Researcher
The History Of Tattoos
By Patricia Villanueva
YMHS
2016
The unique and distinctive practice of tattoos is an ancient form of art. While there have been eras in our culture that tattoos were not popular, it has become more accepted today than it had been several decades ago. More and more people are getting them. But there are still arguments, statements and questions used against tattoos. It is always questioned on what the importance of getting a tattoo is? However, that can only be answered by the individuals who get them, some could be a form of expression or just artistic even spiritual or a medical expression from different cultures. There are many different cultural meanings of tattoos. Throughout this paper I will be exploring the history of tattoos and their meanings; as well as the many different cultures that have been getting tattoos that date back centuries. I will discover why individuals get tattoos, what the many meanings of tattoos around the world are and the different opinions of people about what they think of tattoos.
Tattooing is an art form known and loved around the world. Its an art form loved by millions of people worldwide. Of course people love tattoos for all sorts of different reasons. Tattooing as an art form that was first recorded starting as early as 12,00 B.C. as a way to identify tribes, religions, and sometimes punishment (Smithsonian.com). I find it very interesting that symbols or markings on your body can signify so much. Tattoos have in Native American culture an entirely different type of significance. They have more of a spiritual meaning and symbolize their connection to nature and their spiritual being. Some were tattooed as a marking of maturity while others were tattooed to signify self identification(Smithsonian.com). In China the majority of their ethnic group believe tattoos are connected with criminals, gangs, and bandits. Their belief is that their bodies are an endowment of their parents and a continuance of their bloodline. In Chinese culture, destruction of the body is a serious offense. Tattoos are not accepted in their community’s. In the Phillipines tattoos are a form of social ranking and accomplishments. Some believe that tattoos have magical capabilities (Smithsonian.com).
Many different ethnicities have different names for the art. For example Southern India calls the art “Pachakutharathu.” It took to popularity during the 1980’s in Southern India. Northern India’s name for “tattoo’s” is called “Godna” the term Gond refers to tribal people the gonda art beliefs are that “viewing a good image begets good luck.”(Smithsonian.com) I believe that means drawing, painting or permanently getting an image or marking of something on your body is good luck. Godna took its popularity in ancient India and is still popular to this day but it has many different names for the modern day Godna , Tarazwa, Gondan, Ungkala, Ect. India is not the only culture that has a history of ancient tattoos.
Europe's earliest records of tattoos was approximately 40,000 years ago. Early European tattoos made up of series of parallel lines on the arms, chest, shoulders, and torso mostly. In the late eighteenth century and early nineteenth century of North America tattoos were used as a form of self expression and identification during the wars as a way to be identified in case a sailor was lost at sea or body washed up to shore. Around 3200-3300 B.C Otzi the oldest tattooed human/mummy is said to have had 61 tattoos. These tattoos were created from pigment manufactured out of fireplace covered with ashes, also these sorts of tattoos or markings were related to pain relief treatments similar to “acupressure” or “acupuncture” acupuncture needles tend to interact with the fascial layer or muscle. Early Egyptians traditionally use tattoos as a sort of passport to the world after death; Egypt is genuinely accepted the cradle of tattoo art and by the middle kingdom tattoos seem to have been popular and culturally acceptable(History of tattooing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia ).
Egypt's majority of tattoos were found on woman, indicating their social status. In Egypt tattoos were also used for healing, religion, and as a punishment. The enthusiasm for tattoos continues to increase, so does the popularity of Egyptians motifs. Designs based on ancient Egyptians amulets are so beloved today, but were not used in that fashion thousands of years ago. This is particularly interesting because as far as we know tattoo history starts in ancient Egypt.
Greeks learned tattooing from Persians and used them to mark their slaves and criminals to be identified if they tried to escape. Tattooing was also only associated with the barbarians in early greek and roman times. As Christianity spread through the Roman Empire, the tattooing of slaves and criminals was gradually abandoned. Also Tattoos were forbidden in Sunni Islam. several Sunni Muslim scholars believe tattooing is a sin because it involves changing the creation of God. Tattoos in New Zealand where known as Tamoko, created with chisels. These tattoos fell out because of the European practice. However, during the late 20th century there had been a recurrence of the Ta Moko tattoos on Maori.
