The current trends of tattooing beliefs and experiences in Ghana

Abstract

In the study, the researcher has sought to investigate into the current trends of tattooing. The study addressed the beliefs and experiences of tattooed persons, tattooists and nontattooed persons in Ghana. In gathering the relevant data, the researcher greatly relied on the use of interview, observations and document analyses. These interviewing types were structured, semi-structured and unstructured and for the observations, the researcher used the natural type. The researcher particularly used the purposive and snowball methods of sampling data. The study used a sample size of one hundred and forty respondents. At the end of the study, the researcher has found out that; modernity in the use of the electronic media and multi-cultural integration has immensely contributed to the spread of tattooing from different cultures into the present Ghana. The spread has been so quick in the country and it can be seen across all age groups. Also, most of the people wearing tattoos in Ghana have this body art for beautification, religious, sentimental and identification purposes. Some people who are also not wearing tattoos have drawn conclusions that, they do not wish to wear one because they fear contracting infections, the state of it being permanent and also religious reasons.