Tattoo

Tattoos have been around for thousands of years and are as ancient as the Neolithic period, with evidence of tattooing found on mummies dating back thousands of years, like the famous "Ötzi the Iceman" from around 3300 BCE.

 

In ancient Egypt, tattoos were common, and were believed to have protective or spiritual meanings. Soldiers from the Greek and Roman empires used tattoos for identification purposes. While within the South Pacific, tattooing has always been an important cultural tradition, tied to identity and viewed as a right of passage. Despite being illegal in Japan, Japanese tattooing (Irezumi) gained international recognition, particularly through artists who tattooed foreign sailors. Evidence of tattoos in Japan also dates back thousands of years, with clay figurines displaying tattooed faces from around 5,000 BC.. During the Edo period (1603-1867), decorative tattooing flourished. Inspired by the "ukiyo-e" woodblock printing style, featuring intricate designs with mythical creatures, legendary heroes, religious figures, and floral motifs. All of which are still relevant subject matter to this day.

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The invention of the electric tattoo machine in 1891 by Samuel O'Reilly was based on the technology of Thomas Edison's electric pen, which he modified to include an ink reservoir and multiple needles, allowing for faster and more precise tattooing compared to previous hand methods. By the 20th century, they became more mainstream, especially among military members, celebrities, and everyday people. After World War II, tattoos grew in popularity as a form of personal expression and rebellion.

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Today,  we stand on the shoulders of Giants. Tattoos are a respected art form, with artists using a wide variety of styles to create unique designs that hold personal, cultural, and artistic significance.