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BDSM Dictionary : Tattoos: history
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This entry is part of the BDSM Dictionary hosted
by Informed Consent.
Tattoos
This article is about the tattoo, a design in ink or some other
pigment, usually decorative or symbolic, placed permanently under the
skin. In technical terms, tattooing is micro-pigment implantation.
Tattoos are a type of body modification.Terminology and etymology
The origin of the word tattoo is usually traced to the Tahitian
"tatu" or "tatau", which means to mark or strike (the latter referring
to traditional methods of applying the designs). In Japanese the word
used for traditional designs or those that are applied using traditional
methods is "irezumi", while "tattoo" is used for non-Japanese designs.
Most tattoo enthusiasts refer to tattoos as art and to tattooists
(less often ""tattooers"") as artists. This usage is gaining support,
with mainstream art galleries holding exhibitions of tattoo designs and
photographs of tattoos.
Tattoo designs that are mass produced and sold to tattoo artists and
studios are called flash. "Tattoo Flash" is also the name of an
American tattoo magazine.Prevalence
Many celebrities, particularly in the music industry, wear tattoos, but
there are many others who have tattoos but generally keep them covered.
In some areas, tattoos still have a largely negative image. This is
particularly true in East Asian countries and regions, where tattoos are
still generally associated with criminality in the public's mind;
therefore those who choose to be tattooed in such countries usually keep
their tattoos covered for fear of reprisal. For example, many businesses
such as gyms, hot springs and recreational facilities in Japan still ban
people with visible tattoos.
It has been suggested that a majority of prisoners in US prisons have at
least one tattoo. It is said that most triad members in Hong Kong have a
tattoo of a black dragon on the left bicep and one of a white tiger on
the right; in fact, many people in Hong Kong use "left a black dragon,
right a white tiger" as a euphemism for a triad member. It is widely
believed that one of the initiation rites in becoming a triad member is
silently withstanding the pain of receiving a tattoo the size of one's
entire back in one sitting, usually performed in the traditional
"hand-poked" style. Tattoos, particularly full traditional body suits,
are still popularly associated with the yakuza (mafia) in Japan; in
reality, however, many yakuza members are choosing not to be tattooed to
avoid this very stigma.History
Tattooing has been a practice of almost every known people. The Ainu,
the indigenous people of Japan, wore unique facial tattoos. Tattooing
was widespread among Polynesian peoples, and in the Philippines, Borneo,
Samoa, Africa, Japan, and China.
Tattooing has been a Eurasian practice since Neolithic times. "*–tzi
the Iceman", dated circa 3300 BC was tattooed, as was the mummified male
found in the Pasaryk burial whose body was tattooed with stylized animal
designs. In the Steppes, other natural mummies up to 7000 years old have
been found to have tattoos.
Tattooing has also been featured prominently in one of the Four Classic
Novels in Chinese literature, Water Margin, in which at least two of the
108 characters, Shi Jun and Yan Qing, were described as having tattoos
covering nearly the whole of their bodies. In addition, Chinese legend
has it that the mother of Yue Fei, the most famous general of the Song
Dynasty, tattooed the words 精忠報國 (pinyin:
jin zhong bao guo) on his back with her sewing needle before he left to
join the army, reminding him to "repay his country with total loyalty".
Europeans rediscovered tattooing during the exploration of the South
Pacific under Captain James Cook in the 1770s, and sailors were
particularly identified with tattoos in European culture until after
World War I.
The "modern" electric tattoo machine is fundamentally the same machine
invented by Samuel O'Reilly in 1891, which was based on an electric
engraving pen invented by Thomas Edison.
Tattoos are more popular now than at any time in recorded history.
Current estimates have one in seven or over 39 million people in North
America who have at least one tattoo.
It is claimed that tattooing has existed since around 12,000 BC. Tattoos
have always had an important role in ritual and tradition. In Borneo,
women tattooed symbols on their forearm indicating their particular
skill. If a woman wore a symbol indicating she was a skilled weaver, her
status as marriageable material was increased. Tattoos around the wrist
and fingers were believed to ward away illness. Throughout history
tattoos have signified membership in a clan or society. Even today
groups like the Hells Angels tattoo their particular group symbol. TV
and movies have used the idea of a tattoo indicating membership in a
secret society. It has been believed that the wearer of an image calls
the spirit of that image. The ferocity of a tiger would belong to the
tattooed person. That tradition holds true today shown by the
proliferation of images of tigers, snakes, and bird of prey.
