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Tattoos






Last year in September I made a huge decision. I decided that I was going to get tattoos. Now for most people that might not be a big deal but for me it was. My whole life I have been against tattoos. I could never understand why people would be willing to permanently mark their bodies. And then I began a new journey and realized the beauty and meaning that come with some tattoos.
So I sat down and consulted with close friends about what type of tattoos I should get. We decided upon Adinkra Symbols; which are West African symbols. I then had to figure out a place for these meaningful tattoos. And of course I had to pick a good place to get them done.

SO let me break it down:


1. Symbols: I choose Adinkra Symbols because I have always had a sort of complex with being black. I grew up in a predominately white neighborhood where I felt that I was constantly on display. Every where I went I was the ONLY black girl. And it wasn't that I didn't want to be black but I just wanted to blend in. So the fact that these are West African symbols is representative of the fact that I'm becoming comfortable with being black in America.

2. Location: I decided they needed to be someplace that I could be reminded of there deep meaning regularly. But not completely out in the open. They represent something that is a part of me. So they are mostly for me but the world can have in on it too. And I figured that on the wrist is the best place to demonstrate that. You see I have the option to show my wrist and let others be involved.

3. Meaning: So I have two tattoos on my wrist. The first one is Wawa Aba; symbol of hardiness, toughness and perseverance. The seed of the wawa tree is extremely hard. In Akan culture, it is a symbol of someone who is strong and tough. It inspires the individual to persevere through hardship. The second tattoo is Mpatapo; symbol of reconciliation, peacemaking and pacification. Mpatapo represents the bond or knot that binds parties in a dispute to a peaceful, harmonious reconciliation. It is a symbol of peacemaking after strife. If you have read any of my previous post you know now that I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Because of this these symbols have great meaning to me.

4. Order: The order of my tattoos was intentional as well. Wawa Aba is first because I persevered through the abuse first. I made to places that many wouldn't think possible. And now is my time for reconciliation/peacemaking with myself. Which is why Mpatapo is second.

My tattoos have tremendous meaning to me so it irks me when people assume that they are related to me being Greek. Yes, I am a Zeta. And yes, I love the fact that I'm a Zeta. But I know that I'm a Zeta and would never need to have something on body to remind me of such. I know my reasons for being a Zeta and are willing to explain them but my tattoos have no relation! So please everyone stop assuming that you know! I would rather you just ask!




Oh yeah. This is what I'm planning for my third tattoo. It is also an Adinkra Symbol. It's the symbol of the Ram's horns. And it signifies that in order to be strong you have to be humble. And this will be on the back of my neck. And still doesn't relate to me being a Zeta.
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