The Samoans would tattoo the nose of a person, in case a serious crime had been committed by him. This was considered as a grave punishment, comparable to cutting an ear off.

Samoan warriors would be tattooed from the waist down, extending to just above the knees.

In case of Samoan females, the tattoos would be limited to delicate flower and geometrical patterns on the hands and the lower part of the body.

Traditionally, Samoans preferred instruments made of human bone for tattooing. However, if human bones were not available, bones of oxen or horses would be used for making tattoo instruments.

Tongons: The inhabitants of Tonga, referred to as Tongons, considered tattooing as a highly social and cultural act. Tongon tattoos would consist of elaborate geometrical patterns, which would be added to constantly, throughout the life of the individual, until the entire body was covered with tattoos. Tongon warriors, just like Samoan warriors, would be tattooed from the waist down to the knees. This tattooing would mostly consist of geometrical designs, chiefly triangles, bands, and areas that were simply filled in with black colour. Only priests who had been long trained would carry out the process of tattooing, and a number of rites and rituals would be strictly followed when the tattooing would be done.

The soot of a specific type of nuts was used by the Tongons for tattooing. This soot would be stored in coconut shells and mixed with water when the tattoos were to be drawn. The instruments used for tattooing were typically made of shell and bone.

Africans: A unique method of tattooing was practiced in Africa in the olden days, which is known as 'cicatrisation' or 'scarification'. Under this method, small cuts would be placed in the skin, using thorns or razors. Then, charcoal would be rubbed into these cuts, which would cause scar tissue to develop in different patterns. These marks would give an idea of the social status and religion of an individual. In case of a woman, these marks would give an idea about her motherhood status.

Europeans: In the 19^th century, European sailors who sailed abroad began to get exotic tattoos on their bodies as souvenirs of their travels. This set off a tradition among British sailors.

During this period, tattoos in circuses became highly popular in Europe and other parts of the world. Circuses would employ a number of tattooed people. Tattoo artists would exhibit their ware in circuses, which would serve as a big attraction.

French: In the early 19^th century in France, tattoos were common among sailors, prisoners and labourers. People belonging to the upper strata of the society considered tattooing to be an undignified process. During this period, the French labourers tattooed symbols of their craft or profession on their arms. For instance, barbers would have a comb and a pair of scissors tattooed on their biceps, while carpenters would have a plane and pliers. These labourers would travel from one land to another in search of work, and these tattooes would make it easy for them to find work.

Chinese: The Drung and Dai are two Chinese minority groups who have interesting traditions behind their tattoos. Among the Drungs, girls would be tattooed on their faces, using bamboo sticks, when they became teenagers. Their tattoos would thus be an indicator of their maturity.

In the upper reaches of the Drung river, diamond-shaped motifs were tattooed in between the eyebrows of the girls and around the mouth, while dots were painted on the cheeks. Overall, this would give the impression of a flying butterfly. Towards the lower reaches of the river, the motifs used in tattooing were comparatively simpler. A few straight lines would be painted on the chin.

The tradition of tattooing among the Drungs began over 300 years ago, when the women in the community were attacked by other groups, raped and taken away to serve as slaves. Tattooing began to be undertaken by these women as an attempt to make themselves look less attractive.