Why do people get tattoos anyway? Modern individuals do it for all sorts of reasons. On the other hand ancient and traditional societies practiced the art of tattooing for more serious and conscious reasons. Any way you look at it art has always been a big interest in societies in many shapes and forms. When looking at tattooing as an art form, it seems reasonable that different cultures and societies would use their bodies as the canvas. I took interest in tattoos because ai liked all the different ways to get a picture permanently on your body and the fact that tattoos have all these different meanings and all the historical aspects. There are so many opinions on tattoos from decades ago to present day. Tattoos were used in so many different ways. I found it to be really interesting.
In some Religions Tattoos retain their significance as visible reminders of important or spiritual experience in our lives. In Asia the Lotus is a powerful symbol because of its purity many hindu gods have been depicted in art sitting upon a lotus or holding the flower. In Buddhism an open lotus flower represents enlightenment. The trinity knot, is a celtic and nordic symbol with pagan roots. Pagans believe the three interlocking parts of the Triquetra another word for Trinity Knot symbolize the connectedness of the earth, sea, and sky. Christians came to use the symbol to illustrate the trinity, an idea that god the father, son and holy spirit are all one being. The triquetra also represents eternity. The “Cross” christians believe jesus, the son of god who lived a holy life and died on the cross to save the world from its sin. As a result, the cross is a reminder of god's eternal love. The “dove” is meaningful in many religious traditions. In the biblical story of the flood it was a dove that returned to the ark with an olive leaf giving noah the signal that the water was beginning to recede. Christians believe the dove represents the holy spirit. And in greek mythology the dove was a symbol of aphrodite, goddess of love. Ant then there's water, Water is an essential, life giving force in nearly all of the world's religious traditions.
There's so many different ways to get a tattoo. For example there are Henna tattoos stain the fingers and toes of pharaohs prior mummification. Henna is hard to trace with centuries of cultural interaction. Henna is rooted in historical tradition the working class commonly apply henna for medical and healing purposes, as well as connection to the spirit, blood and henna had qualities that improved human awareness of the earth's energy. The ancient egyptians used needles of copper or bone and thorns would have been used to make marks; pharos would be tattooed the courtiers and concubines so there mummies would reveal elaborate patterns of dots and stripes around the waist, buttocks and legs and back. Around the sixth century Roman physician. Aetius, wrote “..prick the design with pointed needles until blood is drawn, then rub in the ink..” The latin word stigma is defined the latin and greek meaning a “tattoo mark, a prick with pointed instrument, a mark of disgrace or reproach. Canada and alaska use a piercing method; the needle has the same structure as a bone sewing needle and has an eye at the blunt end, a thread is strung through the eye and drawn across the ink to soak it. The needle is then sewn into the skin, up and down and this is repeated, pulled through and the pigment deposited in the channel left by the needle. This is done by highly skilled work practised by the older woman of the tribes. The traditional japanese method is a piercing technique known as “Tebori; a group of needles is attached to a stick of bamboo, wood or ivory or various metals, and is held in one hand. The other hand holds the skin taught and the tool is placed between thumb and forefinger the same way a pool or snooker cue is held. The modern tattoo machine is a piercing and puncturing instrument. The difference between piercing and puncturing the skin lies in the angle at which instrument enters and the force applied-piercing requires a shallow angle and relatively little force puncturing seem to take a disproportionate amount of energy.
Getting a tattoo is a different experience for the individual who is getting it. Where the tattoo is placed on the body can make a significant difference. Some people have a high tolerance to pain and can handle getting tattoos in places that other people might consider extremely painful. Whether you have a high or low pain tolerance before you make the decision to get a tattoo you need to decide what you want and where you want to get it. You better make sure you really love the design because once you get one it will stay on the body forever. A large part of getting a tattoo is meeting the artist and watching the illustration turn into a piece of beautiful body art, Good communication with your tattooist leads to a better understanding of what you’ll like.
