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History of Tattoo
The
art of Tattoo has been around for thousands of years. The styles and
reasons for tattoo have varied from individual to individual as they
have from society to society. Some tattoos were prepared for simple
ornamentation, others done for religious beliefs and others still for
reasons known better to their wearers. Tattooing has existed in one form
or another across the earth since time immemorial and the popularity of
tattoo art is most likely continue for centuries.
Though the fundamental concept of tattoo has been constant throughout
the history, the styles and reasons for tattoo have evolved along with
man's own development. An interesting example of this has been found at
the back of a man on the slopes of the Alps. He was buried their 5
thousands years ago. The significance to these tattooed, if there was
any other then to decorate the body is unknown. Some people think that
tattooing was done for medicinal purposes. The pigments used in
tattooing may have been a certain type of berry known to have some
curative and healing effects for different ailments.
The history of tattoos can be traced back to both primitive and
historic culture as far back as before the birth of Christ. For these
cultures, tattoos signified importance or power and were generally
reserved for religious figures in their community. Even the early
Christians used tattoos as symbols of acknowledgment until 787 AD when
the church edict forbade them. The word tattoo comes from the sound the
tattooing instrument makes on the skin of those being tattooed and
derives from the Polynesian word 'ta' which means to strike something.
Modern Tattooing evolved from the early days of Chatham square in New
York City. It was Charlie Wagner who opened a supply business with Lew
Alberts and began early tattoo flash art. Tattoos became a popular
cosmetic surgery at this time, adding blush, colored lips and eyeliner.
The tattooing culture hit an all time low in 1961 when an outbreak of
hepatitis sent the industry into a downward spiral. The media began
reporting stories of hepatitis and other diseases, based on most tattoo
shops having the equipment to sterilize their tools, but very few shops
using them. Today tattoos are as popular and safe as they ever have
been. There are new tattoo shops opening regularly to meet the growing
demand.
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