Tribal Tattoo for Woman

Tribal tattoo for woman with common face decorations and face tattoos, illustrating why they are called the "cat people." Both men and women of the Matsés indigenous tribe have these characteristic tattoos surrounding their mouths and extending along their cheeks to the base of their ears. However, only women have the characteristic "cat whiskers" as illustrated above. Until recently, Matsés indigenous woman used to wear hand-woven skirt made from "chambira" fibers. Matsés women first began wearing these skirts in 1969, after peaceful contact was made with the outside world. However, presently they are usually wearing Western clothes, whereas before contact the women wore nothing and were completely nude.

Return to main Gallery | Previous Picture | Next Picture