Advertising

Tattoo- Where Did Tattoos Originate

| Print |

E-mail

Written by Mike Wamoult

Monday, 26 May 2008

by MikeWamoult

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.

During the Egyptian times tattoos were not borne simply to be displayed on bodies as forms of artwork but for symbolic reasons. The earliest tattoos were borne by women on their legs as a superstitious measure of protection against the dangers of childbirth. It was from Egypt that the practice of tattooing spread to other parts of Africa as well as into Asia and the Pacific Islands through various means such as through trade lines and travelers.

Some scientists say that certain marks on the skin of the Iceman which is a mummified human body from way back in 3300 BC indicate that maybe the earliest evidence of tattoos existed then. More widely recognized are tattoos found on Egyptian and Nubian mummies dating from about 2000 B.C.

Ever since this period, different cultures have used the art of tattooing in one form or another for different purposes. Some of the purposes of tattooing include religious and superstitious reasons. Others have chosen to bear tattoos for historical reasons. Tattoos have also been more than an indication of such reasons and have also played a role as symbols of pride. Polynesians allowed both men and women to bear tattoos but in various other cultures only men were allowed to bear tattoos. In Japan the art of tattooing even goes back earlier than the period it was discovered in the West and was used for various purposes.

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.

In 787 AD Pope Hadrian was said to have banned the practice of tattooing and from that period onwards, history has recorded one controversy or the other as far as tattoos were concerned. Hepatitis outbreaks have been blamed on tattoos and the practice has been associated with everything from criminals to sailors.

Millennia after the origin of tattoos, they are becoming less taboo and more accepted. A lot of tattooing studios and institutions are opening up and providing services to various individuals.

About the Author:

Do you want to know where did tattoos originate? Go to http://www.tattooyork.com where you can learn about tattoo. Click Right Here to get a copy of your FREE Tattoo Beginner's Guide right now.

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.