Tattoos Senior Project

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

“The word tattoo is said to has two major derivations; from the polynesian word ‘ta’ which means striking something and the tahitian word ‘tatau’ which means ‘to mark something’.” (http://www.designboom.com/history/tattoo_history.html) Tattoos were discovered by a simple mistake. Someone got a bad gash and accidently rubbed it with their dirty hand with happened to have ash from a fire pit on it. When the wound healed completely, the skin grew over the ash and

In accordance to Professor David Isaacs, body art originated in Europe nearly 7,000 years ago. Nearly 5,300 years ago, in the Otztal Alps, a mummified remain of a human called Otzi had be found with over fifty-seven tattoos from his neck to his toes. Since the remain of Otzi was found, tattoos took off and started developing generation to generation. In David Isaacs article, “Tattoos,” he states that tattoos have been able to show a societal impact within our society, such as how they have changed and adapted into today’s

Tattoos have been prevalent in Polynesian culture for over 2,000 years. (PBS.org) This is where the modern tattoo first originated, getting its name from the Polynesian word "tatau", and where it has thrived as a cultural tradition of honor and courage. In Samoa, tattoos are given by hand, and the trade is passed down from father to son after years of practice and apprenticeship. Tattooing begins when a male of noble rank, such as a chief, hits puberty and marks his status for all to see. This traditional ceremony leaves indelible marks symbolic of the courage and the dedication to the culture needed to endure the pain. Samoan culture marked any man a coward, forever marked with his shame, if he did not receive a tattoo or complete the one that was started. In Hawaii tattoos were used to represent levels of distinction and also to aid people in their spiritual well-being. Some of the most common tattoos or kakau were images of the lizard which was revered and feared by the Hawaiian people and the crescent fan that marked the highest ranking members of society. Many intricate woven patterns that mimicked nature were used, but the exact meanings of these markings were lost because of the secrecy involved in the art of tattooing. The idea that tattooing was a secret art shows the importance of this ritual to Hawaiian society, and the Kahunas who administered the tattoos

Being a tattoo artist could be difficult however, depending on how talented a particular person is. The demand for the job is low and location could play a major factor in how easily

Tribal tattoos do not belong any certain culture and have principally originated from various tribes all over the world. Aztec tribal tattoos, Polynesian tribal tattoos Chinese tribal tattoos, Hawaiian tattoos, etc.,

Check Portfolios: Whenever you contact any tattoo artist, it is important to check his portfolio. You get a clear picture about his quality of work by browsing through his portfolio. It will let you know about the type of designs he has expertise in and will also give you a clear idea about the pattern of his designs. By going through his portfolio you will be able to judge his work and find out if he is capable enough to make the tattoo which you are looking

It is trend to create striking portrait tattoos all over the visible parts of the body. These make the person more noticeable. Some people make portrait tattoos of loved ones or their names while others go for other floral, abstract or any other designs that appeal them. The colorful portrait tattoos are believed to enhance the attractiveness of a person and funny portrait tattoos bring smile to the onlookers. However, only the expert portrait tattoo artists can create the most impressive tattoos. So it is essential to find out a competent tattoo artist with enough expertise in making portrait tattoo.

Tattoos have been popular throughout time all over the world. Yet, rumors have it that tattoos are a modern day trend that originated in prison. Tattooing actually dates back to five thousand years ago. They have not just become some new pop culture fad. Prehistoric clans, ancient Egyptians, Native Americans, sailors, circus people, royalty, celebrities, and plenty of young adults today have all participated in some form of body art. Tattooing has played a significant role in mythologies and customs in ancient cultures. In American, tattoos were introduced by sailors returning from expeditions in Europe during the late seventeen hundreds and the early eighteen hundreds. Tattoos became “trendy” in America through said sailors and bikers, which showed they had a look of respect and dignity within their groups.

Tattoos are a body modification that individuals get for different reasons. The first reason people get tattoos to represent themselves or their family. Parents of families often get tattoos of their children; it usually consist of the child’s face, name, or their footprints. If they do not have any children, people tend to get them of their own parents and sometimes even their pets. Another reason people get tattoos is to represent their occupation. Occupational tattoos are very wide spread these days. One example is military who get tattoos based on their branch, duty location, or enlisted job description. Firefighters often get their fire station unit or of fallen firefighters. Tattoo artist usually tattoo themselves to show their style

What used to be the property of sailors, outlaw and rock star is now become a popular body decoration for many people. It’s not just anchors, skulls, and spider web anymore, people have found plenty ways to express themselves with their tattoo. You might be thinking to get your first one, but fear of the unknown can sometimes hold you back from it. The best thing you can do is educate yourself about the process how the human skin is transformed into a beautiful work of art.

Tattoos can be pieces of art, or a disgrace to that person, and their family if done incorrectly. Find out what makes the difference, and also tricks to finding the perfect artist to give you that perfect piece. Getting a tattoo will be a awesome experience if you go to the right studio, and also if you put some thought into your idea of what you want, and not just get the first thing that comes into your head.

Tattooing is one form of art used for decorating the bodies for different purposes such as to entertain the people (Ottermann, 2000), self-mutilation (Cosentino & Fabius, 2001), to assert the control of their (tattooed individuals) bodies as well as to challenge their roles in the society (Kang & Jones, 2007), to protect them from bad spirits according to their religious beliefs (Post, 1968) and also for being stylish. According to Oettermann (2000), tattooing is a culture that had been flourishing in early nineteenth centuries in the different parts of the world such as America and Europe. Thus, this culture of decorating the body differs from place to place in different societal context.

Color theory, depth and perspective, composition, and many other elements go into creating a great tattoo, just as they do with any drawing or painting. Of course, there are a number of differences between the art of tattooing and other visual art forms,

Evidently through out time, human civilizations have found unique ways of expressing themselves, through cave drawings, wood carving and even through body modifications. Ancient cultures were able to express their emotions through a particular form of body art, known as tattooing. This form of body art symbolizes self-expression of individuality, status, and culture. The purpose of a tattoo and its meaning varies from each culture and the time at which an individual gets a tattoo also varies within each culture. Some tattoos are perceived as a sign of beauty while others can be perceived as a distinction between statuses. The importance and meaning of the tattoo is relevant to the culture itself.