to be a common practice for women of tribes like the Amazigh. Because tattoos are considered a sin in Islam, these traditional face tattoos have become a rarity. The woman pictured is part of a small Amazigh community in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. She is one of the last members of her village who still has these traditional face tattoos.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2022
Photo Location: Atlas Mountains, two hours from Fes, Morocco
Copyright: © Lena Steinbauer