Tattoos and Their Cultural Relevance For as long as there have been people, there have been methods of distinction amongst them. Throughout the years we have discovered ways in which to express our beliefs, our ideals, and our passions. Tattooing has been one of forefront methods in expressing our humanity, or in certain cases, our lack there of. For so many, they have taken on many different representations, each with an equal level of significance. The importance found in the symbolism of tattoos and their cultural relevance has consistently been a trend found throughout history, religion, and art. The ancient practice of body art commonly known today as tattoo originates from the Tahitian word “tatau”, which means, to tap the mark into the body. Although the word wasn’t coined until 1769 when Captain James Cook landed in Tahiti, tattooing can be seen as far back as five thousand years ago. In 1991 scientists came across the frozen remains of a man they came to call Otzi. Otzi was found with a series of small lines marked upon his lower back, ankles, knees, and feet. The rubbing of powdered charcoal into several vertical wounds made his markings. After extensive testing of Otzi’s remains, scientists had found that he suffered from bone degeneration at the site of his markings. This led them to believe that his tattoos were used as a method for the treatment of pain, rather than for their aesthetic appeal. The uses tattooing held for the Japanese differed beyond ancient healing practices. The Japanese have been practicing tattooing since the 5th century B.C., although its popularity didn’t really take off until the 17th century. Unlike Otzi, the Japanese tattooed for physical beautification, and to mark criminals. In 17th c... ... middle of paper ... ... power to express them, and to classify them. Through their evolution we keep tradition alive. Much like our influence as humans mark this earth, so through the markings on our bodies we tell our story. Through them we are timeless. Penn Museum. (2007). Body Modification. Ancient and Modern. Retrieved May 11, 208, from http://www.museum.upenn.edu/new/exhibits/online_exhibits/body_modification/bodmodtattoo.shtml Green Terisa, (2000-2007). Body Modification: Modern Primitives. TattooSymbol.com. Retrieved June 11, 2008, from http://www.tattoosymbol.com/bodymod/body-modification-2.html PBS.org. (2003). Skin Stories. Role of Tattoo. Retrieved May 13, 2008, from http://www.pbs.org/skinstories/culture/role2.html#moko Levins Hoag, (1996-2007). THE CHANGING CULTURAL STATUS. www.tattooartist.com. Retrieved June 11, 2008, from http://www.tattooartist.com/history.html
Body modifications, with the focus of tattoos, have existed in our society for centuries and the way in which it is perceived has changed somewhat over the years, yet certain dishonors still remain our modern day. Like most body modifications, tattoos are an often misunderstood form of body modification. Despite the stigmas, tattoos have become a unique object of desire to endless diverse groups of people. But are the popular assumptions of tattoos out of sync with the true meaning behind them? Further explanation and exploration of the history will reveal the social and cultural practices of tattooing and the causal connection between the mind and the tattooed body, in addition to providing answers as to why tattoos stimulate uneasiness and curiosity and create a challenge to discursive practices.
Tattoos have been part of the culture of Japan for thousands of years. Japanese society’s relationship with the tattoo – and the tattooed – has evolved throughout history. In recent years, many younger Japanese people have begun embracing tattoos as fashion statements, like people do in many western countries. However, there remains a group of traditional Japanese tattoo artists who look at body art as something more than fashion – something spiritual and deeply personal. One of those traditionalists is Horimyo, a Japanese “tebori” (done-by-hand) tattoo artist.
Tattoos have been utilized in various ways for thousands of years, ranging from punishment, to status symbols and indications of religious beliefs. They have served as the ultimate illustration of cultural diffusion in America, and despite generally carrying a negative social stigma, perception of tattoos has continued to evolve into a more acceptable practice.
Tattoos have been used as a form of decoration on the body of the Egyptian mummies. In fact, tattoos were viewed as a “beautifying operation” to the Typee natives and in Wales they were once a royal fad. There have been many eras to see the tattoo as a prestigious decoration. The Japanese also practiced a form of tattooing that covered their warriors in intimidating designs. But after years of beauty and prestige, what changed the views of people? What made tattoos rebellious and unprofessional?
Many people have been getting tattoos lately. People of all ages have been getting them and from all different backgrounds. On a nice day in just about any public place one can spot a tattoo about every five minutes, from the business man who had a portrait of his daughter put on him to a young girl with a butterfly on her ankle and even people with extensive tattoo coverage. What is even more interesting is the rise in the number of people who are heavily tattooed and that they come from all different backgrounds. Not too long ago tattooing did not experience the popularity in mainstream culture that it does now. The question that must be asked in order to understand this fascination that popular culture has had with tattoos is why people get tattoos.
Tattooing is not just a recent fad. Tattooing has been around for a very long time. "The current first proven incident of a tattoo dates back 4,000 years B.C. a traveler was found in Italy near Austria, preserved in the permafrost of a glacier. Carbon dating and arte facts found near him suggest that he is over 5,300 years old" (Tattoos and Design). Tattoos have been used to identify a person with a particular group or just to decorate a person's body. "Some designs are symbolic: In Japan, carp mean bravery; peonies mean good fortune" (McNab 42).
