Emmanuel Uchenna Item, a 30-year-old Austrian-Nigerian tattoo artist, is making significant strides in using body art as a powerful medium to bridge worlds. His unique approach draws deeply from West African heritage, particularly incorporating ancient scripts like Nsibidi and Uli, as well as various tribal symbols, all reimagined into striking contemporary forms. This fusion allows him to tell stories, establish a sense of belonging and identity, and honor the rich cultural history of his ancestors.

Born and raised in Vienna to an Austrian mother and a Nigerian father from Afikpo, Ebonyi State, Item spent almost eight years in Berlin before returning to his hometown of Vienna in August 2024. His journey into African-inspired tattooing began as a personal process of reconnecting with his Igbo heritage. After many years away, he started visiting Nigeria annually, exploring interesting visuals that could inspire his work. A crucial influence came from his mentor, Roberto (@pantarei), who encouraged him to delve into West African tribal tattooing, teaching him the foundational knowledge he now applies.

Photo Credit: BellaNaija

Item approaches the sacred designs with profound respect, emphasizing that the intention of everyone involved is vital to honoring the past. He clarifies that his work is not a replication of original practices but rather a modern creative expression. By taking inspiration from Nsibidi or Uli, he crafts new designs that fit within a contemporary tattooing context. His upbringing at the intersection of diverse cultures, especially his time in Berlin, significantly shaped his artistic identity, providing a fertile ground for his growth as an artist. Returning to Vienna, he feels he is unpacking the knowledge and skills gained from his travels and studies in his home environment.

Tattooing, for Item, is often an emotional and transformative process for his clients. He shared a poignant story of a man who, having been stabbed multiple times while protecting his daughter during a robbery in Abuja, sought Item's art. Item camouflaged the man's scars with scarification-like marks formed in specific patterns on his back, further enhancing the design with Nsibidi sigils. This allowed the client to carry a powerful story of survival and resilience on his skin.

Photo Credit: BellaNaija

Looking ahead, Emmanuel Uchenna Itemenvisions a future where Africa is recognized as a major player in the modern tattoo world. He highlights the underrepresentation of dark-skinned individuals in the tattoo industry and hopes for more artists, regardless of skin color, to feel comfortable tattooing Black skin.

This, he believes, will in turn make Black clients more comfortable seeking tattoos. Item also hopes to see the tattoo culture flourish in Africa, dispelling any negative perceptions surrounding body decoration. He advocates for increased exchange between Africa and other continents to share insights, quality standards, and skills, ultimately aiming to leave a legacy where African tribal tattoos are globally acknowledged as a distinct and respected art form and style.