Yidiiltoo

Yidiiltoo or Yidįįłtoo are the traditional face tattoos of Hän Gwich’in women, who are indigenous to Alaska and Canada.

[2] Traditionally Hän Gwich’in girls receive their first tattoos between the ages of 12 and 14, often at first menstruation, as a passage ritual.

[2][5][6] Typical markings include vertical lines from the lower lip that extend to beneath the chin.

[2] According to tattoo anthropologist Lars Krutak, the width of the lines and the spacing between them were traditionally associated with each of the nine groups of Hän Gwich’in.

[2] Some non-indigenous people wear temporary markings, makeup or jewelry that mimics the traditional Yidįįłtoo.