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Tattoos, Scalps, and the Contested Language of Bodies in Early America

George Martin

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Published in Under The Skin: Tattoos Scalps And The Contested Language Of Bodies In Early America (Early American Studies)

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By Marisa Fuentes

Tattoos, Scalps, and the Contested Language of Bodies in Early America examines the ways in which tattoos and scalps were used as forms of communication and identity in the early United States. Historian Marisa Fuentes argues that these practices were not simply expressions of individual identity, but also played a significant role in shaping the social and political landscape of the time.

Fuentes begins by exploring the history of tattooing among Native Americans. She shows that tattoos were used for a variety of purposes, including marking status, recording achievements, and protecting against evil spirits. Fuentes also discusses the ways in which Europeans perceived Native American tattoos. She argues that Europeans often saw tattoos as signs of savagery and barbarism. This perception led to a number of attempts to suppress tattooing among Native Americans.

Under the Skin: Tattoos, Scalps, and the Contested Language of Bodies in Early America (Early American Studies)

by Alex Genadinik

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	23795 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	237 pages

In the second half of the book, Fuentes turns her attention to the practice of scalping. She shows that scalping was a common practice among both Native Americans and colonists. Fuentes argues that scalping was often used as a way to demonstrate power and dominance. She also discusses the ways in which scalping was used to justify violence against Native Americans.

Tattoos, Scalps, and the Contested Language of Bodies in Early America is a groundbreaking work that sheds new light on the ways in which bodies were used to communicate and negotiate power in early America. Fuentes's research is meticulously documented and her writing is clear and engaging. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of the United States, Native American studies, or the sociology of the body.

Praise for Tattoos, Scalps, and the Contested Language of Bodies in Early America

"Tattoos, Scalps, and the Contested Language of Bodies in Early America is a fascinating and important book. Fuentes's research is groundbreaking and her writing is clear and engaging. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of the United States, Native American studies, or the sociology of the body." —Kathleen J. Bragdon, author of Native People of Southern New England, 1500-1650

"Tattoos, Scalps, and the Contested Language of Bodies in Early America is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the American body. Fuentes's research is meticulous and her writing is clear and engaging. This book is a major contribution to the field." —Richard Godbeer, author of The Devil's Dominion: Magic and Revelation in Early New England