• By Adolf Kaure  

Swakopmund-based tattoo artist, Sem Amuthitu says some of his clients include clergymen and women who come to him to get inked for personal reasons.  Amuthitu operates a professional tattoo studio from his apartment in the Tamariskia township.
He explained that misconceptions about tattoos often come from prejudice caused by cultural and religious beliefs. 

“We are now in a new revolution. There are elders who will easily judge you by the first impression. However, things have changed. The world is not about appearance anymore, but people are now only being judged by merit and results,” said Amuthitu.  

 According to him, only 33 percent of his clients get tattoos for decorative purposes, while  the rest of those who come to him get meaningful tattoos which include of survival, memories of loved ones and infinity signs. “I have tattooed pastors, doctors, nurses. People get tattoos to mark sacred memories on their body,” he added. 

For this reason, Amuthitu is calling on government to introduce policies and provide funding for the tattoo industry to mitigate Namibia’s high unemployment rate.  “We need recognition in terms of funding. Tattoos are conceptual and fine arts. That means the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture should also take tattoos as a very serious career opportunity.

 [Taking art] seriously can [get] the younger generation off the streets. This is an art that requires patients and is costly,” Amuthitu said.

He added that there is a need for the establishment of a professional body to regulate and register tattoo businesses.
“We are few genuine tattoo artists in Namibia and I believe it is always better to get a tattoo from a professional and one with good reviews.

“There are tattoo artists who are taking chances and taking advantage of people who need tattoos. Some tattoos look bruised and they resemble work done in prison,” he added