Evolution_of_Tattoos

The Evolution of Tattoos Tattoos are not just an expansive art form associated with deviants. Individuals from all walks of life regardless of age or creed are finding meaning in tattoos that are significant to them for a plethora of reasons. At one point tattoos were mainly associated with gangs; however, they are now often worn by individuals wanting to express their own uniqueness. Modern only in form and in the tools and designs used the concept of tattooing has existed throughout the centuries, with existence shown in Ancient Egypt as early as 2000 B.C. Nubians developed the art of tattooing in ancient Egypt. It was in Middle Kingdom where tattooing flourished and matured. Many early tattoos were done for ritualistic reasons and predominantly on women during ceremonies. Evidence of dot and line patterns having been tattooed on mummies was uncovered when they were exhumed from their sarcophaguses. The majority of patterns found on mummies matched various patterns found in art work and etched on figurines from the same time period. Figurines that have tattoos etched on them from ancient Egypt are often associated with the Egyptian Goddess Hathor. According to Jinxi Boo “Evidence of tattoos in ancient Egypt were found on a well-preserved female mummy from Thebes known as Amunet. She was a priestess of the goddess Hathor of Thebes (she symbolized the cosmic mother who gave life to all on earth) during the Dynasty XI and was excavated in 1891 by Eugene Grebaut” (1). Egypt was not the only place where tattooing the body was popular. Japanese and other Asian cultures were also known for their infamous body art. Tattooing flourished during the Jomon, Yayoi and Kofun periods. Dogu, which is the Japanese term for figurines, were discovered during archeological digs and many of them showed markings around the mouths which were believed to be tattoos. Several controversial debates have been caused by these figurines, but evidence of Asian people from this period with markings on them supports the argument that the marks are tattoos and not mere ornamental decorations. Throughout 300 B.C. - 300 A.D., the Yayoi period, Chinese and Japanese males decorated their bodies and faces to fend off evil forces, large serpents, and spirits. Tattoos were of different variation and size and often differed according to the rank or societal position of the individual who adorned them. The Kofun period of 300 - 600 A.D. took on more meaning for tattoos throughout society. During this time period tattooing was not something done by the upper class. “Instead of being used for ritual or status purposes, tattooed marks began to be placed on criminals as a punishment’ (Swanston 1). There were even specific tattoos that had to be worn by thieves and tattooing became punishment for many crimes. It was used to associate prisoners and gang members. Japan, to this day has not changed much when it comes to the country’s ideology about tattoos. Tattoos are still thought of as being related deviants of lower society, criminals, and even to the Japanese mob. Other parts of the world reserved tattooing as something that was for the culture of the elitist. Tattooing at one time was an expensive form of art which was out of reach to common people. In fact people are often amazed to hear that royalty such as the Grand Duke Alexis of Russia, King George V, and King Harold all had tattoos. The artists who provided tattoos to royalty were often revered as highly skilled canvas artists. In London during the 1700’s a man was brought in to the city by Captain Cook who was a famous traveler and ship captain. He returned from a voyage to the South Pacific with a unique souvenir: Omai a very famous Polynesian tattoo artist. Omai was an overnight sensation in fad-crazed London and started a tattooing trend among upper-class people. Between passionate declarations that he is "not an animal" Omai also manages to introduce the word tattoo into our Western lexicon, from the Tahitian tatau, "to mark" (Alex 1). Several upper class people in London began requesting small discrete tattoos after seeing them covering Omai’s artistic body. When it comes to early American history, the tattoo was still something considered for only the elite or wealthy early settlers. Native Americans were also well known for their tattoos and many settlers began looking at tattooing in a different light with the elite of Europe showing off their tattoos like prized possessions back in Europe. America began to develop and tattoos remained increasingly popular especially with the military. During World War II soldiers and sailors would show their allegiances to the country they fought for and to their women with tattoos. They bore names of their women, ships, military units, and divisions proudly. Shops where people could get tattoos were located on docks and near military bases which caused tattooing to once again flourish. With the introduction of the electric tattoo gun prices began to drop and tattooing soon became accessible to everyone regardless of their career or social status. This led to tattoos being once again associated with lower classes, such as circus people who often displayed full body tattoos and extravagant facial designs. The Hippie movement also caused another transformation in tattooing history. People were having tattoos of ying yangs, peace signs, and other symbols placed all over their bodies. “Floral tattoos are the trademarked cool hippie tattoos. The flowers used are mostly daisies. The designs, patterns and the colors used here are bright and vivid. They are sparkling, beautiful, look attractive and symbolize their love for nature. It’s interesting to know that the term "flower child" is the reason for their love for the flower tattoo” (Baru 7). Flower power soon became a type of body art that was permanently placed and proudly displayed. When the Hippie movement had ran its course many of the tattooed people from this era held prominent jobs within the common society. Tattoos again were no longer things that were bore by lower class members of society. In modern times tattooing has reached a new popularity among individuals from everywhere. Henna, an Indian practice, is also popular as a long lasting but temporary form of the tattoo. More temporary tattoos are also emerging and are found in all types of shops throughout the world. Tattooing is no longer associated with the deviants of society and no longer just for the elite. Tattooing is an art form that has reached its own level of individuality, as unique as the tattoo artist and the individual who has the tattoo. Works Cited Alex “Tattoo Timeline.” (2008): 3 pages. September 4th 2012 Baru, Lebih “Hippie Tattoos.” (2011): 9 pages. September 5th 2012 Boo, Jinxi. “Egyptian Tattoos: History of Tattoos from Ancient Egypt.” (2009): 2 pages. September 5th 2012 Swanston, Zane. “Japanese Tattoos.” 1½ pages. September 4th 2012