Art Blog #48: Tattoo Designs - The History Of Tattoo Meaning and Ideas

Introduction

The history of tattoos dates back thousands of years, representing a rich tapestry of cultural significance, personal expression, and artistry. From ancient tribal tattoos used for rites of passage to modern tattoo designs that showcase individuality, the art form has evolved across continents and generations. Tattoo ideas have continually transformed, reflecting societal changes and artistic movements, from iconic Tribal tattoos and Japanese tattoos to contemporary trends like Watercolor tattoos and Geometric tattoos. Today, tattoos are not only a personal statement but also a flourishing industry, with diverse styles ranging from black and grey tattoos to traditional tattoos, and tattoo shops or tattoo parlors are bustling with clients looking for that perfect forearm tattoo designs. There are a plenty of market niches like thigh and hand tattoos for women, or tattoo sleeves.

New Tattoo Ideas

The growing popularity of body art has led to innovations like temporary tattoos for those seeking a non-permanent option and advancements in tattoo removal for those looking to erase past decisions. Tattoo enthusiasts often seek out tattoo meaning to ensure their ink holds deep personal or cultural significance, while others opt for minimalist tattoos or small tattoos for a more understated aesthetic. From chest tattoos for men to finger tattoo ideas, the diversity of styles and placements is endless, fueling the constant search for inspiration and guidance.

What is a Tattoo?

A tattoo is a form of a body modification made by inserting tattoo ink or similar pigments into the skin to form a graphical motive. Tattoo artists create these designs using several tattooing processes and techniques, including hand-tapped traditional tattoos and modern tattoo machines. Most tattoo´s are permanent. The history of tattooing goes back to Neolithic times, practiced across the globe by many cultures, and the symbolism and impact of tattoos varies in different places and cultures.

What does word Tattoo mean?

The word tattoo is derived from Samoan word "ta-tau" which means "to strike" in the indigenous language. Term relates to the primitive tool made of a wing bone of the flying fox used for tattooing. Before the widespread of the Polynesian term, the practice of tattooing had been described in the West as painting, staining or scarring.

What is the History and types of tattoos?

The practice can be traced back to ancient Egypt, with stone and metal tools used to create tattoos on human skin. The indigenous Pacific Islands, Polynesia, and Samoa are believed to be the earliest adopters of tattoo culture before they slowly spread across Southeast Asia and Africa.

Why People Tattoo Themselves?

Some people consider tattoos to represent their personal bonds, values, and beliefs, whereas others just view them as an aesthetic creation of their life. Tattoos used to create a sense of belonging to certain groups such as spiritual leaders or tribal communities. Later on tattoo´s turned into a feature used by group of people leading a similar life or following a common goal. Cultural formations use tattoos as a code to represent their group or inclination.

Flash, Parlor, Tattoo Artist and Coil machine

Copyrighted tattoo designs that are mass-produced and sent to tattoo artists are known as "flash". Flash sheets are prominently displayed in many tattoo parlors for the purpose of providing both inspiration and ready-made tattoo images to customers. Archaic word "parlor" which means basically a place of gathering is a synonym to tattoo studio. Ever wondered what is the nowadays tattooing tool called?

Sailor Tattoo´s: Spreading of an Ink colored Anchor across the World

Sailor tattoos are traditions of tattooing among sailors, including images with symbolic meanings. These practices date back to at least the 16th century among European sailors, and since colonial times among American sailors. People participating in these traditions have included military service members in national navies, seafarers in whaling and fishing fleets, and civilian mariners on merchant ships and research vessels. Sailor tattoos have served as protective talismans in sailors superstitions, records of important experiences, markers of identity, and means of self-expression.

Ancient and Traditional Practices

As the first tattoos date back to ancient civilizations, the reasons behind the newly-seen skin tattoos are fuelled by different theories. These theories reflect the location and the cultures of the civilizations themselves. Let’s take a closer look at some of these civilizations and some theories about why they used to tattoo themselves.

