History of Tattoos

Tanya Lewis

The History of Tattoos

Axia College of University of Phoenix

Though the art form of tattooing was once an unpopular image, it has resurfaced to become an

international phenomenon. In ancient times they were applied as a means to determine rank or

association to a group or tribe. Ancient tattoos were also applied to reverence spiritual deities and

gods. However, in today’s society tattoos are applied and worn primarily to benefit form and

fashion. Although this is the primary reason for tattoo application, it is not the only reason. In

fact, modern tattoos are often applied for many of the same reasons as ancient tattoos. Rather

than tattoos determining an association to a tribe in today’s time they are used to recognize gang

members, cults, and secret societies. Tattoos also determine rank amongst these groups just as

they did in ancient times. If ancient tattoos were implemented for many of the same reasons as

modern tattoos why were they so reviled then and not now? To understand this one must

understand where tattoos derived from and how they came to be. One must also understand how

tattoos were perceived then and how they are perceived now.

Before one can understand the re-emerging and popularity of this ancient art form, it is

important to note where it derived from. The word tattoo is said to have two major derivations-

from the Polynesian word ‘ta’ which means striking something and the Tahitian word ‘tatau’

which means ‘to mark something’ (www.designboom.com/history/tattoo_history.html. 2008).

The history of tattoos can be traced back to over 5000 years ago. In 1991, the oldest tattoo in the

history of the world was discovered. It was discovered on a mummy known as Oetzi, an

Iceman dated to be at least 5300 years old (http://historyoftattoos.org. 2010). Oetzi’s tattoos are

merely vertical lines said to be a result of acupuncture medical treatment perhaps for joint

problems. There is no...