Modern Primitives - RE/SEARCH

First published in 1989, Modern Primitives remains the definitive guide to the tattooing and piercing underground, often referred to as “the bible” of body modification. This groundbreaking book was the first to explore not just the how but also the why behind these practices, tracing their roots across diverse cultural traditions and illuminating their evolution into a defining visual language of contemporary youth culture.This celebratory 2010 reprint includes a new introduction by original editor and publisher V. Vale, along with a special community section featuring contributions from modern practitioners. Heavily illustrated with striking contemporary photography, archival anthropological images, and historical tattoo drawings, Modern Primitives continues to be an essential resource for anyone fascinated by body art, self-expression, and cultural ritual.