Body painting, also known as bodypainting, is a form of body art. Dissimilar from tattoos in that body painting is short-term, and reportedly only lasts for several hours or at most a couple of weeks in the case of Mehndi or henna tattoos. Body painting is generally on a large scale or full-body, while smaller or more detailed work is generally referred to as temporary tattoos.

Body painting is reported to be very common in the early 12th to mid 14th century by religious practitioners in rituals. Allegedly it was common in countries such as France and Germany. Some examples were exhibited on frescoes, but for the most part worn by members of the church under robes. These were reportedly symbols on the arms, chest and back, which allegedly became forms of identification.

Body painting with natural pigments once may have existed in most tribalist cultures. The ancient form of body painting can still be found among the indigenous people of Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and parts of Africa. The semi-permanent form Mehndi, also commonly known as Henna Tattoos is still practiced in India and the Middle East. In South America it is reported that the indigenous people customarily use annatto, huito, or wet charcoal. Huito is semi-permanent, and can commonly take weeks to fade.

Actors, clowns and other entertainers around the world have reportedly painted their bodies, and faces for centuries, and continue to this day. http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/painting/body.htm