History of Tattoos
Malisa Smith
The History of Tattoos
Axia College University of Phoenix
Tattoos have been around throughout our history, from Egyptian times to the present day. Many people may say they know the history of tattoos, and where they originate from, but do they really? Does one know that there were reasons that some people had tattoos? There may be people who know the actual history of tattoos and body art and why one would decide to get one; however there are people who do not. To be able to understand the idea of tattoos, one should educate themselves to the history of tattoos. Although tattoos have been considered taboo and a stereotype, history reveals that this particular form of body art has been used for self expression, status and culture. The history of tattooing is defined as a process of creating permanent designs or modifications to ones body. The word tattoo comes from the Tahitian language, tatau, meaning to mark something. The origin of the word tattoo, is also believed to have come from the sound when the tattoo device is struck by either a rock or solid piece of equipment. The process of getting a tattoo occurs when a person’s skin is punctured, and pigments, usually some form of ink, are inserted just beneath the skin to create a desired pattern or picture. Tattoos can range from a very large area, called black work, or to a fine, smaller detailed area. Tattoos can be very basic in design or an elaborate picture using different colors. Although this way of creating a tattoo may seem barbaric to some, however; many people started out with tattoos from this fashion. There are still people who believe getting a tattoo by traditional fashion is a way connect with the tattoo of their choice. Tattoos can be traced back to the aboriginal people from Oceania. The majority of what we know about ancient tattoo art has been passed down from ceremonies, legends, or songs. The oldest of these traditions comes from the Island of Samoa. The tradition
The History of Tattoos
Axia College University of Phoenix
Tattoos have been around throughout our history, from Egyptian times to the present day. Many people may say they know the history of tattoos, and where they originate from, but do they really? Does one know that there were reasons that some people had tattoos? There may be people who know the actual history of tattoos and body art and why one would decide to get one; however there are people who do not. To be able to understand the idea of tattoos, one should educate themselves to the history of tattoos. Although tattoos have been considered taboo and a stereotype, history reveals that this particular form of body art has been used for self expression, status and culture. The history of tattooing is defined as a process of creating permanent designs or modifications to ones body. The word tattoo comes from the Tahitian language, tatau, meaning to mark something. The origin of the word tattoo, is also believed to have come from the sound when the tattoo device is struck by either a rock or solid piece of equipment. The process of getting a tattoo occurs when a person’s skin is punctured, and pigments, usually some form of ink, are inserted just beneath the skin to create a desired pattern or picture. Tattoos can range from a very large area, called black work, or to a fine, smaller detailed area. Tattoos can be very basic in design or an elaborate picture using different colors. Although this way of creating a tattoo may seem barbaric to some, however; many people started out with tattoos from this fashion. There are still people who believe getting a tattoo by traditional fashion is a way connect with the tattoo of their choice. Tattoos can be traced back to the aboriginal people from Oceania. The majority of what we know about ancient tattoo art has been passed down from ceremonies, legends, or songs. The oldest of these traditions comes from the Island of Samoa. The tradition
References: A Brief History of Tattoos. Retrieved June 1, 2008, from http://www.powerverbs.com/tattooyou/history.htm Irwin, Katherine (2001) More than skin deep: Self and social transformation within the tattoo culture. Ph.D. dissertation, University of Colorado at Boulder, United States -- Colorado. Retrieved June 1, 2008, from Dissertations & Theses: Full Text database. (Publication No. AAT 3022380). Larratt, S. (2004). Proud to be tattooed? Retrieved May 28, 2008, from http://www.bmezine.com/news/pubring/20040617.html Lauder, Maureen. "Tattooing." Encyclopedia of Sex and Gender. Ed. Fedwa Malti-Douglas. Vol. 4. Detroit: Macmillan Reference USA, 2007. 1456-1458. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Gale. Apollo Library. Retrieved May 31, 2008, from http://go.galegroup.com/ps/start.do?p=GVRL&u=apollo PRISON ART. (2003). In The Encyclopedia of American Folk Art. Retrieved May 31, 2008, from http://www.credoreference.com/entry/6724705 Skin Stories: The Art and Culture of Polynesian Tattoo, (2003). Retrieved May 31, 2008, from http://www.pbs.org/skinstories/culture/index.html Tattoos leave mark, (October 30, 1998). Retrieved May 31, 2008, from http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/1998/11/02/smallb2.html Taylor, William C. (1998).Tattoo History – Ancient Egypt. Retrieved May 31, 2008, from http://whitton.members.atlantic.net/body/tattoo_history.htm Winge, Theresa M. "Tattoos." Encyclopedia of Clothing and Fashion. Ed. Valerie Steele. Vol. 3. Detroit: Charles Scribner 's Sons, 2005. 268-271. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Gale. Apollo Library. Retrieved May 31, 2008 from http://go.galegroup.com/ps/start.do?p=GVRL&u=apollo