Ink with meaning: What we can learn from the tattoos of our ancestors

By Jake Wallis Simons, CNN

Updated 1943 GMT (0343 HKT) October 7, 2016

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Chinese tattoo artist Da Hua at his studio. He first started out practicing his designs on pig skin bought at the local market.
Photos: Tattoos no longer taboo
Chinese tattoo artist Da Hua at his studio. He first started out practicing his designs on pig skin bought at the local market.
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Da Hua shows some of his influences.
Photos: Tattoos no longer taboo
Da Hua shows some of his influences.
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An example of Da Hua's work depicting a quote from the Bible. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Psalm 23:1.
Photos: Tattoos no longer taboo
An example of Da Hua's work depicting a quote from the Bible. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Psalm 23:1.
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A Chinese character design by Da Hua.
Photos: Tattoos no longer taboo
A Chinese character design by Da Hua.
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Da Hua took inspiration from a famous Chinese legend for this design.
Photos: Tattoos no longer taboo
Da Hua took inspiration from a famous Chinese legend for this design.
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Another design by Da Hua.
Photos: Tattoos no longer taboo
Another design by Da Hua.
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