Tattoo- Where Did Tattoos Originate
Author: MikeWamoult Total views: 14 Word Count: 513
If you take a look through time and do some research as to where tattoos originated from, you will discover an interesting history. The sailors who had voyaged to the Pacific Islands were giving themselves tattoos having witnessed the practice among natives who inhabited such regions. It was from the Pacific Islands that this practice was brought to the knowledge of Europeans. Despite this fact, the practice of tattooing was reputed to have started in Egypt and way before Egypt was even an organized society more than six millennia ago.
In the times of Ancient Egypt, tattoos weren't created to be simply worn on bodies as just art, they had a lot of symbology as well as religious beliefs attached to them. The first tattoos were probably worn by women on their legs in order to brig protection during childbirth. The practice spread from Egypt to different other areas such as Africa and even Polynesia from where it was then introduced to the West.
Some scientists say that certain marks on the skin of the Iceman which is a mummified human body from way back in 3300 BC indicate that maybe the earliest evidence of tattoos existed then. More widely recognized are tattoos found on Egyptian and Nubian mummies dating from about 2000 B.C.
Every culture since has tattooed themselves in one form or another, for reasons of spirituality, protection, strength, and history. During past times tattoos have been a symbol of pride and a symbol of shame. The Polynesians allowed both men and women to be tattooed, while in other cultures only men were permitted. The Japanese have been tattooing since at least 400 BC, for ornamental and narrative purposes, but also as a marking on criminals to identify them.
The first electric tattoo machine was first invented by Thomas Edison in 1876 which was actually supposed to be an electric engraver. Ironically, years later it began the revolution of tattooing. From there the machines just began to become more and more advanced and profound. From Edison's original blueprints, a man named Samuel O'Reilly created the electric pen which was also a huge advancement towards how tattoos were given.
The current machine which is popular was invented and patented by Charlie Wagner and it is a dual coil reciprocating engraver which was especially made for tattooing. Circuses also played a role in the history of tattoos as well. Modern circuses always have one show or the other where a man or woman covered in tattoos is on display. This is part of the history of tattooing in America.
Pope Hadrian banned tattoos as far back as 787 AD and for that reason there has always been one controversy or the other as far as tattoos are concerned. Because of an outbreak of Hepatitis in the 1960's which was blamed on tattoos, a lot of states outlawed the practice. Tattooing has become synonymous with rebellion, gangs, dirty sailors, and motorcycles.
Millennia after the origin of tattoos, they are becoming less taboo and more accepted. A lot of tattooing studios and institutions are opening up and providing services to various individuals.
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