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Tattoos, permanent images created by inserting colored materials beneath the skin´s surface, have played a part in human culture for thousands of years. Used for protection therapy or as status symbols in societies around the world, tattooing was introduced in the West by the famous explorer James Cook in late 18th century, where it spread among men in dangerous professions. Today tattooing is seen as an art form and more and more people choose to leave permanent images and messages on their skin. Learn more about tattoos, their purpose and meaning in different cultures in this book.

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