Ink-Stained Wretches.(Body Art: Marks of Identity exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York)

MOST of us view the human body as a rental rather than a condo: We have the use of it during the brief season of our tenancy, but we are loath to initiate any permanent modifications beyond those dictated by nature and medical necessity. Which is to say that we have no intention of getting ourselves pierced, scarified, or tattooed if we can possibly help it.

But if this is the majority opinion, the majority is shrinking every day. By treating the current fad for piercings and tattoos, a new exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History in Man hattan addresses a…