In recorded history, the earliest tattoos can be found in Egypt during
the time of the construction of the great pyramids. When the Egyptians
expanded their empire, the art of tattooing spread as well. The
civilizations of Crete, Greece, Persia, and Arabia picked up and
expanded the art form. Around 2000 BC tattooing spread to China.
The Greeks used tattooing for communication among spies. Markings
identified the spies and showed their rank. Romans marked criminals and
slaves. The Ainu people of western Asia used tattooing to show social
status, girls coming of age were marked to announce their place in
society, as were the married women. The Ainu are noted for introducing
tattoos to Japan where it developed into a religious and ceremonial
rite. In Borneo, women were the tattooists, they produced designs
indicating the owners station in life and the tribe he belonged to.
Kayan women had delicate arm tattoos which looked like lacy gloves.
Dayak warriors who had "taken a head" had tattoos on their hands, the
tattoos garnered respect and assured the owners status for life.
Polynesians developed tattoos to mark tribal communities, families, and
rank. They brought their art to New Zealand and developed a facial style
of tattooing called Moko which is still being used today. There is
evidence that the Mayan, Incas, and Aztecs used tattooing in the
rituals. Even the isolated tribes in Alaska practiced tattooing, their
style indicating it was learned from the Ainu.
In the west, early Britons used tattoos in ceremonies. The Danes, Norse,
and Saxons tattooed family crests (a tradition still practiced today).
In 787 AD, Pope Hadrian banned tattooing. It still thrived in Britain
until the Norman Invasion of 1066. The Normans disdained tattooing and
it disappeared from Western culture from the 12th to the 16th centuries.
While tattooing diminished in the west, it thrived in Japan. At first,
tattoos were used to mark criminals. First offenses were marked with a
line across the forehead. A second crime was marked by adding an arch. A
third offense was marked by another line. Together these marks formed
the Japanese character for "dog". It appears this was the original
"Three strikes, you're out" law. In time, the Japanese escalated the
tattoo to an aesthetic art form. The Japanese body suit originated
around 1700 as a reaction to strict laws concerning conspicuous
consumption. Only royalty were allowed to wear ornate clothing. As a
result of this, the middle class adorned themselves with elaborate full
body tattoos. A highly tattooed person wearing only a loin cloth was
considered well dressed, but only in the privacy of their own home.
William Dampier is responsible for re-introducing tattooing to the west.
He was a sailor and explorer who traveled the South Seas. In 1691 he
brought to London a heavily tattooed Polynesian named Prince Giolo,
known as the Painted Prince. He was put on exhibition as a money making
attraction, and became the rage of London. It had been 600 years since
tattoos had been seen in Europe and it would be another 100 years before
tattooing would make it mark in the West.
In the late 1700s, Captain Cook made several trips to the South Pacific.
The people of London welcomed his stories and were anxious to see the
art and artifacts he brought back. Returning from one of this trips, he
brought a heavily tattooed Polynesian named Omai. He was a sensation in
London. Soon, the upper class were getting small tattoos in discreet places.
Tattooing was kept from becoming more widespread because of its slow and
painstaking procedure. Each puncture of the skin was done by hand as the
ink was applied. In 1891, Samuel O'Reilly patented the first electric
tattooing machine based on Edison's electric pen which punctured paper
with a needle point. The basic design with moving coils, a tube and a
needle bar, are the components of today's tattoo gun. The electric
tattoo machine allowed anyone to obtain a reasonably priced and readily
available tattoo. As the middle and lower classes could easily get a
tattoo, the upper classes turned away from it.
By the turn of the century, tattooing had lost a great deal of
credibility. Tattooists worked the sleazier sections of town. Heavily
tattooed people traveled with circuses and "freak Shows". Betty Brodbent
traveled with Ringling Brothers Circus in the 1930s and was a star
attraction for years.
Tattooing went underground. Few were accepted into the secret society of
artists and there were no schools to study the craft. There were no
magazines or associations. Tattoo suppliers rarely advertised their
products. One had to learn through the scuttlebutt where to go and who
to see for quality tattoos.
The birthplace of the American style tattoo was Chatham Square in New
York City. At the turn of the century it was a seaport and entertainment
center attracting working-class people with money. Samuel O'Reilly came
from Boston, set up shop there and took on an apprentice Charlie
Wagner. After O'Reilly's death in 1908, Wagner opened a supply business
with Lew Alberts. Alberts had trained as a wallpaper designer and he
transferred those skills to the design of tattoos. He is noted for
redesigning a large portion of early tattoo flash art.
