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By Huseyin Kemal. "The ancient tribal practice of creating a tattoo
by tapping a sharpened piece of bone into the skin using another bone
or stone is said to of given us the word tattoo - from the distinctive
'tau-tau' sound of bone upon bone."
Native Americans practiced forms of tattooing by puncturing the skin before rubbing soot or pigments made from berry juices into the wounds, and like the Celtic tribes, they used tribal markings as a form of war paint designed to intimidate and confuse the enemy. By decorating their bodies, tribal members were able to show their allegiance to the tribe they belonged to, a permanent symbol of affiliation. However it was not just used as a mark to identify one from a particular clan, it was also used to decorate ones body for personal pleasure. An example of this was a discovery of an Iceman's body trapped inside a glacier for over 5,300 years. The Iceman's tattoos, which were blue parallel lines on his lower spine, stripes on his ankle and a cross behind his left knee, are thought by anthropologists to be personal tattoos because of the positioning of the markings would have been hidden by his clothing. Suggesting that they were not meant as tribal identification. Tattooing was also used a ritual to pass from puberty to adulthood, as proof that the adolescent has the bravery to allow oneself to have a large tattoo, then they are responsible enough to take on adulthood. The Samoan ritual involves having sharpened bones pounded into the flesh with a stone, covering the area around the stomach and knees on both sides, over a period of five days. If however the participant does not complete the ritual and the tattoo is not finished, they are not allowed to marry and be involved in the activities of the tribe. In some societies to tattoo ones self was to make yourself distinct from animals, the Mouri women of New Zealand would tattoo their lips and gums. Neglecting to do so, they claimed that they would resemble dogs. "In New Guinea the Roro people, who tattoo themselves extensively, describe the un-tattooed person as 'raw', comparing him to uncooked meat. The Roro see the tattooed man as 'cooked meat', transformed by a human process and thus given a social identity. Therein lies the distinction between a social being and a biological entity." Ted Polhemus, Body Styles. 1988. So tattooing was used as tribal identification, used as a rite of passage into adulthood and for personal body decor. It was an integral part of their culture and heritage, and in some cases these ancient tribes that still exist, continue to mark themselves. Keeping their past alive. Tattooing was also practiced in Europe during the Classical period until the Dark Ages. Christians opposed the practice of body modifications as they believed it a sin to alter that which was made in God's image. Fear of being branded a heretic and being severely punished resulted in tattooing all but dying out for almost a thousand years. Not until the Age of Discovery was there a resurgence of interest in tattooing, as those exploring the seas came across cultures which had marked bodies. Joseph Banks - scientific artist, who traveled on the Endeavor (Captain Cook's ship), remarked in his journals that the Tahitians "marked different parts of his body according to his humor or different circumstances of his life". Captain Bougainville, who sailed the South Seas during 1766-1769, is credited with introducing the word 'tataou' into the English language. Interest in tattooing was revived in England by John Rutherford. He was captured by the Maoris in 1816 and until his rescue in1821, was extensively covered in tattoos. Once back home in England, the stories he would relate at dinner parties, would inspire many of the middle-class men and women to go get tattoo.
However, culture being volatile of late and always changing within a few years, tattooing has gradually become more and more acceptable within western society. More and more people are getting tattooed as it is becoming fashionable and involved within the fetish and piercing scene. With many different styles tattooing, has become a form of art in it's own right, people are no longer reliant on the 'flash' art (pre-existing designs which is on show on the walls or in books of a tattoo establishment) as they become involved in the marking of their bodies. The designs are now only restricted by the imagination of the individual being tattooed. The designs can be broken down into different styles.
" Tattoos are more than skin deep, you know. That ink surfaces from your soul." Michelle Delio. Getting a tattoo is probably the biggest commitment most will ever make in their lives. It is therefore important that you decide upon the design that you will be happy with for the rest of your life. While many people go to a tattoo parlour on the spare of the moment or after a night out and choose a 'flash' design, it is usually the same people who may, in later years regret that 'moment of madness'. Those who invest thought, time into their decision and consult with a tattoo artist will be the ones who remain happy and confident with themselves and their tattoo. Speaking from a personal point of view, I spent two years and had many ideas before choosing the right design, an image I put together. I opted for the tribal style, which best suited my design and a style which I was happy with. I also researched into the process of getting a tattoo by buying books and magazines on the subject. And finally after those two years I felt that I was prepared mentally to go see a tattoo artist. Having gone there I imagined a dark boarded shop front with bikers hanging out. I couldn't of been more wrong. The atmosphere was friendly, the shop bright and clean, with photographs of people who were tattooed there and frames full of different designs. I sat down with the tattoo artist - Lal Hardy - a respected and very experienced artist and showed him my design. I arranged an appointment to coincide around the time of my 23rd birthday and left on a high. For two more months I had the opportunity to seriously think it through. Then the day finally came I went with a friend to get my tattoo. It would be brash of me to say I wasn't nervous but I was. I took of my shirt and allowed Lal to transfer the design to my back. When it was positioned correctly he started. What can I say?, it hurt like hell. Not quite as bad as that, but it did hurt. However after two and a quarter hours of having a needle rip through my skin I was pretty numb. After a week of healing, scabbing and peeling skin my tattoo was ready to appreciate. The reaction from my friends were and still is "wow!" and "it's that big!". And while the experience was strange and traumatic (after all I was being scarred and did bleed quite a bit) I went back for my refill - to make sure of a consistent colour - I don't after seven months once regret the decision, in fact choosing to plan more designs to complement the one I have already. My family however have yet to experience my joy as taboos still exist and not everyone is open minded when it comes to tattoos. With this in mind and also the fact that for the ever decreasing minority who cannot accept why people do this to themselves, one may ask why I did this. Honestly, I don't think I could ever answer that. A small part was, rebellion against my family (Turkish up-bringing can do that!), curiosity, even the idea of going through the pain - I even got a kick out of it. All those reasons aside, I feel it was a necessary thing for me to do, to help establish and ground my identity in a world which is coming together and unifying, to make me different, even if only to myself. "Once you are tattooed you are a member of a
worldwide tribe, and your tattoos can be a passport to gain entrance
into some exciting and unique places."
Bibliography Body Styles by Ted Polhemus. Tattoo, The Exotic Art of Skin Decoration by
Michelle Delio. Photo from; Tattoo, The Exotic Art of Skin Decoration.
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