Brand loyalty?
How quick are you to assign character traits to someone based on physical appearance? When you see ink are you assigning them to a (motorcycle club, prostitution ring, gang)? Before you open your mouth to change feet, let’s have a few (dozen) facts about tattoos.
After thousands of years, the rich tradition of body art has been promoted as a form of self-expression as well as a symbol of brotherhood. Looking at the history will explain why this art noveau will never truly fall out of style.
7,000 years ago
In 5,000 BC, the Japanese entombed the social elite and their rulers with figurines which were representative of people the decendent wished to accompany them into the afterlife. These miniature representations bore tattoos.
5,000 years ago
Earliest Tattoos Seen in Modern Times
A caveman found frozen in a block of ice, who lived around 3,300 BC, was found with 57 tattoos which used soot as ink. Although no records exist as to the meanings of the tattoos, archaeologists believe the bands around his wrist, ankle and on his back would have signified his rank in the tribe. The crosses behind his knee and on his arms and torso were likely familial or decorative tattoos.
3,500 years ago
Pharaoh Akehenaton’s statute from 1,400 BC shows he had a navel piercing. Darker skinned peoples, on whom tattoo pigments do not show well, have often used branding, scarification, piercing and other extreme body modifications in lieu of tattooing. The Mayan culture, for instance, hung metal objects between the eyes of children to make them cross-eyed.
2,000 years ago
Adornment
The first written record of tattooing appeared in 297 AD in China. The text comments that the Japanese men of all ages had designs on their faces and bodies. This negative tone would be repeated for the next 14 centuries.
1,500 years ago
By 600 AD, Japan had adopted many Chinese beliefs and customs. One such belief was that tattooing was a sign of barbarism and should only be used as a punishment for a crime. Japan’s first criminal tattooing occurred in 720 AD for the crime of treason. Other island and South American countries had already adopted the custom of tattooing criminals on the face, wrist, hand or arms. Such tattoos were ostracizing.
Offense by design
In France, Constantine had banned tattooing of criminals at the behest of the Catholic Church, stating that it defiled the temple of the body which was created in God’s image. The church would quote Leviticus 19:28, which reads: Ye shall not make any cuttings on your flesh for the dead nor print any marks upon you. In 787 AD, Hadian the First would prohibit tattooing of any portion of the body. Yet, tattooing continued worldwide.
150 years ago
Native American Shape Shifter Tattoo
Even the threat of death has not stopped body art. Native Americans were commonly terminal after a tattooing where charcoal or indigo was rubbed into the holes made with a sharpen bird or fish bone, used as a needle. The first recorded death was in 1837, when a woman attempted to cover a tattoo of a man’s name on her arm. The resultant infection took her life.
Syphilis was first recorded as transmitted by tattooing in 1853, a time at which the disease was certainly fatal. The artist has his ink in a shell, and it dried while he worked. He spat into the shell to dilute the ink, and thus infected the virgin he tattooed. The resulting infection nearly necessitated the amputation of the arm.
This stigma would not hold tattooing down. In 1862, King Edward VII, then Prince of Wales, visited Jerusalem and had a cross tattooed on his arm. He would be tattooed several more times after he took the throne. On a visit to Japan, he ordered his sons’ tutor to take the Duke of Clarence and the Duke of York (who later became King George the V) to be tattooed by the renowned tattoo artist Hori Chiyo and to the artist who had tattooed their father in Jerusalem on the way back to England.
Tattooed People Were Traded.
Russian explorer George H. von Langsdorff began the ties between tattooing and the circus when he visited the cannibalistic Marquesas, off the coast of Peru. He discovered a French deserter, who during his time with the tribe had become extensively tattooed. Cabri enjoyed a brief theatrical career, but would be forced to compete with dog and pony shows to earn his wage.
Circuses often vied for and exchanged tattooed people for the next seventy years. Occasionally, these people would perform traditional circus acts of juggling, balancing or sword swallowing, but the majority would be held in the sideshow as freak attractions.
He wrote the book.
Made More Beautiful To Mate
Wilhelm Joest is considered to be the authority on the history of tattooing. His 1887 publication of Tattooing, Scarring and Body Painting: A Contribution to Comparative Ethnology debunks the theory that tattooing and other body adornment was for religious or superstitious reasons.
Joest goes on to state that the only common factor in all of the disparate cultures’ enduring history of tattooing is vanity.
On closer examination, however, I found that the motives for tattooing were not religious, but were rather more closely related to the intimate association of the sexes. It is therefore easy to conclude that the primary motivation is that of personal adornment. The idea that one should undergo a painful operation for the sake of a god is completely inconsistent with the general attitude of the natives, who expect of their gods only benefits and, where possible, relief from pain.” (Joest)
Christian Tattoo
Christians and Jews may choose which portion of the Bible to which to adhere. What Leviticus prohibits, Galatians, Deuteronomy, Isiah, Exodus and Revelation all profess. Many Christians tattooed Christ’s name or the cross on themselves. Moses scolds those who do not have the spot of God’s children. This allusion refers to the coins tattooed on the Semites, Scutt and Gotch, who worshiped Baal.
