Ancient History of Tattoos: How Has Tattooing Evolved in Modern Day?

Ancient History of Tattoos: How Has Tattooing Evolved In Modern Day?

Steven Black

Neumann University

LSHUM 200

Human Potential and the Arts

Mrs. Monica Malseed

December 7, 2015

ABSTARCT

The art of tattooing has continued to have a dominate presence since ancient times. The purpose of tattoo’s, which was considered back then as body marking during the ancient era, was perceived to have many meanings such as an individual’s affiliation to a tribe or group, a source of protection form evil, or represented some type of medical knowledge/medical field position. Fast forward to present day, tattoos have evolved into form known as body art and its meaning is to be understood as a way of beautifying the skin of the body. Being that the art of tattooing has clearly evolved in a way much differently from our ancestors, it tends to make us wonder how the methods of tattooing are different or similar today? Do tattoos still serve as a social connection to groups of people? Where is first geographical origin for tattooing? Why do people get tattoos? This research paper will examine the history and art of tattooing. Explain why tattoos still exist and developed into a culture. Explore the core meaning and purpose of tattoos to an individual. Explore the methods of ancient tattooing and modern day tattooing. Help individuals understand the importance of tattooing and how its purpose brings life to individuals in the world.

Introduction

“I am a canvas of my experiences, my story is etched in lines and shading, and you can read it on my arms, my legs, my shoulders, and my stomach.”

― Kat Von D

This quote by Katherine Von Drachenberg, who is a Mexican born American tattoo artist and television personality, signifies the essence and storytelling in form of body art.

This research papers purpose is to specifically explore the origin of body art and how its methods have changed since ancient times. In order for people to understand and appreciate the skill of body art, one must explore the reasons why people choose to have this form of performed on them. I feel that people choose to get body art to express their passion for art in a permanent form that can and will always be with them.

Provided within this research paper following this introduction, is detailed literature about tattoos in ancient and modern day, and the positive effects body art has on society. Also within this research paper is an experiential learning section that explains how this research relates to the Franciscan Tradition, a discussion on the importance of body art in the world, and a conclusion.

Research Question

In what ways has body art changed since ancient times and how has it impact the world today?

Literature Review

History of Tattooing

All across the world there has been a heavy appearance of body art in numerous different types of ethics and cultural settings and backgrounds. According to the Pew Research Center, As of September 2015, Americans spend over $1.6 million annually on tattoos alone. The percentage of Americans with an age range of 18-25 with at least one tattoo is 36%, age 26-40 is 40%, and the total number of Americans is 45 million (Pew, 2015). The earliest and oldest tattoo was discovered between the Austria and Italy boarders by archeologist on a mummy in 1991. The mummy was dated to be over 5,500 years old and European. He was given the name “Iceman Mummy Oetzi”. Iceman Oetzi is considered to be the oldest mummified remains to have such evident tattoos preserved within his mummified skin. In 1994 archeologist discovered the remains of a woman during an excavation in the wilderness of the Alti Mountains in Siberia. Through extensive research, the remains were traced back to a Siberian princess who went by the name Ukok. Her tattoo patterns and markings found on her skin were used to determine her status with in Siberia. Also buried along with her were large animals, unique objects and 4 men considered to be warriors. These findings were used to support their claim of her status.

Markings found on bodies has not been the only support for the ancient presence of tattooing. Many man made tools have been discovered that were used to create tattoos and markings on early human beings. Items such as sharp bones and teeth from animals, along with ash from fire and colors developed from clay and dirt were used to mark the skin of individuals. Scientist tend to think that the first tattoo was created by mistake. They believe that in the process to heal a person, the mixing of the healing ingredients left a mark in place of the wound after it had healed. The practice of body art and its roots can be traced back to our ancestors in ancient civilization in Egypt. Visual markings have been found on the remains of mummies, and pictures painted on the walls of tombs clearly showing signs of body art on the people. A discovery of mummified remains in 1891 revealed of female priest that lived between 2160 B.C & 1994 B.C. Her remains displayed tattooed dots on various parts of her body and straight line markings too. There were also markings that formed geometric patterns. During this time period, the tattoos were mainly found on woman that were affiliated with the art of ritual dance and practice. The Egyptians were the first to practice the art of tattooing. From the Egyptians, the practice of tattooing spread across the globe. By 2000 B.C, the art of tattooing made it ways to the lands of South East Asia.

During the 17th century, Japanese used the art of tattooing mainly in the form of punishment for those people who committed crimes. Criminals were tattooed with black bands or black crosses along the fore arm. The Japanese considered criminal activity to be an embarrassment to their family and culture. Many criminals were prohibited from attending family and social events. The Japanese took strong offense to family members who broke the ethics and values they stood by, and to be tattooed and labeled as criminal was as worst and most severe punishment for a person. By the end of the 17th century tattooing on criminals was removed from the culture as other forms of