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Welcome to "Tattoo"
The history of tattoos goes back to the times when the Egyptians were constructing the great pyramids. When they expanded their empire, this art spread too to the civilizations of Crete, Greece, Persia, and Arabia, and finally in 2000 BC it spread to China as well. However, it is argued that this art has been in existence since 12,000 years BC.
According to recorded history, this word comes from the ancient Egyptians whose wall paintings that go back to 2000 BC showed scenes of Egyptian life in which tattoos were used. Interestingly, the word tattoo is said to have originated from the sound of the tattooing instrument against the customer’s skin and comes from the Polynesian word ‘ta’ or to strike something. The word tattoo also comes from the Tahitian word tatu which means to mark something.
The history of tattoos can be traced back to BC times when tattoos meant a sign of power and were reserved for religious figures in their community. Until 787 AD, Christians used tattoos as symbols of acknowledgment, after which the church banned them.
Tattoos have been in existence for centuries, though each culture has used it differently for different purposes and in varied styles. Some used them as ornaments, others for religious icons and yet others for personal reasons. The word tattoo, however, comes from the Tahitian tatu or to mark something.
Historical records prove that tattoos have held an important place in different societies in ritual and tradition. In Borneo, women marked their forearms with a tattoo to show they were skilled in a particular area, such as weaving so that her status in the marriage market was heightened. The Kayan women of Borneo were tattooists who created designs relevant to one’s position in society. They had delicate arm tattoos resembling lacy gloves.
If worn around the wrist and fingers, tattoos played the role of warding off illness. They have also signified membership to a society or clan. The Greeks used it to communicate among spies. By showing their tattoo they could identify their rank. But the Romans used them to mark criminals and slaves.
To the Ainus of western Asia, tattoos showed social status. When a girl reached puberty, she was immediately marked to show her status in society. The Ainus introduced this art to the Japanese where it took a religious position in society.
Since about 400 BC, the Japanese have been tattooing for ornamental purposes. They also used it to mark criminals with for easy identification. Much later, in the 1800s, European society took to it and turned it around as an icon of fashion.
In few groups or religions, tattoo is an integral part of their religion and each person following the religion is required to have that tattoo mark on their body symbolizing the person authority as a group member. Even modern day gangs are seen to have a particular mark on their shoulders signifying their group name.
Toady, tattooing is popular and is accepted as a fad, giving tattooists the status of a fine artist. Tattooists now combine their personal style with unique designs and spread the beauty of tattoos across cultures and international borders. New inks and technology have made it all the more pleasurable to create tattoos for spirited people.