Jagua tattoo

It has recently been introduced in North America and Europe as an addition to henna body art, also called mehendi, mehandi, or mehndi in India.

The jagua tattoo method involves the surface application of a dye which then sets within a few hours, staining the upper layer of skin, or epidermis.

While henna tattoos are associated with Indian, African, and Middle Eastern cultures, jagua body art was invented by circum-Caribbean tribes and indigenous peoples of the Amazon region.

Certain tribes, such as the Matses Indians of Peru also insert it underneath the skin to create permanent markings on the body.

Peoples known to use the jagua fruit (currently or in the past) include: The Zapara, Shuar, Tsachila, Emberá-Wounaan, Yucuna, Kuna, Yuqui, Ticuna, Yagua, Arakmbut, Ka'apor, Canelos-Quichua, Amazonian Kichwas and Shipibo-Conibo.