Archive to preserve traditional facial tattoos in China

The Derung is one of China's smallest ethnic groups.

Most of its 5,000 members live in the isolated Derung River valley region in the south west of the country.

Until 50 years ago Derung women carried out the tradition of facial tattooing. Now there are only 41 who still retain the tattoos.

To ensure that they are not forgotten, authorities are filming and taking photographs of them to preserve their images for future generations.

Ghada Nassef reports.

  • China