China & Asia

Some cemeteries across western China in the province of Xinjiang have revealed a number of mummies with tattooed skin. Some mummies date as far back as 2100 BC, while others are considerably younger, dating to around 550 BC. Within ancient Chinese practices, tattooing was considered to be barbaric and was highly stigmatized. Ancient Chinese literature refers to folk heroes and bandits as having tattoos. It is also thought to have been fairly common for convicted criminals to be branded with a tattoo on their face. This tattoo was used to warn other members of society that this person could not be trusted.

Egypt

There have been discoveries of tattooed mummies from ancient Egypt, which suggest that the practice here dates back to at least 2000 BC. Some theories indicate that the tattoos found on the mummies were for decorative purposes. Research by Daniel Fouquet suggests that, in ancient Egypt, tattoos may have even been performed as a medical treatment. His examination of the different scars found on the mummified body of the priestess, Hathor, suggests that the markings could have been a treatment for pelvic peritonitis. Another interesting discovery about tattooing from ancient Egypt is that it appears this practice was only carried out on the skin of women. This theory is supported by the fact that there is little to no evidence, either physical or artistic, that tattooing was commonly performed on men. This practice changed, however, during the Meroitic period, between 300 BC and 400 CE, when Nubian men received tattoos.

Samoa - Polynesia: The birth cradle of Tattoo

Tattooing has formed a part of Samoan cultural traditions for thousands of years. The history of tattooing in Samoa is a great example of how tattoos can form an integral part of social culture. It is even believed that the modern-day English word ‘tattoo’ may have originated from the Samoan word for tattoo ‘tatau’. The tradition of giving and receiving tattoos by hand in Samoa has been practiced for more than two thousand years. The techniques and tools used for this traditional practice have hardly changed during this time either. The skill is taught and passed down from father to son. The tool used to give the tattoos is handmade, from turtle shell and boar’s teeth. The process of receiving traditional tattoos takes many weeks to complete. Tattooing ceremonies are generally held to mark a younger chief’s ascension to a leadership role within society. Once complete, the tattoos represent and celebrate dedication to the culture and great endurance. These tattoos are extremely painful to receive and the procedure comes with a great risk of infection. Unfortunately, those who are unable to endure the pain can be branded with the mark of shame on their skin forever.

Ancient Greece & Ancient Rome

Written records provide evidence of tattooing from the 5th century BCE in Greece. Tattoos during this era in Greece and Rome were used mainly on the outcasts of society. Criminals, prisoners of war, and slaves would be branded with their status. A famous example of the use of tattoos by the Ancient Greeks was the Athenians tattooing owls onto the Samians after defeating them. Evidence shows the use of the verb ‘stizein’, which means to prick when referring to tattooing in their ancient literature. Throughout Ancient Rome there is also evidence of soldiers as well as arms manufacturers getting tattoos. It is believed that this practice continued right through into the 9th century. Slaves were also marked with a tattoo in Ancient Roman times to show they had paid their taxes.

Tattoo is an ever evolving Art Form

From its ancient roots in spiritual rituals to its modern-day status as a booming industry, tattoos have left an indelible mark on human history and culture. While tattoo meaning once tied directly to tradition and identity, today, tattoos are often about personal narratives, art, and self-expression. Whether you're drawn to the bold lines of tribal tattoos, the intricate detail of mandala tattoos, or the futuristic allure of biomechanical tattoos, there is a tattoo style for everyone. As techniques and styles advance, tattooing continues to adapt, with people exploring unique placements like behind the ear tattoos, experimenting with dotwork tattoos, or embracing the challenge of a leg sleeve tattoo.  As you explore the world of tattoos—whether as a first-timer considering tattoo care tips and tattoo healing stages, or a seasoned collector intrigued by new tattoo designs—there's never been a more exciting time to be part of this evolving art form.

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