Spiritual Tattoo: A Cultural History of Tattooing, Piercing, Scarification, Branding, and Implants

Body modifications of all kinds have become increasingly popular over the past twenty years. Tattooing and piercing are widespread. Implants are commonplace elective surgeries for men and women. Body modification is both a statement of individualism and part of the popular culture. This book presents the history and context of body modifications, as well as sociological and psychological motivations.