“Xal” Kurdish tattoo is a traditional form of tattooing specific to Kurds. It holds significant cultural and historical value. While deq tattoos are more commonly found among Kurdish women, they are also observed among men. However, due to the influence of Islam, the practice of deq has become less common and has been replaced with henna, which is temporary. Nonetheless, efforts have been made to revive the use of deq as a means ofreaffirming Kurdish identity.
It’s worth noting that Yazidis Kurds also practice deq, and it holds even greater importance within the community.Jacques de Morgan observed the tattooing of Kurdish women in 1895 and noted that older women often had extensive tattoos covering their entire bodies. Men, on the other hand, were primarily tattooed on their hands and seldom on their faces. This observation was later reiterated by Henry Field during his visit to the Kurdish provinces of Iran, specifically Kurdistan and Kermanshah, in the 1950s.
The practice of deq, which predates Islam, is deeply rooted in local traditions and customs. Tattoos hold various meanings depending on their placement, including aesthetic adornment, spiritual safeguarding, and identification with a particular tribe. In the case of women, deq are commonly found on their faces, necks, feet, and hands. They are also occasionally seen on the breasts and in proximity to the genitals, although to a lesser extent.
These tattoo traditions reflect the rich cultural diversity and individual expressions within different communities.
Meaning and preparation of Kurdish tattoo
Facial deq tattoos hold significant beliefs in warding off evil spirits, promoting good health, and enhancing fertility. However, it’s important to note that there are specific rules associated with the usage of deq. According to these rules, women who have experienced divorce or have given birth to stillborn children are not eligible to receive tattoos.
These guidelines highlight the cultural significance and traditions surrounding the practice of deq.When tattooing women, the tattooist begins by using a needle dipped in ink to meticulously draw the desired design directly onto the skin. The ink, often made from milk (typically breast milk), is then pricked into the skin.
Kurdish tattoos feature unique designs that potentially harken back to pre-Islamic religions, which continue to hold significance for some Kurds. These symbols include the sun, moon, cross, comb, heart, stars, birds, and flowers.
Each symbol carries its own meaning: stars represent luck, the comb signifies beauty, birds embody life and the human soul, and plants symbolize wishes for fertility, productivity, and strength.
Additionally, V symbols are used as tribal identifiers, with the size of the symbol reflecting the size of the family group.The deq tattoos can be seen as a personal diary, encapsulating the unique experiences and stories of each individual woman. Kurdish men commonly receive tattoos on their hands, legs, neck, chest, and even the face (temporary tattoos are also popular).
These tattoos hold significant meanings related to medicinal properties and protection. In earlier times, one could easily determine a Kurd’s tribal affiliation through their distinctive deq tattoos. Kurdish tattoos serve as more than just aesthetic adornments. They also express the spiritual, social, and communal essence of the Kurdish people. These tattoos hold deep cultural and symbolic significance, reflecting the beliefs, values, and identity of the Kurdish community. They serve as a means of connecting with their heritage, preserving their traditions, and proclaiming their sense of belonging. The Kurdish tattoo tradition is most common in areas such as Amed, Shingal, Qamishlo, Efrîn, and Riha. It’s a tradition that started to vanish in the Kurdish community for many reasons.
