TATTOOS

 

 

Tattoos have always accompanied the history of man, it’s an ancient practice dating back to over 5,000 years. Today making a tattoo is our choice, but not in ancient times.

Do you know the origin of tattoos?

James Cook’s first voyage was an expedition, in which he stopped to visit Tahiti. There he knew a technique unknown to him until that moment, that was to be tattooed. This technique was called tatau,(it means to beat, because it reminded the noise produced by the needle piercing the skin), from which we got tattoo.

Ancient populations used tattoos for therapeutic purposes, to soothe pain. Over time, tattoos have taken on a different meaning.

The oldest evidence dates back to 1991,in the Otzalet Alps. There, the frozen body of a man was found. Scientists believe that man lived about 5,300 years ago. But,  there are many other discoveries that confirm the existence of tattoos in antiquity, such as the funerary paintings of Egypt of 2,000 B.C.

From James Cook’s notes, we know that one of the main methods used by Tahitians to tattoo was to use a sharp shell attached to a stick.

The  Celts in honor of their deities tattooed symbols or depictions of them on their skin.

For the ancient Romans  tattoos were forbidden and used to mark criminals and convicts.

For the Britons tattoos were a sign of honor.

The custom of tattooing the cross of Christ on one’s forehead was widespread among Christians, although after the Crusades, the tattoo seems to disappear from Europe, but continues to develop in other continents. This practice was first prohibited by Emperor Constantine (4th century) and then by Pope Hadrian (8th century).

At the end of the 60s and early 70s the practice of tattooing started again in Europe and from the 90s onwards it is in continuous progress.

For Islam permanent tattoos are prohibited, only temporary tattoos made with henna are allowed.

Henna tattoos are temporary and they are less used. This technique is very old and involves the application of a tattoo on the skin without using ink and needle, but simply a vegetable dye.

Back to the actual tattoos,  just have a look at these incredible ones. 

 

This is a Maori tattoo. There’s a long history behind Maori tattoos. The tattoo is used as a rite of passage from being a child to becoming an adult. The practice was long and painful, but for a true Maori man, it was just a rite of passage. Maori culture has been passed down orally, so there’s no document left. It  takes a different meaning  depending on where it is placed on the body. They consider the upper part of the body as the "spiritual world", while the lower part is earthly life.

 

Maori tattoos on the arm represent mental and physical strength, on the leg and trunk symbolize courage, on the face wisdom and knowledge,hands and wrists are the ability to act in first person in front of challenges and on the navel means independence and emancipation.I consider them awesome, and you?

I think tattoos are a type of art that everyone can have on their body. Although, until some time ago those who had tattoos weren’t judged positively, now it is different and they have become fashionable. Before who had tattoos couldn’t participate in certain competitions or get  jobs that required a high license plate. That was because there was a prejudice that tattoos were associated with bad people.What’s your opinion, instead?

 

However,  I feel that making a tattoo shouldn’t prevent anyone from doing any thing, because it is a personal choice that does not affect others. Anyway, I have a tattoo and I’m proud of it, because it has an important meaning for me.

And you? Do you have one? Would you like to have one?

Alessandra, 3sc