Ancient Marks by Chris Rainier

02Jul09

Review by Walter Pomeroy,  Dubois Library volunteer since 1999.

Rainier, Chris. Ancient Marks: The Sacred Origins of Tattoos and Body Marking, Media 27, 2004.

“This book transported me back to Junior High School where I first discovered the National Geographic Magazine. The exotic and erotic photos were an eye opener for a teenage boy in the 40’s! It is not surprising that Rainer has worked with the National Geographic.

This is much more than a book of tattooed people. It is a sociological tour of the world, seeking out the ancient customs of body markings, including a world map of the countries visited. In Rainier’s photos we meet compelling individuals who happen to have body markings or piercing. Some are so beautiful, that at first you do not notice the markings. Like the Ukasa mistress on page 128/129, whose delicate curved backside captures your eye before you notice her full body tattoos. Or the Tahitian youth on page 120 who looks like he could stand astride an ocean. Again you have to look very close to see the lace like tattoos. I do not want togive the reader the impression that all is light and beauty in the book. There are some disturbing images that might offend some viewers. I found the book interesting enough to buy it for myself. The soft bound edition comes with a twelve minute DVD travelogue of Rainier and his travels.

This book is in the Dubois Library Collection and is also available for purchase at the Museum Store.

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