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

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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