While tattooing was declining in popularity across the country, in
Chatham Square it flourished. Husbands tattooed their wives with
examples of their best work, they then played the role of walking
advertisements for their husbands' work. At this time, cosmetic
tattooing became popular, blush for cheeks, coloured lips, and eyeliner.
With World War I, the flash art images changed to those of bravery and
wartime icons.
In the 1920s, with prohibition and then the depression, Chathma Square
lost its appeal. The center for tattoo art moved to Coney Island. Across
the country, tattooists opened shops in areas that would support them,
namely cities with military bases close by, particularly naval bases.
After World War II, tattoos became further denigrated by their
associations with Marlon Brando type bikers and juvenile delinquents.
Tattooing had little respect in American culture. Then, in 1961 there
was an outbreak of hepatitis because, though most tattoo shops had
sterilization machines, few used them. Newspapers reported stories of
blood poisoning, hepatitis, and other diseases.
The general population held tattoo parlours in disrepute.
At first, the New York City government gave the tattooists an
opportunity to form an association and self-regulate, but tattooists
were not able to organize themselves. A health code violation came into
effect and the tattoo shops at Times Square and Coney Island were shut
down. For a time, it was difficult to get a tattoo in New York because
it became illegal. The better shops moved to Philadelphia and New Jersey
where it was still legal.
In the late 1960s, the attitude towards tattooing changed. Much credit
can be given to Lyle Tuttle. He is handsome, charming, interesting and
knows how to use the media. He tattooed celebrities, particularly women.
Magazines and television went to Lyle to get information about this
ancient art form.
Tattooing has made a strong comeback. It is more popular and accepted
than it has ever been. All classes of people seek the best tattoo
artists. This rise in popularity has placed tattooists in the category
of "fine artist". The tattooist has garnered a respect not seen for over
100 years. Current artists combine the tradition of tattooing with their
personal style creating unique and phenomenal body art. With the
addition of new inks, tattooing has certainly reached a new plateau.Tattoo History Pre-Biblical
Over the last 150 years, archaeologists have unearthed mummified remains
marked with tattoos: - In 1991, the frozen, well-preserved body of *–tzi was
discovered in the Austrian/Italian Alps. More than 5,000 years old, the
body had 57 tattoos.
- In 1948, a Russian archaeologist who was excavating a group of
tombs found the mummy of a Scythian Chieftain. On the mummy's right arm,
there were tattoos of a donkey, a mountain ram, and two deer, and
tattoos of four running rams that encircled his shin.
- In 1891, archaeologists discovered the mummified remains of an
Egyptian priestess named Amunet, who likely lived some time between 2160
BC and 1994 BC. Her body had tattoos on its arms, legs, and below the
belly button.
- In Japan, scientists have discovered clay figurines more than
3,000 years old painted with markings that resemble tattoos.
Biblical
During the time of the Old Testament, much of the pagan world was using
tattooing as a means of deity worship. This produced a negative response
from Israel, which attempted to separate itself from the adoration of
false gods: "You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh on account of
the dead or tattoo any marks upon you: I am the LORD." - Leviticus 19:28
Biblical scholar M.W. Thomson suggests, however, that Moses favored
tattoos. Thomson speculates that Moses introduced tattoos as a way to
commemorate the deliverance of the Jews from slavery in Egypt. In his
1859 study, Thomson suggests that Moses believed the prohibition above
applied only to heathen, pagan images.
Just before the birth of Christ, Roman writers such as Virgil, Seneca,
and Galenus reported that many slaves and criminals were tattooed.
Post Biblical
Early in the fourth century, when Constantine became Roman Emperor and
rescinded the prohibition on Christianity, he also banned tattooing on
the face, which was common for convicts, soldiers, and gladiators.
Constantine believed that the human face was a representation of the
image of God and should not be disfigured or defiled.
It is documented that a monk who lived in the late fifth century had a
tattoo on his thigh that read: "Manim, the disciple of Jesus Christ."
Procopius of Caesarea, who lived during the first half of the sixth
century and wrote number of official histories, once reported that many
Christians were tattooed on their arms with a cross or the name of Christ.
Charles MacQuarrie, in his work, "Insular Celtic Tattooing: History,
Myth, and Metaphor", details how "marks" that are mentioned in the Life
of Saint Brigit may have been tattoos. He also suggests that Celtic
Christians approved of some, but not all, tattoos.
