History of Tattoo Art
Tattooing is an art form that consists of decorative markings on human skin. Tattoos exist in many cultures and have a long history.
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History
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The word "tattoo" is derived from two sources--the Polynesian word "ta," meaning to strike, and the Tahitian word "tatau," meaning to mark. Humans have worn tattoos for over 5,000 years.
How Are Tattoos Made?
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A tattoo is creating by injecting ink under the skin with a needle. The pigment stains the dermis, which is the substrate of the skin, and can be seen through the epidermis, which is the outer layer. In ancient times, methods of tattooing varied from culture to culture and included pulling a pigment-soaked or soot-covered needle through the skin, or rubbing pigment into an open cut made with a blade. In modern times, a special electric needle is used that makes a series of small punctures through the epidermis, much like a sewing needle. The pigment is injected as the needle moves.
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Celebrity Tattoos
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Many celebrities sport tattoos. Angelina Jolie is famous for her many tattoos, which have to be covered with makeup for certain roles. Johnny Depp famously had "Winona Forever"--for then-girlfriend Winona Ryder -- tattooed on his bicep, then changed it to read "Wino Forever" when the couple split up. The cast members of "The Lord of the Rings" series got tattoos to commemorate the experience of making the epic film.
Tattoo Art
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In contemporary society, images depicted in tattoos vary widely. Trends in tattoo images have included Celtic patterns, recreations or representations of traditional tribal tattoos from cultures such as the Maori, and Chinese characters.
Tattoo Designs
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A tattoo artist can copy a design you bring in, or create a customized design based on your specifications. There are also standardized designs available. These are known as "flash."
Meaning in Tattoos
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The bearer of a tattoo usually picks an image that has an individual or personal meaning. This may range from a word or phrase to a portrait of a loved one or a copy of a famous painting. Iconic images as skulls, hearts and pinup girls acquire various meanings depending on the interpretation of both the tattoo artist and the wearer, but a skull is typically a memento mori, or a reminder of the inevitability of death. This is one of the oldest motifs in the history of art.
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Resources
- Photo Credit tletetattoo.blogspot.com, DCI
