However, as part of the Muslim conquests, when Arabs invaded North Africa, most Amazigh people converted to Islam. Loretta, lives in Switzerland, walks in fields and forests with her two dogs, and is writing a history of her life with Felix. Thus, tattoos have become geometric shapes and magic signs that protect man from the evil of nature, protect him from envy and keep him away from poverty, calamities and bad fate. Generally speaking, Amazigh tattoos are easily distinguished, characterised by fine geometric lines and dots.

The tattoos also express a progress from childhood to adulthood, belonging to the community or tribe. He led me on an amazing journey which included our four beautiful kids, Filip, Ama, Aia and Ajja, and I never regretted joining my life to his. An excerpt from the book explains, ‘Berbers are the indigenous people of North Africa, having been there since the beginning of recorded history. I love his psychedelic and freehand work, particularly his forearm which he designed and tattooed on himself in 1978.But beyond the innovative designs flowing throughout the book, it is Felix’s philosophy, work ethic and outlook on life which strikes the reader. We were a united couple and family, we were our own bosses, working when we needed to and taking time off when we chose to. They are associated with a magical function as they protect children from the evil eye, protect the community from potential enemies and protect them from evil spirits, such as tattooing as a symbiotic association between body and spirits.

Amazigh (Berber) women tattooed their faces, feet, arms, and other body parts for beauty, health, and protection. A little later in the evening we actually came face to face and I found him to be the most interesting and charismatic person I had ever met in my 20 years. Today, these aesthetic patterns are updated by several brands that are inspired by their creations, such as the Algerian brand Taszuri designer Rym, or by connaisseurs who do not hesitate to reuse these designs to be tattooed too. A V-shaped symbol on the chin was traditionally a marker of tribal identity, with size corresponding to how big the family is. Their traditional crafts, including jewellery, pottery, weaving, and henna art, hold great value and have been passed down for generations.Some Bedouin tribes also believe that markings will cure them of ailments, and symbols such as dots on the side of the head or above their eyes are said to heal a person's aches and pains. Tattooing among both men and women is an integral part of Bedouin culture, particularly among those living in the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula. Here, Middle East Eye explores the different tattoo designs of women across the region and the meanings behind them. Culture Trip uses an independent third party trust account held by PT Trustees Limited in accordance with the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations.