Tattooing History
The art of tattooing is associated with man's desire to mark, define
or distinguish himself. The existence of tattoo can be traced thousands
of years down the time line. This art was as popular amongst our
ancestors as between us today and is most likely to continue for
centuries yet to come.
The styles and reasons for tattoo have varied from individual to
individual and from society to society. They have been marks of
pride as well as shame for the bearer depending upon the society
to which he belonged.
The concept of tattoo was alive even before the birth of Christ
at that time they were reserved for religious figures in the community
and were suppose to signify importance and power. As per archaelogical
evidence tattooing is believed to have originated in Egypt around
6000 years ago. The only tattoo done at that time was on
women's leg in order to protect women from the dangers of child
birth. Many egyptian mummies have been uncovered and found to have
tattoo on their body which were associated with goddess Hathor.
Later tattooing had spread from Egypt to other parts of europe
and finally to the rest of the world through trade and travellers.
Since then tattooing has been practiced by many cultures in various
forms for reasons such as spirituality, protection, strength and
discrimination.
In Japan, tattooing is being done since 400 BC for ornamental and
narrative purposes. Tattooing gained momentum during the Jomon,
Yayoi and Kofun periods. During the Jomon period tattooing was restricted
to the area around the mouth as ornamental decorations.
In the Yayoi period, 300 B.C - 300 A.D the chinese and japanese
men tattooed their faces and bodies for protection against large
serpents, evil forces and spirits. The size and shape varied according
to the social status of the bearer. During the Kofun period 300
- 600 A.D. tattooing was done in order to punish the criminals and
identify them.
While in most of the cultures only men were allowed to get tattooed,
the polynesians allowed both men and women. Some cultures practiced
tattooing for medicinal purposes also. The primitive tattoo pigment
was prepared from a certain type of berry known to have some curative
and healing effects for different ailments, thus it was believed
to be a permanent medicine.
In other parts of the world tattoo was mainly confined to the elitist
culture. Royalties like King George V, Grand Duke Alexis of Russia
and King Harold bore tattoos on thier arms. During the world war
II tattoos were bore by the sailors and soldiers to specify the
names of their units and their divisions. They were done for identification
purpose and signified ones ---loyalty towards his country.
The first ever working electric tattoo machine was invented by
Samuel O’Reilly and he called it as an "electric pen".
This device was based on the blueprint given much earlier by Thomas
Edison in 1876. An ink reservoir was the only addition made by O’Reilly
to the Edisons version. The present day tattoo machine was first
patented by Charlie Wagner and was known as a "Dual Coil Reciprocating
Engraver". Charlie Wagner later with Lew Alberts started a
supply business and promoted tattoo flash art.
Since then tattoo have flourished well in every society and is
no longer a social taboo. It is now well known as a fashion statement
for all and is no more restricted to the elite class.
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