The History of Tattooing

Table of Contents

Introduction4

Discussion4

History4

The recent history (1800's)5

The changing perception of tattooing7

The old versus the new methods10

Conclusion11

References12

Abstract

The research paper discusses the history of the tattooing that has prevailed around the globe of a immense period of time. The further discussion has placed emphases on the changing paradigm that has allowed the evolution of the tattooing and also the perception that this act has reflected over the ages that it witnessed over a time. Lastly the comparison has been discussed regarding the discrepancy that can be seen, between the modern methods and the methods that prevailed in the civilizations that were present few centuries ago. However it is still to be decided whether the culture will prevail in future or not.

Introduction

Tattoo refers to the permanent design or the mark that is embarking on the human body. This tattoo gets done through the pricking process or the process of ingraining the ineffaceable pigment into the pricked punctures or else by raising the scars. The given definition is just an objective orientation of the tattoo and its process; however to many a tattoo has more of a subjective meaning to the definition of the tattoo. It usually denotes the trait of the individuality, art, clan association, status and in few cases, the religion as well. Tattoos are seen in many types of styles, colors, designs and shapes. It is usually said by many, that the history of tattoos is almost equally fascinating as tattoos themselves are. Either revealed or hidden, tattoos have always left a sign of recognition from one generation to another. However it is not necessary that the intent of getting tattoos is similar across all the cultures, or even from one person to another and even from one place to another place (Jones, 2000). The history of tattooing is somewhat difficult to trace. Although the word 'tattoo' did not emerge until James Cook's voyage to Polynesia in the 18th century, thepractice of indelibly inking the body has a much longer history. Jones (2000)posits that the Greek word stigma(ta)1 actually indicated tattooing and that evidence suggests that this word was then transmitted to the Romans.2 Of course,this linking of tattooing and stigma has contemporary value when considering thecurrent meaning of 'stigma' in English. It marries the process or mark of tattooingwith its interpretation, indicating that the meaning of stigma today may comefrom the ancient practice of tattooing.In spite of the uncertainty surrounding names associated with the practice of tattooing, Jones suggests that the Greeks were not the first to tattoo. From one nation to another, from one clan to another, from one era to another and from one civilization to another, it can be said the one way or the other tattooing tends to survive somehow, either with the opposition or a taboo or with the endurance and the appreciation. After all it can be said that the early days was a bit hard to be survived with, if compared to the modern era of today

Discussion

History

Tattoo is ...