History of tattooing

History of tattooing

Decorating the body is one of the oldest manifestations of human creativity. The history of tattooing begins with the Paleolithic era. The tattoo appeared during the period of the primitive system. Then, in different periods of development of civilization, it acted as a sign of distinction and protection against evil spirits.

Various images pointed to the belonging of the person to the circle of the chosen. It was believed that the tattoo would help keep one alive and return home from war or distant wanderings. The etymology of the name includes such designations as "tattoo," "imprint," "sign.

When exactly and where tattoos came from is unknown. According to indirect written evidence, such ornaments were used 60,000 years ago. Actual confirmation is ornamenting on the skin of mummies, which are about 6 thousand years old.

Geography of tattooing

The history of tattooing distribution in the world has wide geography: Asia, Europe, North and South America, Australia, and Oceania. In each of these places, the origin of the art of drawing on the body occurred autonomously.

It is interesting to note some differences:

• Drawings were made on dark skin by scarification. With the help of incisions, a relief drawing was created, which was accentuated with paint applied to the wounds.
• Ornaments, flowers, signs tinted with pigments from plants were depicted on white skin.

The first tattoos in the history of Indian tribes of Polynesia were performed with soot which was hammered under the skin with a special hammer and a sharp stick with shark teeth. The incision technique was also used when soot was rubbed into the wounds.

Each tribe had its own style of drawing. The main purpose of the drawings was camouflage, to distinguish their own from outsiders, to indicate status. Certain drawings were done to protect against spirits. The drawing was very painful, often leading to death.

The first in the history of Slavic tattoos appeared on the territory of modern Russia for 8 thousand years BC. To create the pattern they used special clay stamps. So ornaments were applied that were necessary for participation in rituals. During the Middle Ages, the tattoo indicated that the artisan belonged to a certain shop. In the 19-20 centuries, this tradition was borrowed by sailors, miners, and foundry workers.

The social meaning of tattoos

Drawing on the human body has always served not only as decoration but also as a sign of social distinction: belonging to a tribe, clan. Tattoos were endowed with special power and considered magical messages. In Polynesia, drawings were applied to children from the age of 11 years so that when the child entered adulthood, he or she would be safe - under the patronage of the higher forces.

The bodies of the Indians were covered with tattoos like a garment. Looking at the drawings, one could get information about a person's origins, accomplishments, and wealth. The latter images were applied after death, to create the conditions for moving to the afterlife.

The decline and rebirth of the art of tattooing

The emergence and spread of Christianity is associated with the sunset of tattooing as an attribute of pagan rituals. Various body adornments were suppressed, according to the prohibition imposed by the Old Testament. The harshness of church laws led to the oblivion of the tattoo for many centuries.

The art of tattooing returned only in the 18-19 centuries, but it had already lost its sacred meaning. The modern history of tattooing began when retired sailors opened the first tattoo parlors in port cities.

Among English sailors, it was customary to put a crucifixion image on the body in the hope that it would protect them during voyages. Corporal punishment was widely used in the navy, and the tattoo served as protection against beatings.

A new surge of popularity is associated with the development of youth culture ’50-the ’60s. In search of new means of self-expression, young people began to decorate their bodies with drawings. Since then, the popularity of tattoos has grown steadily. Since the 50s of the 20th century, tattoo conventions have been held regularly.