Tattoo- The Origin of Tattoos
Mike Wamoult
If you take a look through time and do some research as to where tattoos originated from, you will discover an interesting history. The sailors who had voyaged to the Pacific Islands were giving themselves tattoos having witnessed the practice among natives who inhabited such regions. It was from the Pacific Islands that this practice was brought to the knowledge of Europeans. Despite this fact, the practice of tattooing was reputed to have started in Egypt and way before Egypt was even an organized society more than six millennia ago.
In the times of Ancient Egypt, tattoos weren't created to be simply worn on bodies as just art, they had a lot of symbology as well as religious beliefs attached to them. The first tattoos were probably worn by women on their legs in order to brig protection during childbirth. The practice spread from Egypt to different other areas such as Africa and even Polynesia from where it was then introduced to the West.
Certain scientists claim that marks on the skin of the Iceman which was discovered mummified and who dated from way back in 3300 BC were tattoos and exist as the earliest evidence that tattoos existed as far back as that period. Tattoos which were more widely recognized have been found on both Egyptian and Nubian mummies from 2000 B.C onwards.
Every culture since has tattooed themselves in one form or another, for reasons of spirituality, protection, strength, and history. During past times tattoos have been a symbol of pride and a symbol of shame. The Polynesians allowed both men and women to be tattooed, while in other cultures only men were permitted. The Japanese have been tattooing since at least 400 BC, for ornamental and narrative purposes, but also as a marking on criminals to identify them.
The first electric tattoo machine was first invented by Thomas Edison in 1876 which was actually supposed to be an electric engraver. Ironically, years later it began the revolution of tattooing. From there the machines just began to become more and more advanced and profound. From Edison's original blueprints, a man named Samuel O'Reilly created the electric pen which was also a huge advancement towards how tattoos were given.
The machine we use today was first patented by Charlie Wagner, which was called a dual coil reciprocating engraver, especially made for tattooing. Circuses also played a big part in the history of tattooing. The modern circus always has a freak show exhibit has always been the heavily tattooed man or woman. This was the introduction of tattooing into America.
Pope Hadrian banned tattooing all the way back in 787 AD so there has always been controversy surrounding tattoos. After a Hepatitis outbreak in the 1960's was blamed on tattooing, many states outlawed the art. Tattooing had become synonymous with rebellion, gangs, dirty sailors, and motorcycles.
Nowadays after centuries following the origin of tattoos, they are becoming less of a taboo subject and more of an accepted art. More and more professional outlets are opening and artists are pushing boundaries with different media in terms of tattoo art.
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