Taiwan: Virgin Mary With an Aboriginal Face Tattoo
The statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary with facial tattoo based on the Atayal people's tradition. Photo taken by Octopus (章魚). Non-commercial use.
An Atayal woman with the traditional facial tattoo held her granddaughter. Photo taken by atonny.Non-commercial use.
When Italian Catholic Father Alberto Papa came to Taiwan in 1963, he learned that face tattoo is an important culture for many aboriginal tribes in Taiwan. For example, in Atayal culture, only respectable person would have face tattoo. To deliver the idea that Virgin Mary is a holy figure, the father decided to add a golden face tattoo on the statue of Virgin Mary in his church.
More photos showing Taiwan aboriginal women with face tattoo can be found here.