Floral patterns, peacock feathers and the University’s tiger eye logo – these were all designs chosen Tuesday by students for temporary henna tattoos. The Indian Students’ Association offered the henna tattoos to raise funds for its April 21 spring banquet. The tattoos cost between $5 and $20, depending on the size and location of the design. About 20 students passed through the event outside Highland Dining Hall, many stopping to get a tattoo after eating in the cafeteria. ISA members took turns painting henna designs and passing out fliers to attract more students. All the ISA painters were female, a reflection of the role henna art plays in Indian society. “For girls, it’s their art,” said Malak Shah, mechanical engineering senior and ISA president. Social work doctoral student and ISA vice president Sharbari Dey said henna techniques originated in Persia. She said henna ink was originally applied to the skin during the summer to lower body heat. Dey also explained how the ISA mixed its own henna ink. ISA students began by heating tea leaves with water. After the water cooled, henna powder was sieved and mixed into the tea. It was then mixed with lime, eucalyptus, oil and sugar. The concoction is then left to settle overnight, and the result is henna ink. ISA members then put the ink into cellophane cones, which were used to apply the ink to the skin. Dey said there are many variations of the ink-making process. Different methods produce different kinds of ink. Julie White, psychology sophomore, had a design painted on her palm. “I love it,” White said. “I’m all into the whole Indian art thing. It’s awesome.” Melinda Rome, agricultural business senior, also participated in the fundraiser by having a floral design painted on her ankle. Rome said the henna tattoos were a great way to raise funds. “It exposes their culture to the rest of the students,” Rome said. “It’s unique.” The ISA will be in Free Speech Alley this afternoon continuing to raise funds by offering more tattoos.
—–Contact Daniel McBride at [email protected]