Some people think getting tattoos ruin your body while others think it's fine. Some people think that the size of a tattoo makes a difference. For example getting a small tattoo compared to a large one isn’t so bad. If you get a small tattoo they are easier to cover up and can go unnoticeable. In our society today tattooing is very popular and common. Historically tattoos were for sailors, the military and hookers. Now they are very common. Tattoos are everywhere, in every age group, ethnicity, and gender. Not only are they common it very popular to have a lot a tattoos. When you walk around anywhere U.S.A. you can see people tattooed from the neck down.
Years back there where also places that would not allow you to enter if you were tattooed but from then to now tattooes are more accepted today but there will always be a large part of the population who disagrees with the idea of getting a tattoo. Around the sixties you had to be 18 to get a tattoo course teens always found a way to get a tattoo. Tattoos as a career is very expressive and serious job; you're given the privilege to permanently mark someone. Tattoo artist take there job very serious because there are a lot of people who just buy tattoo guns and think they know everything about tattoos these people are known as “scratchers”. one thing about tattoos is “cheap tattoos are not good and good tattoos are not cheap” very few of these self taught artists go on to become professional tattoos artists or owning there own shop.
To get on the path of becoming a tattoo artist you must first become an apprentice. Once you work your way up from learning the trade from somebody who already practiced the skill and has years of experience. Years back apprenticing was the only way to become a tattoo artist also any other job. A tattoo artist will not be looking for your knowledge on tattoos or the tattoo industry or your portfolio. They look for the complete opposite they want someone inexperienced, knowing there are people who self teach themselves those people “scratchers” pick up bad habits that are hard to unlearn so new information is hard to take in.
It's better if the apprentice has never used a tattoo gun cause they will learn the proper way to use it and the right way to sterilize everything so the customer won't have to worry about an infection, tattoos are very important to the artist giveing them they want to make sure it's to the customers satisfaction one mistake is permanent.
Our body is our temple also our canvas for our stories, our memories and what makes us unique. Tattoos are a great way to express yourself forever, it's simply art. Whatever your relationship is to the art of ink beyond images worth of endless tattoo inspiration your skin tells people if you’re healthy, how old you are, whether you’re embarrassed, nervous or sick. That's the language of skin.
By Patricia Villanueva
YMHS
2016
The unique and distinctive practice of tattoos is an ancient form of art. While there have been eras in our culture that tattoos were not popular, it has become more accepted today than it had been several decades ago. More and more people are getting them. But there are still arguments, statements and questions used against tattoos. It is always questioned on what the importance of getting a tattoo is? However, that can only be answered by the individuals who get them, some could be a form of expression or just artistic even spiritual or a medical expression from different cultures. There are many different cultural meanings of tattoos. Throughout this paper I will be exploring the history of tattoos and their meanings; as well as the many different cultures that have been getting tattoos that date back centuries. I will discover why individuals get tattoos, what the many meanings of tattoos around the world are and the different opinions of people about what they think of tattoos.
Tattooing is an art form known and loved around the world. Its an art form loved by millions of people worldwide. Of course people love tattoos for all sorts of different reasons. Tattooing as an art form that was first recorded starting as early as 12,00 B.C. as a way to identify tribes, religions, and sometimes punishment (Smithsonian.com). I find it very interesting that symbols or markings on your body can signify so much. Tattoos have in Native American culture an entirely different type of significance. They have more of a spiritual meaning and symbolize their connection to nature and their spiritual being. Some were tattooed as a marking of maturity while others were tattooed to signify self identification(Smithsonian.com). In China the majority of their ethnic group believe tattoos are connected with criminals, gangs, and bandits. Their belief is that their bodies are an endowment of their parents and a continuance of their bloodline. In Chinese culture, destruction of the body is a serious offense. Tattoos are not accepted in their community’s. In the Phillipines tattoos are a form of social ranking and accomplishments. Some believe that tattoos have magical capabilities (Smithsonian.com).
Many different ethnicities have different names for the art. For example Southern India calls the art “Pachakutharathu.” It took to popularity during the 1980’s in Southern India. Northern India’s name for “tattoo’s” is called “Godna” the term Gond refers to tribal people the gonda art beliefs are that “viewing a good image begets good luck.”(Smithsonian.com) I believe that means drawing, painting or permanently getting an image or marking of something on your body is good luck. Godna took its popularity in ancient India and is still popular to this day but it has many different names for the modern day Godna , Tarazwa, Gondan, Ungkala, Ect. India is not the only culture that has a history of ancient tattoos.
