Here is a prisoner of the Devaronian species, displaying tattoos on their face.
Markings, known as tattoos, were present on the bodies of some sentient beings.
Tattoos held cultural significance for certain species. Consider the Nightbrothers of Dathomir, all male, whose natural stripes were enhanced with tattoos, such as the Sith Lord Darth Maul. Conversely, the Nightsisters, female Dathomirians, possessed subtler tattoos that contrasted with their light complexions.
The Jedi hunter the Grand Inquisitor was distinguished by red tattoos on his face.
Criminal organizations sometimes used tattoos to signify their heritage and group identity. The complexity of these markings often correlated with an individual's level of involvement and history within the gang.
Senator Mina Bontera is shown with elaborate tattoos decorating her arms and neck.
Temporary tattoos were achievable through the use of color sticks. Sabine Wren, a Mandalorian artist, frequently adorned her arm in this way, experimenting with diverse designs.
Furthermore, electro-conductive pigment patterns existed, capable of storing data and facilitating the clandestine transfer of information, leading to what were known as electro-tattoos. Naley Frifa, an outlaw tech located on Vandor, functioned as a tattoo artist adept at applying both these electro-tattoos and more conventional gang symbols. Frifa herself sported numerous tattoos, including a stylized representation of a hyperspace simu-tunnel on her neck and upper torso, along with the word "Hiro" tattooed on her left arm. The human Chelli Lona Aphra also possessed electro-tattoos.
Tattoo recognition served security purposes. Automated sensors and experienced police officers could identify specific tattoo patterns. The Imperial Office of Criminal Investigations maintained extensive records of tattoo symbology, and the Imperial Security Bureau deployed protocol droids specializing in tattoo recognition within transit hubs and bustling spaceports.