Yidiiltoo or Yidįįłtoo are the traditional
face tattoos of
Hän Gwich’in women, who are indigenous to Alaska and Canada.
History
The practice dates back at least 10,000 years.
Traditionally girls of the Hän Gwich’in receive their first tattoos between the ages of 12 and 14, often at first
menstruation.
Missionaries of the 1800s and 1900s banned the traditional practice along with other cultural traditions.
Starting in the 2010s, some indigenous girls and women began to reclaim the tradition.
Description
Typical markings include vertical lines from lower lip that extend to beneath the chin.
According to tattoo anthropologist
Lars Krutak
Lars Krutak (April 14, 1971) is an American anthropologist, photographer, and writer known for his research about tattoo and its cultural background. He produced and hosted the 10-part documentary series ''Tattoo Hunter'' on the Discovery Chan ...
, the width of the lines and the spacing between them were traditionally associated with which of the nine groups of Hän Gwich’in the girl was from.
Other markings may be created on the temple or cheeks.
Method of application
The traditional method is a
stick-and-poke using needles made from bird bones.
Some modern practitioners use tattoo needles.
Notable wearers
*
Quannah Chasinghorse
Quannah Rose Chasinghorse-Potts (born c. 2002) is an Indigenous American model. She appeared on the 2020 ''Teen Vogue'' list of Top 21 under 21.
Career
Chasinghorse was interested in modeling and fashion from a young age but, due to the lack of ...
, a model of Hän Gwich’in and
Sicangu Oglala Lakota heritage, received her first Yidįįłtoo at age 14.
Appropriation
Some non-indigenous people wear temporary markings, makeup or jewelry that mimics the traditional Yidįįłtoo.
Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie (; born Angelina Jolie Voight; June 4, 1975) is an American actress, filmmaker, humanitarian and former Special Envoy to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. The recipient of numerous accolades, including an Academy Award ...
was criticized for wearing facial jewelry that mimicked Yidįįłtoo.
See also
*
Kakiniit
Kakiniit ( iu, ᑲᑭᓐᓃᑦ ; sing. ''kakiniq'', iu, label=none, ᑲᑭᓐᓂᖅ) are the traditional tattoos of the Inuit of the North American Arctic. The practice is done almost exclusively among women, with women exclusively tattooing oth ...
*
Tavlugun
The tavluġun is an indigenous Iñupiaq chin tattoo
A tattoo is a form of body modification made by inserting tattoo ink, dyes, and/or pigments, either indelible or temporary, into the dermis layer of the skin to form a design. Tattoo ...
References
{{Reflist
Tattooing traditions
Gwich'in