Last Updated on August 16, 2021 by
The sailor who rolls up his sleeves and shows an arm tattooed with anchors, hearts, and mottoes, is actually wearing a form of body adornment that has been used by the most primitive peoples.
Tattooing goes back to very ancient times. The Egyptians, Southern Chinese, Bast Indians, and others all knew of tattooing. In those olden days, the art of tattooing was made to seem important and dignified because it was accompanied by elaborate ceremonies. The Maoris of New Zealand used to cover their faces with very complicated tattooed patterns, and sometimes they still do it today.
In Japan, the practice of tattooing chrysanthemums, dragons’ faces, and whole landscapes has gone on for centuries. Tattoo designs used to take the place of clothing for some of the Japanese. The American Indians used tattooing as a way of identifying themselves with certain tribes.
Tattooing has also had, in many parts of the world, a religious and social importance. Among some peoples, young girls arc not considered ready for marriage until they have been decorated with fancy tattooing. Tattooing has been used to designate mourning among some people. And warriors have had themselves tattooed in order to show their courage or to look more frightful to their enemies.
Today, tattooing is usually done by pricking the skin in dots and lines with a sharp instrument, such as a needle of steel, shell, or bone. Then coloring matter is put in to form a design. A less usual method is that of “sewing” in the pattern by drawing through the skin a thread that has been dipped in coloring matter.
FAQ
Who originally started tattoos?
Short Answer- Ethnographic and historical texts reveal that tattooing has been practiced by just about every human culture in historic times. The ancient Greeks used tattoos from the 5th century on to communicate among spies; later, the Romans marked criminals and slaves with tattoos.
Do Guys Like Girls With Tattoos?
Short Answer- Men Think Tattooed Girls Are Easier.
When did humans start tattooing?
Short Answer- The oldest figures of this kind have been recovered from tombs in Japan dating to 5000 BCE or older. In terms of actual tattoos, the oldest known human to have tattoos preserved upon his mummified skin is a Bronze-Age man from around 3300 BCE.
Why are Japanese tattoos illegal?
Short Answer- Decorative tattooing was seen by the Japanese government as a way for criminals to cover up the ink that they received as punishment. Laws against tattoos were enforced in 1936 after the war between Japan and China broke out, banning tattoos entirely.
Why are tattoos bad?
Short Answer- A variety of health effects can result from tattooing. Because it requires breaking the skin barrier, tattooing carries inherent health risks, including infection and allergic reactions.