At the council of Calcuth in Northumberland, the 786 Report of the Papal
Legates mentioned two types of tattooing: one of pagan superstition,
which doesn't aid any Christian, and another for the sake of God, which
provides certain (unnamed) rewards.
Crusaders, arriving in the Holy Land, often tattooed a small cross on
their hands or arms as a sign that they desired a Christian burial.Purpose
Today, people commonly choose to be tattooed for cosmetic, religious and
magical reasons, as well as as a symbol of belonging to or
identification with particular groups. Some Maori males still choose to
wear intricate moko on their faces. Throughout history people have also
been forcibly tattooed for a variety of reasons. The best known is the
ka-tzetnik identification system for Jews in concentration camps during
the Holocaust.
European sailors were known to tattoo the crucifixion on their backs to
prevent flogging as a punishment.
Tattoos are also placed on animals, though very rarely for decorative
reasons. Pets, show animals, thoroughbred horses and livestock are
sometimes tattooed with identification marks, and certain of their body
parts (for example, noses) have also been tattooed to prevent sunburn.
Such tattoos are performed by veterinarians and the animals are
anaesthetized to prevent pain.Procedure
Some tribal cultures still create tattoos by cutting designs into the
skin and rubbing the resulting wound with ink, ashes or other agents.
This may be an adjunct to scarification.
Some cultures create tattooed marks by "tapping" the ink into the skin
using sharpened sticks or animal bones. Traditional Japanese tattoos
(irezumi) are still "hand-poked," that is, the ink is inserted beneath
the skin using non-electrical, hand-made and hand held tools with
needles of sharpened bamboo or steel.
The most common method of tattooing in modern times is with an electric
tattoo machine. In this procedure, ink is inserted into the skin via a
group needles that are soldered onto a bar, which is attached to an
oscillating unit. The unit rapidly and repeatedly drives the needles in
and out of the skin, usually 50 to 3,000 times a minute.
In prisons, tattoo machines are not available so tattooing is done with
crude "homemade" machines. Tattoos created under such conditions are
frequently painful, and the resulting designs are coarser. There is also
significant risk of illness, including such blood-borne diseases as
HIV and hepatitis. Prisoners
often dismiss these risks in a show of toughness.Permanent Cosmetics
Permanent cosmetics are tattoos that enhance eyebrows, lips (liner or
lipstick), eyes (shadow, mascara), and even moles, usually with natural
colors as the designs are intended to resemble makeup. The prices of
cosmetic procedures are higher than design tattoos because most states
require permanent makeup artists to be licensed aestheticians."Natural" tattoos
According to George Orwell, workers in coal mines would wind up with
characteristic tattoos owing to coal dust getting into wounds. Temporary tattoos and Mehndi
Temporary tattoos are a type of body sticker, like a decal. They are
generally applied to the skin using water to transfer the design to the
surface of the skin. Temporary tattoos are easily removed with soap and
water or oil-based creams, and are intended to last a few days.
The art known as Mehndi, common in Middle Eastern, North African and
Asian countries (but particularly associated with India), is the
application of intricate patterns and designs on the hands and feet. The
designs are usually hand drawn with henna: powdered henna is mixed with
coffee or tea, lemon juice (to release the dye) and sugar (for
consistency) into a paste which is then applied. The length of time the
design will last depends on how long the paste is left on the skin. Most
designs last up to two weeks, fading from a dark brown to a light orange
before disappearing. So-called 'black henna', which is made by adding
p-phenylenediamine (PPD) to natural henna, in order to achieve a black
color, may cause allergic reactions. PPD is very unhealthy and has been
known to cause burnshttp://www.hennapage.com/henna/warnings.html.
Mehndi is traditionally applied onto the hands and feet of brides, but
there exist traditions in Bangladesh, Kashmir and Sudan where
bridegrooms also have Mehndi applied before wedding ceremonies. Mehndi
has also become popular, particularly in the West, as a form of
temporary body decoration with no symbolic meaning.Risks
Permanent tattooing of any form carries risks, including infection,
allergy, and disease.Diseases
Since tattoo instruments come in contact with blood and bodily fluids,
diseases may be transmitted if the instruments are used on more than one
person without being sterilized.
Most reputable tattoo shops use fresh disposable needles for each client
and sterilize reusable instruments between clients using an autoclave.
Universal precautions, such as washing the hands, wearing latex gloves
and the thorough cleaning of floors and surfaces, also reduce the risk
of disease.
