Tattooing in Ancient Cultures

Tattooing Introduction

Tattoos are so much more than just ink on skin; they are a testament to human culture, history, and personal expression. Tattooing has a long, rich, and diverse history spanning over thousands of years. Now, tattooing evolved from ancient rituals to more modern forms of self-expression! Today, we’re going to take a journey through time, and explore the deep cultural history of tattooing.

Ancient Tattooing Origins

Tattooing is one of the oldest art forms known to mankind. The origins have been traced back to ancient civilizations across the globe. In Egypt, mummies dating all the way back to 2000 BC were discovered with intricate tattoos on their bodies. These tattoos held significant religious, and spiritual importance, highlighting the importance of their connection to the afterlife.

Similarly, ancient Chinese civilization used tattoos to symbolize one’s social status. They also used tattoos as a form of identification of criminals. In Japan, the art of tattooing, known as “irezumi,” offered both spiritual, and decorative purposes. “Irezumi” directly translates to “inserting ink” and was sometimes seen as a way to offer spiritual aid and protection. Irezumi was often reserved for the bodies of samurai and other warriors. In modern times, Irezumi is typically associated with the Yakuza, and tattoos have become more and more taboo in Japanese culture. Some areas in the country will not allow tourists with any tattoos to come in or use their amenities!

Indigenous Culture

Many indigenous cultures have long-standing traditions surrounding tattoos, and the art of tattooing. For example, the Māori of New Zealand, use tattoos called “Tā Moko” to convey their tribal affiliations, and social status. In Polynesian cultures, tattoos represent a rite of passage for many. Each design is as unique as the person it’s on, and each tattoo has its own meaning. Tattoos in Polynesian culture would also be indicative of a person’s social status, genealogy, in addition, sexual maturity as well. Nearly everyone in this ancient society had tattoos! In Tonga and Samoa, the Polynesian tattoo style would develop into a highly refined art. Tongan warriors would be tattooed from the waist to the knees in intricate, geometrical designs. For the Tongan people, these tattoos carried significant cultural and social importance.

In ancient Samoa, tattooing played a large role in religion, and in warfare. The role of tattoo artist was a hereditary, and highly regarded, privileged position to hold. As noted, this position was held primarily by men, and during these tattooing rituals, up to 8 men would get tattooed at a time. This ceremony was usually attended by the loved ones of those getting the tattoos. Furthermore, Samoan warriors were primarily the ones tattooed; however, Samoan women did also get ink! Their images would be limited to things like floral-like geometrical patterns on their hands, or lower parts of the body. Across north and south America, indigenous tribes like the Haida had their own traditions around tattoos. They too would range from religious symbolism to simply decorative pieces. Not only were they used as a form of self-expression, again, they also communicated a person’s heritage, and identity.

Western World Tattooing

In ancient Greece, and Rome, tattoos were used for a completely different reason. They were often associated with or used to identify slaves or criminals. The practice of tattooing became highly stigmatized due to this being their primary purpose throughout this part in history. Despite all this, during the Age of Exploration, sailors and explorers from European countries adopted tattooing as a part of their journeys. They would use them as a way to identify themselves, or to document their adventures. As a matter of fact, this became such a common practice, that it eventually evolved into the traditional “sailor” tattoos of today, such as anchors, or swallows!

In the 19th century, things like traveling circuses, and sideshow acts brought popularity to tattoos in Western culture, due to tattooed individuals being considered a curiosity. In the late 20th century, the aura of rebellion, and counterculture surrounding tattoos began to fade. They rapidly became one of the most popular, mainstream forms of self-expression.

Modern Day Tattoos

In today’s world, tattoos have almost completely lost their historical stigmas, and have become widely accepted in most cultures. In any case, tattoo artists are still being seen as well respected professionals. The industry has continuously evolved into a more and more refined art form. It’s become filled with meaningful, well-crafted designs by incredibly skilled artists. Contemporary tattoo culture is full of diversity, mixing the techniques and styles from many different cultures throughout the world! Tattoos are, in fact, still used to signify important things in the lives of individuals who choose to adorn themselves with permanent works of art.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the deep cultural history of tattooing is a testament to humanity’s diverse nature, and creativity. They span from ancient religious rituals, to today’s form of complete self-expression. As a result, tattoos have come a long way. Having survived a long history of being stigmatized, simultaneously evolving through generations, and now they are celebrated as a powerful means of communication, and wonderful artistry. As our society continues to move forward, tattoos, too, will evolve and reflect the ever-changing tapestry of human culture and identity.

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