Mangala Bai, a tribal tattoo artist, makes her own tattoos using sewing needles of the appropriate size and number, tied together in a tight bundle, drawing the design directly on the skin using a home brewed ink made from local herbs. Photo courtesy of Shomil Shah
Shah was endlessly fascinated with the symbols of the Baiga tribe, who embellished their foreheads to mark their coming of age. Photos courtesy of Shomil Shah
The Trajva tattoo was meant to serve as a permanent form of jewellery for people who could not afford expensive ornaments. Photo courtesy of Shomil Shah
Shomil Shah giving a stick and poke tattoo. Photo courtesy of Shomil Shah
