Henna is used by many people and cultures as a hair dye and temporary body tattoo. It is made from henna tree leaves. It is thought that it was first used thousands of years ago. Mummies in Ancient Egypt, around 1574 BC were found to have hair dyed with henna. It is a very OLD tradition.
This image was taken at a Ramadan street festival in Lakemba, Sydney, which area has a large Muslim community. As a hair dye it is halal (permitted) for both men and women. But only women can use it to tattoo hands and feet, but not the face.
The paste stays on the skin until the colour is transferred which can take some time. The tattoo is at its best two or three days after application and it has completely gone after two or three weeks.
Cool shot! One of my pupils told me that, in her culture, brides get their hands tattoed with henna - and while the henna is visible, they are considered "newly wed", and don't have to do any housework.
Gorgeous design, and a lovely capture of both the artwork and the hand - I've often wondered why it is that there are people who keep their pinkie fingernails long, and the remaining fingernails shorter.
I think these designs look so attractive. We see a lot of that here as well. There are artists that set up little stalls in busy supermarkets; its so interesting to watch them at work.
@cocokinetic
Thanks. At least the stuff comes off!! Eventually.
I don’t know about fingernails but you made an interesting observation. Maybe the other fingers and thumb do all the work and get broken and the pinky is just there for show.
@cocokinetic
Thanks. I think the newer generation are showing an interest in henna rather than getting for the rest of your life ink tattoos. The woman whose hand is in the image is in her late 60s (I guess?). She dances the tango with her partner as often as she can. She was telling me the tattoo on her left hand behind the man’s back will look terrific.
I think these designs look so attractive. We see a lot of that here as well. There are artists that set up little stalls in busy supermarkets; its so interesting to watch them at work.
I don’t know about the no housework. But wearing henna is certainly a bridal tradition.
Thanks. At least the stuff comes off!! Eventually.
I don’t know about fingernails but you made an interesting observation. Maybe the other fingers and thumb do all the work and get broken and the pinky is just there for show.
Thanks. I think the newer generation are showing an interest in henna rather than getting for the rest of your life ink tattoos. The woman whose hand is in the image is in her late 60s (I guess?). She dances the tango with her partner as often as she can. She was telling me the tattoo on her left hand behind the man’s back will look terrific.
Thanks for the much appreciated comments. I’m happy that you all find it interesting!
Thanks. When the dye soaks into the skin, the paste on top falls or is taken off.
Thanks. They certainly have to have a steady hand !!
Thanks.