Body painting

Body painting is a kind of body art in which artwork is painted directly into the skin of the subject being painted. Body painting, in contrary to tattoo and other forms of body art, is only transitory, lasting few hours or even many weeks in certain cases (in the case of mehndi or "henna tattoos" about two weeks). Face painting is a term used to describe body painting that is exclusive to the face. Painting one's body is also referred to as (a kind of) "temporary tattoo" in certain circles. Painting on a large scale or over the whole body is more frequently referred to as body painting, whilst smaller or more intricate work is sometimes referred to as temporary tattoos.

A grey or white paint derived from natural pigments such as clay, chalk, ash, and calf dung is used to decorate the body in many tribal societies, and it is considered sacred. It is often worn during cultural festivities because it is considered to aid in the moderation of body heat, and the employment of striped patterns may lessen the prevalence of biting insects in the vicinity. Indigenous Australians, as well as people in areas of Africa and Southeast Asia, as well as people in New Zealand and the Pacific islands, continue to practise it in this old form today. In India, a semi-permanent style of body painting known as Mehndi, which uses colours manufactured from henna plants (thus the term "henna tattoo" is often used incorrectly) is used, particularly on brides, and is known as "henna tattoo." Since the late 1990s, Mehndi has gained popularity among young women in the Western world, particularly in the United States.

Many indigenous peoples of Central and South America use Genipa americana juice to create jagua tattoos or patterns on their bodies, which they paint on with their hands. To adorn their faces and bodies, indigenous peoples of South America have historically used annatto, huito, or wet charcoal, according to custom. Huito is a semi-permanent colour that takes several weeks to fade completely, depending on the individual.