Tunniit (Inuit tattoos)

Tunniit refers to traditional Inuit facial tattoos, historically used for identity, social status, and spiritual reasons. These tattoos, often on the chin, lips, or eyebrows, signified maturity, tribal affiliation, and personal accomplishments. The practice faded when Western contact and modernization altered Inuit culture, but in recent years, there has been a revival as a way to reclaim cultural identity and heritage. Modern Inuit tattooing now often combines traditional designs with contemporary practices, serving as a powerful symbol of resilience and connection to ancestral traditions.