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Sunday, 8th of March , 2026
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Discover a catolic ancient tattoo style called "Sicanje"
Catholics in Bosnia once practiced an ancient style of tattooing called sicanje (also known as bocanje).
This tradition dates back several centuries and was especially common among Catholic communities in central Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Why was it practiced?
During the rule of the Ottoman Empire (15th–19th century), these tattoos became a visible symbol of religious identity.
They were believed to:
• Mark belonging to the Catholic faith
• Preserve cultural identity
• Act as a sign of resistance
• In some cases, discourage forced conversion or marriage
This wasn’t decoration.
It was identity carved into skin.
Symbols and Style
The designs were simple but deeply symbolic:
• Stylized crosses
• Rosettes and sun motifs
• Geometric patterns
• Folk symbols rooted in local tradition
They were usually tattooed on:
hands, wrists, forearms, occasionally the chest.
The technique was primitive needles and natural pigments made from soot or charcoal mixed with milk or honey.
No modern aesthetics. Just meaning.
Today
The practice largely disappeared during the 20th century, but interest in sicanje has resurfaced in recent years as part of cultural and historical research.
It stands as a powerful reminder that tattooing has often been about faith, survival, and identity long before it became fashion.
[2]Taylor Schultek
Taylor Schultek is a Brooklyn based oil painter, born in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1990.
He received his BFA degree in drawing from Minnesota State University Moorhead and his MFA in painting and anatomy from the New York Academy of Art in 2016. He currently resides in Brooklyn, NY and is represented by Gallery Poulsen of Denmark.
His works have been featured in numerous publications including American Art Collector, The New York Times, Hi-Fructose, and Juxtapoz. Notable collections include musicians Iggy Pop, Paul Banks, and artist Will Cotton.
