Meet Algeria’s tattooed women

In Algeria's Aures mountains, a Chaouia woman's beauty was once judged by her tattoos. But now, those fading etchings are a source of pain for the community’s older women. These photographs capture the forlorn expressions of these women, and are part of a series by photographer Zohra Bensemra. (Source: Reuters)

Most of these women are in their 70s to 90s, and the tattoos on their foreheads, chins and cheeks have long faded, making them look more strange than beautiful in today's day and age. (Source: Reuters)

The women are now left with fading tattoos and feelings of guilt. (Source: Reuters)

Some believe the women have committed a sin against Islam. (Source: Reuters)

Here is Djena Benzahra, who was tattooed at the age of 9. (Source: Reuters)

Benzahra says, "To ask for forgiveness from God, I've given away all my silver jewellery after turning the offering seven times on my tattoo." (Source: Reuters)

Though these tattoos were done to enhance beauty, it is said that tattoos done near the ankle or on the hands would enhance fertility. (Source: Reuters)

In India, there is a practice of women tattooing the names of their husbands on their arms as well as religious symbols. (Source: Reuters)