The Early History of Tattoo
Posted: Thursday, July 24, 2008
by Matt Bennett
Discover Tattoo
Tattoo art has been around for a very long time. Yet despite the enormous popularity it enjoys today and the increasing interest that modern sociologist are taking in the subject, there is not much of an historical record about tattooing. The word itself is thought to be derived from the Polynesian word 'ta' which means striking something and the Tahitian word 'tautau' which translates to mean "mark something". It is generally agreed that the first tattoos were probably created by accident. A wound was probably rubbed or created by something that left it colored after it healed. The discoloration became permanent.
There are approximately 57 carbon tattoos made up of dots and lines on his lower spine, behind his left knee, and on his right ankle. X-rays have determined that there may have been arthritis in these areas and that the tattoos delivered by a form of acupuncture may have been administered to relieve pain. Others believe that the designs might have been a rite of passage marking, tribal marking, a symbol of social status or personal taste.
Prior to the discovery of the Iceman, the Russians had found mummies that were estimated to be more than 2400 years old. These bodies, found in the Altai Mountains of Siberia, had more sophisticated tattoo designs than were found on the Iceman. The Siberian mummy tattoos contained both real and imaginary animal forms for purposes of decoration or identifying social rank.
In 1891, archaeologists discovered at the Thebes, the mummified remains of Amunet, an Egyptian priestess, who lived somewhere between 2160 BC and 1994 BC and who worshipped the Goddess, Hathor. This female mummy displayed several lines and dots that were tattooed around her body as abstract geometric patterns. This form of art was restricted to only women who typically were associated with a ritualistic practice.
The Egyptians forged relationships with other nations such as Crete, Greece, Persia and Arabia during the pyramid building days of Egypt. This launched the spread of the art of tattooing all over the known world. It is widely recognized that by 2,000 BC, the art of tattooing had reached Southeast Asia.
The Ainu (nomads) are credited with then bringing it to Japan.
In Japan, the first tattoos were used on clay figures which have been recovered from tombs that have been dated 3000 BC or older. These figurines were marked with tattoos of magical or religious significance. The figurines helped the dead by accompanying them on their journey to the afterlife. It is believed that the figurines stood in for the dead person's living relatives.
Japan's first written record of a tattoo can be traced back to 297 AD. It has been thought that the Japanese became interested in tattoo more for its decorative value rather than any magical one.
Today, tattoo artists are known as the "Horis" in Japan. Their use of colors, perspective, and imaginative designs gave the art of tattoo a completely new look. The classic Japanese tattoo, is a full body suit. Check out this fascinating video on the horimono, or traditional Japanese tattoos.
The silk routes of Chinas further spread the practice of tattooing.
Tattooing became very important in Polynesian culture.
Here, the skill of tattooing is considered to be amongst the most intricate and skillful in the entire ancient world. The Polynesian people believed their spiritual power or life force was displayed through the tattoo that was worn. This, referred to as mana, is largely known today because of the passing down of information through legends, songs, and ceremonies. Complex geometrical designs often grew with the life of the individual until the design covered the entire body.
The tradition of hand applying tattoo, or 'tatau' has long been associated with rank and title in Samoa. Tattooing ceremonies for young chiefs are elaborate and conducted at the onset of puberty. Tattoos were meant to celebrate the young chief's ability to endure pain as well as his dedication to cultural traditions.
When the first French explorers set foot on Samoan lands in 1787, they saw men with 'their thighs painted or tattooed in such a way that one would think them clothed, although they are almost naked'. Samoan tattooing was spread to the communities of New Zealand, and which later spread back to the Netherlands.
Unlike the Japanese (who only saw the decorative value of tattoo), the Hawaiians' traditional tattoo art, or 'kakau' as it is known, was used for decoration, identity and to guard one's health and spiritual well-being. The incredibly intricate patterns, copied natural forms and covered the arms, legs, body and face of men; whereas women were generally tattooed on the hand, fingers, wrists and sometimes on their tongue.
When Christian missionaries arrived, this unique art form declined since most Christian churches have discouraged tattooing throughout early history.
Today tattoos are sported by people in all walks of life and in all age brackets. Tattoos may be of simple or complex design depending on person's taste and/or budget. Portraits of loved ones or even celebrity figures have become increasingly popular while others still enjoy the styles that have been worn for thousands of years. Either way, people desiring tattoos as well as tattoo artists have never before experienced such diversity in the types of work that they can receive or do.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)As I understood it was related to Pagan worship and desecration of the body. I suspect there is still some vestiges of that thinking today although it can be seen all over.
hi matt,this was a very interesting, well written article on something that, as a mother, has had me worried all week, and especially today, the day my son gets his "sleeve", he already has a beautiful saint michael's tattoo on his entire side and chest. that he can hide, if someday, he needs a good job, i'm afraid his "sleeve" will get in the way. it makes me sad that he wants these tattoos so he'll feel cool, and people will tell him he is. and they are way cooler than when i was in high school in the 70's, and much more artistic and detailed. i just don't think anyone understands that these tattoos don't go away, and you can't change your mind once you get one. in this case, long sleeves was the argument, and i only have a say, not a decision.thanks for sharing, and i hope you keep writing,best regards,sue thomHi Sue,
Thanks for your comments.
I am a tattoo artist and so of course I have lots of tattoos - but that doesn't mean that I don't hear what your are saying.
Many people have the same issue with tattoos. They have assigned the value that culture has put on tattoos when they were growing up. Today culture has assigned a different meaning to tattoos. Many people feel detached from culture if they are not participating in what it says is fashionable and okay.
Still, there are a some people who get tattoos who later regret it. College age women is the largest group to experience regret and will often have them removed (laser). These women report having a lower body image than before having the tattoo.
I always recommend that people think about it carefully before getting a tattoo. If a person has any doubts - I say wait. You should never get a tattoo on a lark.
Also, never go cheap on a tattoo. A good artist knows what they are worth. If you go cheap you are getting what you pay for. Who wants to live with a disappointing piece? That is the number 2 reason for getting a tattoo removed - junkie work.
Sounds as though your son really enjoys his first piece. It's cool to have your "say" as long as it doesn't get between you two.
Matt
hi matt,my son does have a good tattoo artist. the one he has covering his side and chest is a replica of a saint michael's medal i got for him (his name) and it really is beautiful, i love the wings, and i like that it has meaning. i don't know what his sleeve will be-he said he'd send me a picture. and i know they were expensive. i just wish there was a less permanent way of expressing one's self. i'm stuck between generations-my aunts would think it horrendous, and i think they're cool, and beautiful, i just wish they could come off if you wanted them to! i know about the laser, but i heard that hurts more than getting the tattoo and is costly, especially with a big one such as his. but...he's my son, this is what he wanted to do, for years, and he planned his first one out and took several times to complete. i don't have to like the idea to accept the beauty, and his right to express himself. i have a rose, but it's on the bikini line and no one sees it unless i decide to show them. funny how life is, i was 21 when i got mine, and he's 21 now.thanks for making me feel a little better,best regards,suei wish you had e mail, i'd send you the picture and see what you thinkHey great! Send me a picture! You can find my email address on my website.
I am always interested in the stories that go with the tattoos that people pick. If you send me these, I can post them on my brand new website (see my profile).
Matt
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