A tattoo was a permanent insertion of ink or pigments below the skin using a sharp needle. A number of beings had tattoos, normally for cosmetic reasons or as part of their culture or an organization. Tattooing was also used as a common identification or branding of slaves. One example was the slave trade planet Orvax IV. The Togorian Mezgraf, a former slave of this planet, had his slaver's mark on his right shoulder, still visible through his white fur, and would often wear a long-sleeved jacket to cover it.