TATTOOS have been associated with crime over the years, but the stigma has been disintegrating.
In a turn of events, they are now used for different reasons, like creating or telling personal stories through body art.
Daily Sun spoke with the youth of Mzansi to find out their reasons for choosing to needle tattoos on their bodies and what significant messages they have engraved.
However, historically, tattoos were associated with hardcore criminals that been to jail and in some instances used as a form of gang identification sign.
Zane Motemane (21) said his special tattoo is a map of Africa and a guitar which symbolizes that he is an African.
Zane Motemane (21) said his special tattoo is a map of Africa and a guitar which symbolizes that he is an African.
Zane Motemane (21) said his special tattoo is a map of Africa and a guitar which symbolizes that he is an African.
Zane Motemane (21) said his special tattoo is a map of Africa and a guitar which symbolizes that he is an African.
Tshepo Tlabakoe (24) has 24 tattoos, according to Tshepo each tattoo tells a story of a particular year. My tattoos are like a map that gives a direction of my life journey.
Tshepo Tlabakoe (24) has 24 tattoos, according to Tshepo each tattoo tells a story of a particular year. My tattoos are like a map that gives a direction of my life journey.
Tshepo Tlabakoe (24) has 24 tattoos, according to Tshepo each tattoo tells a story of a particular year. My tattoos are like a map that gives a direction of my life journey.
David Sikwane (24) has 14 tattoos, he says they are part of his life story. Every incident that is significant in my life is recorded in the form of a tattoo.
David Sikwane (24) has 14 tattoos, he says they are part of his life story. Every incident that is significant in my life is recorded in the form of a tattoo.
Bafana Dhlamini (21) said his favourite tattoo is a verse from the bible. Bafana also said he prefers tattoos on his face as it the first thing you see when you meet the next person.
Bafana Dhlamini (21) said his favourite tattoo is a verse from the bible. Bafana also said he prefers tattoos on his face as it the first thing you see when you meet the next person.
Bafana Dhlamini (21) said his favourite tattoo is a verse from the bible. Bafana also said he prefers tattoos on his face as it the first thing you see when you meet the next person.
Neo Msibi (20) says her tattoos are there to cover her scars from an accident she had.
Neo Msibi (20) says her tattoos are there to cover her scars from an accident she had.
Mzwakhe Mkhwanazi (30) said he loves pain and has two special tattoos of his grandparents on his chest that he is not ready to share with the public.
Mzwakhe Mkhwanazi (30) said he loves pain and has two special tattoos of his grandparents on his chest that he is not ready to share with the public.
Mzwakhe Mkhwanazi (30) said he loves pain and has two special tattoos of his grandparents on his chest that he is not ready to share with the public.
