The use of tattooing and piercing has long been a means for cultures to represent both their individual and group identity outwardly to others. These markings and body modifications serve to tell the story of an individual in a way that is meaningful to them.

Humans have adorned their bodies since the earliest recorded times. In some ancient cultures these embellishments were primarily temporary decorations, like the use of make-up by the Egyptians (as early as 3500 B.C. according to archaeological evidence) or the art of mehndi, in which a henna-derived ink is used to draw intricate designs on the skin, in India.