Body markings in the World of Avatar

Body markings used widely in the World of Avatar and are used as tradition nor war. This type of body modification is usually for ritual or identification purposes, rather than being strictly decorative.

Airbending masters


Upon reaching master status, airbenders are tattooed with five light blue arrows: one extending from the base of the spine to the forehead, one for each arm pointing to the hands, and similarly for the legs and feet. The design is an emulation of the flying bison's natural markings, as they were the first airbenders. Unlike most master airbenders who gain their status later in life, Avatar Aang received his tattoos when he was only twelve after his invention of the air scooter, making him the youngest known airbending master.

The Air Nomad tattoos of an Avatar will glow when the Avatar enters the Avatar State.

As seen with Aang, if the Avatar's body has received a severe injury on a tattooed area, leaving a scar deeper than the tattoo, then that particular spot will not glow in the state.

It is unclear whether or not any other tattoos an Avatar bears would glow while they are in the Avatar State, given that no Avatar has been known to possess any other sort of tattoo. However, it seems likely that Air Nomad tattoos glow in the state because they run along the body's chi paths.

Yuyan Archers


The Yuyan Archers bear dark red tattoos that cover their eyes and narrow over the bridge of their nose. The placement of their tattoos symbolizes the importance of sight in their deadly skill. Similar to those of master airbenders, the tattoos of the Yuyan Archers identify them as part of an elite group as they are very obvious markers.

Others

 * As a reference to the prevalence of tattoos among prison populations, when Aang was imprisoned in Chin Village, one prisoner had a large green serpent tattoo and stated that because Aang also had tattoos, he would "fit in real well". Other prisoners also had tattoos on their bodies.
 * One of the prisoners brought to the Boiling Rock with Hakoda had an elaborate black tattoo.
 * The Boulder had a tattoo of a badgermole on his back, a self-proclamation of his earthbending prowess.
 * The third eye tattooed on Combustion Man's forehead was a channel for his chi, as it was directly over his Light Chakra, allowing his energy to focus there and produce powerful explosions.




 * June, the bounty hunter, had a coiled serpent tattooed on both shoulders.
 * Some of the pirates had tattoos.
 * The Yu Dao chapter of the Official Avatar Aang Fan Club had tattoos just like master airbenders possess.
 * Smellerbee, a Freedom Fighter, had two red tattoos on each side of her face.

Water Tribe warriors


So-called Water Warriors, elite fighters of both the Northern and Southern Water Tribes, bear traditional war-paint when going into battle. In the Northern Water Tribe it is also customary for the chief to apply ceremonial paint to chosen warriors departing on dangerous missions.

Mark of the Trusted


The Mark of the Trusted is a horizontal arc given to outsiders who prove themselves worthy of the tribe's trust. For example, while ice dodging, Aang controlled the jib; this position related to trust, as without his steady hand, the whole crew would go down.

Mark of the Brave


The Mark of the Brave is a crescent shaped mark that resembles the moon given for "inspirational displays of courage."

During Sokka's rite of passage, Katara held the position of bravery as she needed to secure the mainsail and thus prevail against the brutal winds. Following her successful completion of the ritual, Bato bestowed the Mark of the Brave upon her.

Mark of the Wise


The Mark of the Wise is a horizontal arc above a dot given for decision-making and leadership ability under pressure. Sokka received this marking for steering the boat as well as for leading Aang and Katara wisely through the rough waters by instructing them on what to do.

The Kyoshi Warriors


The warriors of Kyoshi Island have a strict garb they wear for battle and training. This uniform, which included facial war-paint, was designed to resemble the attire that Avatar Kyoshi wore during her life, and the face paint itself was meant strike fear into the hearts of their opponents.

Other possible examples

 * Headhunter, one of the earthbending wrestlers in Earth Rumble VI, donned face paint for his battle.
 * The Sun Warriors had patterns on their chin and around their ears, curving in towards their noses.
 * Smellerbee, one of the Freedom Fighters, had two red stripes on each side of her face that were likely either tattoos or a form of face paint.