Tattoo- Tattoo History
May 26, 2008 – 2:45 amIf you take a look through time and do some research as to where tattoos originated from, you will discover an interesting history. The sailors who had voyaged to the Pacific Islands were giving themselves tattoos having witnessed the practice among natives who inhabited such regions. It was from the Pacific Islands that this practice was brought to the knowledge of Europeans. Despite this fact, the practice of tattooing was reputed to have started in Egypt and way before Egypt was even an organized society more than six millennia ago.
During the Egyptian times tattoos were not borne simply to be displayed on bodies as forms of artwork but for symbolic reasons. The earliest tattoos were borne by women on their legs as a superstitious measure of protection against the dangers of childbirth. It was from Egypt that the practice of tattooing spread to other parts of Africa as well as into Asia and the Pacific Islands through various means such as through trade lines and travelers.
Certain scientists claim that marks on the skin of the Iceman which was discovered mummified and who dated from way back in 3300 BC were tattoos and exist as the earliest evidence that tattoos existed as far back as that period. Tattoos which were more widely recognized have been found on both Egyptian and Nubian mummies from 2000 B.C onwards.
From this time on, various cultures have engaged in the practice of tattooing in one form or the other for various reasons, such reasons include spirituality as well as protection strength and history. However tattoos are also more than a symbol of pride, for some people they have been a depiction of a way of life and a culture. The Polynesians permitted both men and women to have tattoos but in most other cultures it was only normal for mean to bear tattoos. The Japanese people have been practicing the art of tattooing as far back as 400 BC not only for ornamental or narrative purposes but also in order to mark criminals and identify them.
Thomas Edison created an electric engraver in 1876 and it later evolved to become the machine which would bring about the popularity of modern day tattooing. Ever since this period various design revisions were undergone and newer machines that were more advanced and capable of tattooing came into play. Samuel O’ Reilly used Edison’s original blueprints to create an electric pen which played a large role in revolutionizing the tattooing industry.
The machine we use today was first patented by Charlie Wagner, which was called a dual coil reciprocating engraver, especially made for tattooing. Circuses also played a big part in the history of tattooing. The modern circus always has a freak show exhibit has always been the heavily tattooed man or woman. This was the introduction of tattooing into America.
Pope Hadrian banned tattoos as far back as 787 AD and for that reason there has always been one controversy or the other as far as tattoos are concerned. Because of an outbreak of Hepatitis in the 1960’s which was blamed on tattoos, a lot of states outlawed the practice. Tattooing has become synonymous with rebellion, gangs, dirty sailors, and motorcycles.
Today, centuries after the origination of tattoos they are becoming less taboo and more accepted as cleaner, more professional shops open up and the artistic boundaries are pushed with the medium of tattoo art. Also, the advances in color and other tattoo equipment have made tattoos more than just a symbol or a testimony, but a real piece of art on skin.
Tags: Tattoos
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