The Alsatian culture carved in the skin

"Embodying the tradition"

If a smaller number of young people speak the dialect, it may be that the expression of Alsatian identity must also change.

Tattooing has always been a powerful way to preserve traditions and assert ethnic identities around the world, in very diverse cultures. Tattoos, as permanent marks of belonging, could be a modern and ancient response to this "duty of remembrance."

Instead of just remembering the past, we could live it—on our skin, in our bodies, through art.

Can tattooing become a new means of cultural continuity, embodying our roots in a visual and symbolic way?

With this project, I would like to question our relationship with cultural heritage and reinvent a form of native art deeply rooted in Alsace and propose: "Alsatian tribal tattoo."

Over time, our cultural heritage has been eroding, sometimes even disappearing.

Yet tattooing has always been a powerful way to preserve traditions and affirm ethnic identities around the world, across many different cultures.

With this project, I aim to explore our relationship with cultural heritage and reimagine a native art form deeply rooted in Alsace.

Alsace has a rich symbolic heritage, blending protection, nature, prosperity, and history. These decorative and emblematic motifs are still very present in regional craftsmanship and traditions.

All these Alsatian symbols carry deep meanings related to protection, prosperity, nature, and spirituality. They reflect a rich heritage and can still be found today in Alsatian architecture, crafts, and folklore.

In Alsatian ornamentation, one often finds:

Apotropaic symbols, which are meant to protect the home from misfortune (such as the evil eye),
Agricultural tools, as many of these houses once belonged to craftsmen or farmers,
Plant or geometric motifs linked to fertility or prosperity.

My ultimate goal is to organize an exhibition once the tattoos are completed, ideally bringing together other artists who are passionate about this concept. I already have a few people interested, but to bring this project to life, I need more participants willing to join and invest in it.