100 years ago
Modern day tattooing is done with machines, disposable needles and in a relatively sterile environment, greatly reducing the risk of displaying personal adornment. Samuel O’Reilly’s 1891 patent for the tattoo machine is an adaptation of Thomas Edison’s sign painting 1877 patent. Charles Wagner modified the design in 1904 and received the second tattoo machine patent.
Relatively Unchanged
1929 would bring the tattoo machine thought of most. Filed by Percy Waters, this instrument would remain nearly unchanged until 1979. Carol Nightingale created an elaborate device that gave the artist a large latitude of control. To this day, inventors continue to tinker with the original design of Thomas Edison to create easier ways of tattooing.
Today
Tattoo artists and the tattooed congregate in conventions, circulate magazines and e-zines about tattoos and constantly refine the trade to bring to life what was once dubbed “the common man’s art”. Tattoos today are brilliantly colored and terrifically detailed. This ancient art form should survive to the end of man’s days on this earth.
Sources:
Villanova
American Museum of Natural History
Tattoo Archive
Tattooing, Scarring and Body Painting: A Contribution to Comparative Ethnology: Joest, Wilhelm, 1887
Tattoo History: A Source Book: Gilbert, Steven G., Juno Books
Bible
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What do your tattoos signify? How do they contribute to your identity? If you could have any tattoo, which design would you choose?
El Guapo
/ February 8, 2012I’ve known both great people and idiots, both with and without tattoos.
I have no interest in getting one, but I like the one my wife has.
Red
/ February 8, 2012It is a very personal choice. I know both groups and subgroups, too. I have finally come to the stage in my life, I think I finally know what ink I am willing to carry to the end. What does your wife have?
El Guapo
/ February 8, 2012A Celtic pattern around her ankle, with a rose over the outside of the ankle.
Red
/ February 8, 2012Interesting. I have seen some really pretty and bold Celtic designs recently. I like the pairing with the rose. Not sure I would want an ankle tattoo, though. Not that into pain…
El Guapo
/ February 8, 2012Yeah,that pretty much convinced her it would be her last.
Red
/ February 8, 2012I have already been advised to gain some weight before I get mine, strictly to reduce the pain factor of tattooing over the bone.
luvth3grl
/ February 8, 2012I love this topic! I wish you cited sources inline so I could match the paragraph to the source. It’s so fascinating I just want to learn more.
My tattoos are markings of milestones or important lessons in my life. They are very personal. I wanted to have a permanent remembrance of specific changes in my life so I wouldn’t go back to my old ways.
Everyone has different reasons for getting tattoos so I really appreciate your research on such an important part of our lifestyle today.
Thank you!
Red
/ February 8, 2012You are very welcome, and good to see you today. This post is a migration for me. I rarely site my sources…very rarely…but this one was a topic with quite a bit of back up. I may go back and edit in the links to Otzi, as the research on him was very interesting.
Glad to see you!
Red.
luvth3grl
/ February 8, 2012Correction to my last comment. I meant “cite source inline.” Oops!
Red
/ February 8, 2012What typo? 😉
Marc Phillippe Babineau
/ February 8, 2012Always wanted a tattoo, but for some reason, never did get one (yet). Now, the only question is of quality, as I live in a small town and the better artists work in larger cities…
Great post, lots of important and timely information!
Red
/ February 8, 2012I have seen more than my fair share of hideous ink. If you decide to get one, shop as hard for the artist as you did the design.
Raymond alexander kukkee
/ February 8, 2012I do not care for the “hideous blue-black” creations and total-body tattoos some people have installed, they are NOT attractive by any means, they can be genuinely UGLY.
Some of the other colours are much more attractive, and tattoos can be done quite nicely. Some are very interesting, attractive, and unique. The cherry-magnolia tattoo displayed in your post is really very beautiful. (Maybe because it reminds me of bonsai “:) — Clearly some are good, some are not. The human body is beautiful unadorned, and “as is”.
I probably would choose not to have a tattoo because of the permanence, but I also do not consider them a characteristic that should used as a negative stereotype.
Red
/ February 8, 2012When I was younger I though sleeves were awful. When I first saw some of the Japanese sleeving, I really changed my mind. Over the last twenty years, I have see the artistry of tattoos change until it is not even the same art form. There are some amazing talents inking now…and I am not talking about the television variety, either.
The tree does have a bonsai feel to it. That particular design is one popular in Japanese culture both for its beauty and its symbolism. It makes the stereotyping of tattoos a two-way street. The negative connotations need fall by the wayside for the art of tattooing, but the connotations associated with the images themselves should stand, whether negative or positive.
Raymond alexander kukkee
/ February 8, 2012Red, beauty is clearly in the eye of the beholder. Interestingly, reading your reply re. ” the two-way street” made me suddenly aware of a contradiction I really had not paid much attention to.