In addition, it is important that needles and other instruments do not
come in contact with inks that will be used on other clients. To avoid
contamination, small amounts of ink are poured from larger bottles into
disposable cups. These are used on one client, once only, and are
discarded when the session ends. The tattooer should know and discuss
the risks Of disease in tattooing.Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions to tattoo pigments are fairly uncommon except for
certain brands of red and green (with which some many people have a
slight problem with itching,swelling,redness of the skin,oozing). People
who are sensitive or allergic to certain metals may react to pigments in
the skin by becoming swollen and/or itchy, oozing of clear sebum is also
common.
People with allergies should think carefully about getting a tattoo
because of the risk of anaphylactic shock (hypersensitive reaction),
which can be life threatening. Some tattoo artists give small tests, by
marking a small amount of ink behind the ear to determine if that person
has an allergic reaction. Infection
Infection from tattooing in clean and modern tattoo studios is rare.
Potential infections include everything from surface infections of the
skin to "Staphylococcus aureus" infections that can cause cardiological
damage. People who are susceptible to infection should know the dangers
abrading the skin can have and should consult a physician before getting
a tattoo.
The risk of infection also be reduced by following obvious precautions.
Shops should appear clean; sinks with hot water and soap should be
available in the bathroom as well as in the studio; tattooers should
wash their hands regularly and wear latex gloves; surfaces should be
cleaned with disinfectant and floors should appear clean; proper
procedures for sterilizing equipment should also be followed strictly.Tattoos and MRI
There has been concern about the interaction between magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) procedures and tattoo inks, some of which contain trace
metals. It has been claimed that the magnetic fields produced by MRI
machines could interact with these metal particles, potentially causing
burns or distortions in the image. It is likely that this is an urban
myth. The television show Mythbusters tested the theory, and concluded
that there is no risk of interaction between tattoo inks and MRI. Today
the majority of professional tattoos do not contain metal particles and
therefore there is no concern with MRI. Deciding where to get a tattoo
See the sections under "Risks," above.
The studio must have all of the following: - biohazard containers for blood-stained objects
- "sharps" containers for old needles
- an autoclave is usually required by law but is not really needed
if the items to be used have been presterilized elsewhere.
- accessible facilities for washing the hands with hot water and soap
A reputable artist will: - be knowledgeable, courteous and helpful
- refuse to tattoo minors, intoxicated people, or those incapable
of consent due to mental defect.
- ensure that the customer is satisfied with and sure about the
design before applying it
- be willing and able to answer questions
- wash his or her hands with hot water and soap or an approved
sanitizing agent, and wear latex gloves. Many artists will change
gloves one or more times during longer sessions
- always open new, sterile needle packages in front of the client,
and always use new, sterile disposable instruments
- always use properly sterilized non-disposable and disposable supplies
- always use fresh ink for each session, placing small amounts in
disposable containers which are used for one client only
- provide clear aftercare instructions and products
Membership in professional organizations, or certificates of
appreciation/achievement, may imply that the artist is aware of the
latest trends in equipment and sterilization. Many of the most notable
tattooists do not belong to any association.Aftercare
New tattoos are wounds which must be looked after properly. Immediately
after completing the tattoo, most tattooists will cover the area to keep
out dirt and keep the tattoo from oozing into clothes; sometimes the
area is wrapped in clingfilm, paper towel, poultry packs (that come in
chicken packs) or gauze. Some tattooists will recommend leaving the
covering on for several hours or overnight, and then gently washing the
area. Japanese soak the tattoo in hot water to clean it. Other Uses
Tattooing is also used in managing wildlife and the livestock industry
as a marking technique. Animals are marked with symbols or alphanumeric
characters for identification. Tattoos may be located anywhere on the
animal's body including it's ear (common for small mammals) or inner lip
(bears).
Tatooing is also used as a form of 'cosmetic surgery', like permanent
cosmetics, to hide or neutralise skin discolorations.References - "Total Tattoo Book" Amy Krakow, ISBN 0446670014
- "Tattoo Art Magazine"
- "Russian Criminal Tattoo Encyclopaedia" Danzig Baldaev, ISBN
3882439203
- "Safe Tattooing" Joshua Andrews
- "The Tattoo Machine" Joshua Andrews
link Source
- "The Art of Tattooing" Joshua Andrews
Tattoology
See also External links
(This entry in the BDSM Dictionary incorporates text from the
Tattoos
article in Wipipedia.)
This entry is published under the terms of the
GFDL. People with profiles on
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this entry: see the BDSM Dictionary
help page for details.
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