Tattooing consists of the permanent coloring of body parts, either through the introduction or penetration of pigments of different colors subcutaneously or intradermally using needles or various cutting tools, or through scarification techniques, to create indelible figures and designs. The word "tattoo" is of Tahitian origin (from tatau = to engrave, decorate the skin). The practice of tattooing falls within the broader categories of " body art " and "body modification."