Any art that is created on or with the human body is known as body art. Body piercings and tattoos are the most common forms of body art. Other types of body art include scalpelling, scarification and branding. Body art is also considered as a category of performance art, which involves rhythmic or coordinated movement of body parts.
Body art has been around since the earliest times in history. Although a specific date has not been identified, cave paintings, sculptures, films, photographs, engravings and books point towards the existence of body art. It has always been a form of expression, a way to express identity. It helps man create his place in society or celebrate and mark a special moment.
In many cultures body art is an essential part of rituals and ceremonies. Henna, cinnabar and kaolin are a few natural ingredients used for body art. Natural dyes and extracts are used to treat living beings and even to adorn the dead. Many tribes consider plain smooth skin as unfinished. They scar the skin by cutting and then treating the incisions. Often a person with elaborate scars is highly respected as the wounds indicate high pain endurance level. The patterns may be simple or very detailed and intricate.
Tattooing has been a part of ancient cultures for centuries. Traditionally a needle and hammer was used to imprint on the skin in Polynesia, while the Japanese used bundles of needles that were wrapped in wool. The electronic tattoo machine revolutionized this art form and made it more accessible and convenient. | 