Europe's earliest records of tattoos was approximately 40,000 years ago. Early European tattoos made up of series of parallel lines on the arms, chest, shoulders, and torso mostly. In the late eighteenth century and early nineteenth century of North America tattoos were used as a form of self expression and identification during the wars as a way to be identified in case a sailor was lost at sea or body washed up to shore. Around 3200-3300 B.C Otzi the oldest tattooed human/mummy is said to have had 61 tattoos. These tattoos were created from pigment manufactured out of fireplace covered with ashes, also these sorts of tattoos or markings were related to pain relief treatments similar to “acupressure” or “acupuncture” acupuncture needles tend to interact with the fascial layer or muscle. Early Egyptians traditionally use tattoos as a sort of passport to the world after death; Egypt is genuinely accepted the cradle of tattoo art and by the middle kingdom tattoos seem to have been popular and culturally acceptable(History of tattooing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia ).
Egypt's majority of tattoos were found on woman, indicating their social status. In Egypt tattoos were also used for healing, religion, and as a punishment. The enthusiasm for tattoos continues to increase, so does the popularity of Egyptians motifs. Designs based on ancient Egyptians amulets are so beloved today, but were not used in that fashion thousands of years ago. This is particularly interesting because as far as we know tattoo history starts in ancient Egypt.
Greeks learned tattooing from Persians and used them to mark their slaves and criminals to be identified if they tried to escape. Tattooing was also only associated with the barbarians in early greek and roman times. As Christianity spread through the Roman Empire, the tattooing of slaves and criminals was gradually abandoned. Also Tattoos were forbidden in Sunni Islam. several Sunni Muslim scholars believe tattooing is a sin because it involves changing the creation of God. Tattoos in New Zealand where known as Tamoko, created with chisels. These tattoos fell out because of the European practice. However, during the late 20th century there had been a recurrence of the Ta Moko tattoos on Maori.
Why do people get tattoos anyway? Modern individuals do it for all sorts of reasons. On the other hand ancient and traditional societies practiced the art of tattooing for more serious and conscious reasons. Any way you look at it art has always been a big interest in societies in many shapes and forms. When looking at tattooing as an art form, it seems reasonable that different cultures and societies would use their bodies as the canvas. I took interest in tattoos because ai liked all the different ways to get a picture permanently on your body and the fact that tattoos have all these different meanings and all the historical aspects. There are so many opinions on tattoos from decades ago to present day. Tattoos were used in so many different ways. I found it to be really interesting.
In some Religions Tattoos retain their significance as visible reminders of important or spiritual experience in our lives. In Asia the Lotus is a powerful symbol because of its purity many hindu gods have been depicted in art sitting upon a lotus or holding the flower. In Buddhism an open lotus flower represents enlightenment. The trinity knot, is a celtic and nordic symbol with pagan roots. Pagans believe the three interlocking parts of the Triquetra another word for Trinity Knot symbolize the connectedness of the earth, sea, and sky. Christians came to use the symbol to illustrate the trinity, an idea that god the father, son and holy spirit are all one being. The triquetra also represents eternity. The “Cross” christians believe jesus, the son of god who lived a holy life and died on the cross to save the world from its sin. As a result, the cross is a reminder of god's eternal love. The “dove” is meaningful in many religious traditions. In the biblical story of the flood it was a dove that returned to the ark with an olive leaf giving noah the signal that the water was beginning to recede. Christians believe the dove represents the holy spirit. And in greek mythology the dove was a symbol of aphrodite, goddess of love. Ant then there's water, Water is an essential, life giving force in nearly all of the world's religious traditions.
