For centuries, tattoos have been used as a form of expression. They symbolize a person’s identity in a number of ways, whether it’s status within a community, passage into adulthood, or a connection with a particular group.
For centuries, tattoos have been used as a form of expression. They symbolize a person’s identity in a number of ways, whether it’s status within a community, passage into adulthood, or a connection with a particular group.
Art and symbolism are some of the most consistent forms of communication we humans have sustained over the span of our existence. Art, drawings, and symbols have all, time and time again, helped us to express ourselves — whether to communicate with others or with ourselves. It is only natural that we have come to wear forms of symbolic art on our skin forever.
Tattoos as well as tattoo artists have been around for centuries. The word “tattoo” is derived from the Polynesian word “ta” which means “striking something” and the Tahitian word “tatau” which means “to mark something.”
Tattoos were first mentioned in recorded history by the famous explorer Captain James Cook. In 1769, during his first voyage around the world, he observed the practice of tattooing among the natives in Tahiti and New Zealand. He wrote about it in his journal, describing it as “the operation performed in a manner so neat and exact that it would have done credit to any artist in Europe.”
Native Americans have also been documented as having tattoos. In fact, many Native American tribes believed that tattoos had special spiritual powers. They often used them as marks of distinction between warring tribes or clans. Tattoos were also seen as a way to make their wearer more attractive to the opposite sex.
Egyptians are another culture that has a long history of tattoos. Both men and women in ancient Egypt wore them as ornamental designs and symbols of faith. The most popular design was the Eye of Horus which was meant to protect its wearer from evil spirits.
Tattoos first became popular in America during the Civil War. Soldiers would get tattoos as a way to show their loyalty to their unit. They would also use them to mark their kills or as good luck charms.
Following the war, tattoos became associated with the growing counterculture of rebellious young people. This was especially true for sailors who were often tattooed with images of anchors, mermaids, and other nautical symbols.
Tattoos really began to take off in America in the late 19th century thanks to a man named Samuel O’Reilly. O’Reilly was a tattoo artist who invented the electric tattoo machine. This made tattoos much easier and less painful to get, which led to their growing popularity.
Despite their long history, tattoos only started becoming mainstream in Western culture in the last century or so. It was around this time that they began to be associated with rebellion and counterculture movements like punk rock and biker gangs.
In recent years, however, tattoos have become much more accepted by society at large. According to a Pew Research Center study from 2010, nearly 4 in 10 Americans have at least one tattoo. This number has only grown in the past decade as celebrities and social media influencers continue to get inked.
There is no denying that tattoos have come a long way since their humble beginnings as marks of distinction among warring tribes. Today, they are seen as works of art — expressions of one’s identity that can be worn proudly on one’s skin for all to see. As society continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how tattoos continue to change and grow along with us.
Check out Spinner Ink Tattoos in Los Angeles, CA for custom tattoos that are sure to make a statement. From traditional designs to cutting-edge contemporary pieces, our team of talented artists can do it all.
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