Symbolism and meaning is by far one of the most important aspects of the tattoo industry. “The abstract emotions and human awareness of emotions show what really is going on in ones life (Johnson)”. For that reason tattooing is a form of self-expression, and can stand for literal interpretations. For the most part these interpretations are the conveying of spiritual meaning, or marking milestones such as life or death” (Johnson). For those who think tattooing is just for looks or put a bad judgment on it, should also realize that ones personal interest reflects upon their lives. “Many individuals get their first tattoos during adolescence or young adulthood.”(Bravermark) Due to the mainstream culture, these traditions traditionally associate with stereotypes. Stereotypes defiantly have a huge impact on life. Which leads to the next point? Whether flaunted or hidden, sought as art or brought out on a whim, the tattoo has left a huge impact on generation after generation.
In many cultures around the world there are certain practices that distinguish that specific culture. Body modification is generally seen, by the practitioners as “self-constructive,” whereas critics see it as a “violent pathologization.” (Johncock 2012:241.) Throughout this paper I will be focusing on body modification in African cultures, more specifically, the practice of scarification. Though it is described as body modification, scarification is not seen as “self-beautifying,” like other forms of modifications, but rather as “self-mutilation.” (2012:242-243.) According to the Encyclopedia of Body Adornment, “In many African and Australian cultures, smooth skin is seen as naked and unadorned,” and “skin that has texture and design on
It isn 't uncommon to see people walking around with tattoos permanently stained on their body. It is also uncommon to know that they usually have a meaning. From Chinese symbols to images devoted to the flying spaghetti monster, people love to keep these tattoos to remind them of a message or a special someone. According to the World Book Advanced Dictionary, a tattoo is "to mark (the skin) with designs or patterns by pricking a line of holes and putting in colors. ' ' And the meaning of an individual 's tattoo can vary depending on where you are. In this essay, I will discuss contrasting elements in prison and in tribal tattoos. This will be done by doing a cross sectional study of their history, meaning and methods. Are prison and tribal tattoos similar or different?
This research paper speaks of the poem “The Tattooer” that talks about Japanese culture where men are superior and women are seen beneath the men of society. The poem "The Tattooer" shines the light on many of Tanizaki's standard society themes. And in this the tattooer desires the pleasure of his art; the tattooer takes much pride in the tattoos that he creates on the flesh of humans and also endures pleasure from putting pain on the empty canvases with his needle. In “The Tattooer” by Tanizaki Jun’ichiro the tattooer desires the pain inflicted on his canvas but then the perfect body is seen and he realizes that he must now tattoo for the beauty of the tattoo and is soon controlled by women.
Jun'ichirō, Tanizaki. “The Tattooer”. 603-102-04 Eastern Literature. Jeffrey Fyfe. Toronto, ON: CSPI – Coursepack, 2012. Print
A persons’ image is vital when meeting someone for the first time. Our peers, employers, family, superiors, even strangers that you walk past can automatically judge someone, and imagine how they present themselves to the world. Tattoos have been predominantly linked with a rebellious attitude and pictured on out of control stereotypes such as rock starts, bikers, sailors, and disobedient teenagers who want nothing more than to hack off their parents. With a new coming of age generation and a step into a more lenient and liberal society these types of patrons still participate in body art but so do doctors, lawyers, or just the run of the mill house mom. Tattoos signify religious beliefs, cultural influence, or each individual’s sole style. Body art is no longer socially offensive, employers are more apt to hiring tatted hopeful applicants, parents are warming up to the idea of their children inking their body and no longer a stranger on the street with a tattoo is necessarily prejudged as a criminal or safety hazard. Tattoos have become more evolved over the years because they have become more of a socially accepted element of the general public.
The trend of tattooing grew rapidly as a rebellious act in the early 80’s, however, tattooing actually dates back much further. The earliest record of tattoos was discovered back in 1991 on “the frozen remains of the Copper Age Iceman; scientists have named ‘Ötzi.’ His lower back, ankles, knees, and a foot were marked with a series of small lines, made by rubbing powdered charcoal into vertical cuts,” (Barbajosa, 2004). Despite the change in meaning or purpose for receiving a tattoo, it seems that there is sentimental value and the expression of self regardless of how times have changed. Five-thousand years ago, when the Ötzi’s tattoos were discovered, anthropologists perceived the meaning of his tattoos to be a symbol of accomplishment and an earned position in the community or even population. When a young adult turns 18, it’s a rite of passage to receive a tattoo, so the purpose is still there; however, having a purpose for a tattoo does not make it art.
Art has always been a cherished outlet for mankind, a story is told through various art types and the ideals a person or society might value, take ancient roman sculptures for example. Art is no different on the skin, and what’s even more unique about tattoos are that no two are ever completely alike, they’re unique to each individual. In a world that’s constantly changing, evolving, tattoos provide a sense of identity and permanency. Stated in “Tattoos are a unique form of expression and a significant part of many identities” by Liliana Mota for the Daily Titan, “People get tattoos for many reasons, whether it’s to honor a loved one, express themselves in a different way or represent something meaningful, every tattoo has a reason and a purpose. One such instance is when tattoos are used as a cover-up for bodily imperfections that cause one to feel self-conscious.”
Gröning, Karl, and Ferdinand Anton. Decorated Skin: A World Survey of Body Art. London: Thames & Hudson, 1997. 178-79. Print.