Tattoo Design History
tattoo Design History
Tattooing has been around since at least the Neolithic period. Dating from the fourth millennium BC in the Ötz valley in the Alps an iceman was found with a tattoo design on him. He had around 57 carbon tattoos which were dots and lines in the lower part of the spine, behind the left knee and on the right ankle. In Ancient Egypt The Mummy of Amunet from the end of the second millennium BC have been discovered with tattoos. Northern European Tribes from pre-Christian times also sported a lot of Tattoo Designs, in particular Germanic and Celtic tribes. Japanese tattooing is believed to date back to the Palaeolithic era (approx 10,000 years ago).
The reference to the tattoo in Western culture was believed to have first been mentioned by Joseph Banks during his Polynesian travels. He was aboard the Endeavour around 1769 and his findings about the Polynesian people were logged in his journal during his voyage, he was a naturalist. In Tahiti it was known as a “Tatau” and he wrote of the markings on their bodies which represented their own individual personality traits. This was very popular with sailors whose tattoos were like story of their life and experiences. It was they who reintroduced tattooing to Europe over the years and “Tattoo” became the word of choice.
Tattoos mean different things worldwide to each country and culture, have been used for centuries using many different methods to stain the skin. A tattoo design could signify rank, religious/spiritual leaning, bravery, fertility, love, protection and branding marks such as an outcast, slave or convict.
Tattoo Design Today
In our modern times the choice of tattoo design is normally for cosmetic and fashionable reasons as well as sentimental and gang/group identification. Tattoos have experienced a resurgence especially in North and South America, Japan, and Europe. Custom tattoo designs can take hours to perfect and personalized temporary tattoos are another option. The tattoo culture popularity has further been fed by celebrity tattoos from the likes of Angelina Jolie, Rihanna, Courtney Cox, Lady GaGa and hundreds more. TV programs like Miami Ink have a huge growing fan base.
America has seen a huge surge in the tattoo market over the past 20 years or so with around 10 million Americans sporting at least one tattoo. There are least 4,000 tattoo studios in America and growing.
Today tattoos are referred to as Tats, Pieces, Work, and Ink amongst others. Tattoo design artists now show their tattoo art and custom tattoo designs at galleries and exhibitions. The tattoo designs are also copyrighted and are available in tattoo parlours to give customers ideas.
Temporary Tattoos are a good choice until you decide that you are happy to live with it!
Cheap tattoo kits, tattoo ink supplies, tattoo creams and tattoo DVD and books are readily available but beware of inexperience – its dangerous and can leave you with a very bad experience as well as a real mess on your body. tattoo removal is available (apparently 50% of people getting a tattoo later regret it!) and new laser tattoo removal techniques are available should you need them. This is not a cheap option however.
Butterfly tattoos, angel tattoos and Tribal Tattoos are very popular choices
and the lower back tattoo, Ankle Tattoo and half sleeve tattoo seem to be a favourite parts of the body for displaying the artwork. One of the latest crazes is 3D Tattoo Designs they offer really unique designs for the individual.
Tattoo Quote- Your body is a temple, but how long can you live in the same house before you redecorate? — Author Unknown
Choose your tattoo design wisely, get a reputable tattoo artist and heed after care warnings for a tattoo choice you wont regret!
