Deq (tattoo)

[2] In the early 6th century, Aëtius of Amida wrote about the deq and how it was prepared which he published in his work Medicae Artis Principes.

In this work, he explained that the deq material was prepared by crushing and mixing pine wood (preferably its bark), some corroded bronze, gum and oil from trees.

They can have different significations depending on placement, including pure adornment, spiritual protection and tribal affiliation.

On women, they are usually found on faces, necks, feet, hands and to a lesser degree breasts and near the genitals.

Facial deq is believed to ward off evil spirits, provide good health and fertility.