Amazing isn’t it, how “Know thyself” comes to mind when a discrepancy is pointed out.
If a tattoo is beautiful or nicely coloured, and pleasing to look at, I am more accepting of ‘tats” than if they are hideous and ugly. That contradiction in association with individuals suggests greater attraction to “more attractive” (beautifully tattooed) and less attraction to “less attractive (hideously tattooed) ” people.
Clearly the question “why would any goof (idiot, moron, silly person, fool, low-self-esteem type, biker, etc ) put that ugly tattoo on”,,..is asked subconsciously,,,,,,, which really is stereotyping.
“shouldn’t be used in stereotyping” —-and “is” –is two different things isn’t it.
I learned something today. Again, great post Red! Thanks ! “:)
Red
/ February 8, 2012Glad I could be of service. You never know what there may be to learn around M3, Ray. You know I thread subliminal messages into all the posts! 😉
RE: The hideous tattoos. I have seen some egregious ones. As I commented to Marc, finding an artist is equally important as finding an attractive design. As irony would have it, I have seen excellent artists tattoo some ugly designs at the request of their clients. I have also seen those same artists request to never be identified with the tatts.
Think of those atrocious tattoos a post-modern impressionistic painting to your Renaissance eye.
Alexandra Heep
/ February 8, 2012I love tattoos. I had my first one done at age 18, in the 80s, and never regretted it. I stopped long ago defending them, if people don’t like them, I don’t care. I knew enough though to keep them covered up at work (I know where my freedom of expressions ends), and people have known me for years without knowing I have had them. When they find out, they are shocked and I usually get this statement:
“I never thought YOU were the TYPE!” What is that supposed to mean? Rhetorical question, I know the answer.
While I respect those who don’t like them, no one has a right to tell another individual adult they can’t get them. I can also see why some may consider them ugly. After all, I think some very valuable paintings by masters are hideous, while I enjoy others.
Red
/ February 8, 2012I agree with you on the paintings. Masters, pop icons, authors, fashion designers…it is all a matter of taste. Tattoos just happen to be a lifetime (for the most part) commitment. The only “type” it takes is committed…except in some cases of youthful indiscretion, stupid.
Let's CUT the Crap!
/ February 8, 2012There’s some of those in my family, but I’ve never been interested in having any. I matters not to me who chooses to have them. Each man / woman must be his/her own master.
Red
/ February 8, 2012What a wonderfully benign attitude! Could you please inoculate a few hundred folks?
Rachael Black
/ February 8, 2012Had my tattoo done -my own design- over 18 years ago. No woman in my town even had one. Would like one more -another personal design- but keep putting it off.
Once they became ‘the cool thing’ about 15 years ago and every cretin in town had a skull or a rose or something else non-memorable, and every tramp had a stamp, I decided no way.
Of course I also had my tongue pierced with a very pretty cubic zirconium at age 40, and nipples pierced at the age of 49. Have you SEEN the gorgeous jewelry for nips?! Perfect for Burning Man…and other things…
To look at me you’d never guess. Even my daughter was shocked at the tongue, and especially the nipples.
Great post Red. Lots of history and lots of good information. Like all the wonderful comments above as well.
Red
/ February 8, 2012I have spent the better part of my life being the “I would have never guessed” one. There is some terrific jewelry. I will be getting my navel redone soon. To look at you, if I had not guessed, I would not have been surprised. You are far too authentic to have not answered the call of identity branding.
Red.
valentinelogar
/ February 8, 2012I got my first when I was 17 and on the run from my first husband, that was 38 years ago. At the time I had a broken nose, a broken arm and I wanted something to remind me that I was never going to be broken. I got a Bluebird on my shoulder. I was the first woman he had ever tattooed.
18 months ago I finally covered it with large stylized angle wings and an infinity ring in the center. My parents died 10 months apart. My first grandson was born in-between their deaths. The wings are my parents the ring is my grandson, it signifies how we continue.
I have 12 others, four of them on my ankles. Every tat I have has a story, is a piece of my life story.
There is a saying about those who have tats.
You will never meet someone with two. You will meet people with one, but if you meet someone with two they are planning their next one. If someone stops at one it is because the pain was over their tolerance. The rest of us, well it is like chocolate and orgasms, there is just something about it, some chemical; along with just the beauty of the tat itself.
Red
/ February 8, 2012I have a sneaking suspicion if I live through the first one, I already know what the second one is…
takingcandyfromababy
/ February 9, 2012I have 4.5 tattoos…the .5 being lasered off in an incredibly slow and painful process. Out of all five, I only love one…which is interestingly the last one i got…but the first one I wanted. Perhaps had I listened to my gut and gotten it first, I wouldn’t be dancing with the laser right now.
Red
/ February 9, 2012You prove Val’s theory. I think following instinct with ink is normally a good idea…as long as you have sense enough to have a good artist. Was there no way to overlay the old ink?