The intricate art of traditional Cherokee tattoos for females dates back centuries and has a rich, cultural history. The Cherokee Nation is the largest federally recognized Native American tribe in the United States and is comprised of more than 300,000 citizens living in the southeastern United States. Cherokee tattoos were traditionally used as a symbol of the tribe's history and culture, as well as a way to denote identity and rank within the tribe. Tattoos were also sometimes used as a form of healing and protection against evil spirits. These tattoos were typically created by medicine men, who would use a special ink made from plants and minerals, and would often add in additional symbols of protection and healing, such as feathers and other symbols from nature.