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Mankind has painted and decorated his body for thousands of years. They would
have used plant dyes to stain the skin, maybe for decoration, maybe for ritual
purposes, often to frighten an enemy.
There have certainly been well preserved bog bodies found with such staining, and
we also know of it from various accounts by the classical Greek and Roman writers.
There is evidence of tattooing dating right back over 5000 years and the Egyptians
were the culture that totally embraced it. Henna was used in many ways to stain
hands, hair and nails.
In these Islands and beyond the body was also painted with woad, which gave a
blue colouring, and was used in the same way that henna was, and is used today.
Woad also had the additional benefit of helping to stop blood flow, so very useful in
battle! Maybe henna had another use too in ancient times.
Indian Brides still have their hands and feet painted on the day before their wedding
with beautiful intricate Menhdi designs. Other parts of the world have their own
special designs.
Consequently there are many examples of patterns from many cultures and parts of
the world. Jean brought some examples along to inspire us, and we were
encouraged to try some of these out on paper before attempting to transfer these
designs to hands and feet.
Many of us do not consider ourselves to be artistic, but everyone was more than
pleased with the results with some very intricate and beautiful designs. Most of us
did some patterning on ourselves and also on others (it’s very difficult to do your
own right hand if you are right handed!) And some just drew the patterns on their
wives!
All in all it was a wonderful, creative, friend-filled, happy afternoon for all who
attended, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we do another one at some point!
By Diane Worthington
Fracking Insanity
‘Watching the moon rise through the ancient cherry, behind salmon clouds in a Wedgwood sky
.. the wood pigeons flapping to get comfy for the night in the even older yews .. the blackbirds