In a world that thought up and embraced something that is as pointedly ephemeral as snapchat finding traditions and institutions that go back 5 centuries or more…feels both surreal and precious. This piece looks at a Jerusalem-based tattoo shop servicing pilgrims, using designs that can be dated to the 16th century, continuing customs that can be dated back to the 6th century A.D. In part it states:
“In Jerusalem’s Old City today, you can find a uniquely obscure historical relic—the sole surviving pilgrimage tattoo business, Razzouk Ink. It’s a place where ancient artifacts meet contemporary machines, rich history intersects with modern technology. Twenty years ago, as a budding tattoo scholar, I first read about the adventures of Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land and the indelible souvenirs they had inscribed under their skin. I never expected to one day get the opportunity to follow in their footsteps and receive my own.”
Interesting concept that folks making a spiritual journey should commemorate it with a permanent mark on their bodies!
Read the entire article here: http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/inside-the-worlds-only-surviving-tattoo-shop-for-medieval-pilgrims
thanks to Soror Hypatia for the tip!