There's so many different ways to get a tattoo. For example there are Henna tattoos stain the fingers and toes of pharaohs prior mummification. Henna is hard to trace with centuries of cultural interaction. Henna is rooted in historical tradition the working class commonly apply henna for medical and healing purposes, as well as connection to the spirit, blood and henna had qualities that improved human awareness of the earth's energy. The ancient egyptians used needles of copper or bone and thorns would have been used to make marks; pharos would be tattooed the courtiers and concubines so there mummies would reveal elaborate patterns of dots and stripes around the waist, buttocks and legs and back. Around the sixth century Roman physician. Aetius, wrote “..prick the design with pointed needles until blood is drawn, then rub in the ink..” The latin word stigma is defined the latin and greek meaning a “tattoo mark, a prick with pointed instrument, a mark of disgrace or reproach. Canada and alaska use a piercing method; the needle has the same structure as a bone sewing needle and has an eye at the blunt end, a thread is strung through the eye and drawn across the ink to soak it. The needle is then sewn into the skin, up and down and this is repeated, pulled through and the pigment deposited in the channel left by the needle. This is done by highly skilled work practised by the older woman of the tribes. The traditional japanese method is a piercing technique known as “Tebori; a group of needles is attached to a stick of bamboo, wood or ivory or various metals, and is held in one hand. The other hand holds the skin taught and the tool is placed between thumb and forefinger the same way a pool or snooker cue is held. The modern tattoo machine is a piercing and puncturing instrument. The difference between piercing and puncturing the skin lies in the angle at which instrument enters and the force applied-piercing requires a shallow angle and relatively little force puncturing seem to take a disproportionate amount of energy.
Getting a tattoo is a different experience for the individual who is getting it. Where the tattoo is placed on the body can make a significant difference. Some people have a high tolerance to pain and can handle getting tattoos in places that other people might consider extremely painful. Whether you have a high or low pain tolerance before you make the decision to get a tattoo you need to decide what you want and where you want to get it. You better make sure you really love the design because once you get one it will stay on the body forever. A large part of getting a tattoo is meeting the artist and watching the illustration turn into a piece of beautiful body art, Good communication with your tattooist leads to a better understanding of what you’ll like.
Some people think getting tattoos ruin your body while others think it's fine. Some people think that the size of a tattoo makes a difference. For example getting a small tattoo compared to a large one isn’t so bad. If you get a small tattoo they are easier to cover up and can go unnoticeable. In our society today tattooing is very popular and common. Historically tattoos were for sailors, the military and hookers. Now they are very common. Tattoos are everywhere, in every age group, ethnicity, and gender. Not only are they common it very popular to have a lot a tattoos. When you walk around anywhere U.S.A. you can see people tattooed from the neck down.
Years back there where also places that would not allow you to enter if you were tattooed but from then to now tattooes are more accepted today but there will always be a large part of the population who disagrees with the idea of getting a tattoo. Around the sixties you had to be 18 to get a tattoo course teens always found a way to get a tattoo. Tattoos as a career is very expressive and serious job; you're given the privilege to permanently mark someone. Tattoo artist take there job very serious because there are a lot of people who just buy tattoo guns and think they know everything about tattoos these people are known as “scratchers”. one thing about tattoos is “cheap tattoos are not good and good tattoos are not cheap” very few of these self taught artists go on to become professional tattoos artists or owning there own shop.
To get on the path of becoming a tattoo artist you must first become an apprentice. Once you work your way up from learning the trade from somebody who already practiced the skill and has years of experience. Years back apprenticing was the only way to become a tattoo artist also any other job. A tattoo artist will not be looking for your knowledge on tattoos or the tattoo industry or your portfolio. They look for the complete opposite they want someone inexperienced, knowing there are people who self teach themselves those people “scratchers” pick up bad habits that are hard to unlearn so new information is hard to take in.
It's better if the apprentice has never used a tattoo gun cause they will learn the proper way to use it and the right way to sterilize everything so the customer won't have to worry about an infection, tattoos are very important to the artist giveing them they want to make sure it's to the customers satisfaction one mistake is permanent.
Our body is our temple also our canvas for our stories, our memories and what makes us unique. Tattoos are a great way to express yourself forever, it's simply art. Whatever your relationship is to the art of ink beyond images worth of endless tattoo inspiration your skin tells people if you’re healthy, how old you are, whether you’re embarrassed, nervous or sick. That's the language of skin.