The tradition of painting body tattoos can be traced to circa 3000 B.C. The word “tattoo” has been derived both from the Polynesian word “ta” which means “striking something” and the Tahitian word “tatau” which means “to mark something”. Basically, an artwork of tattoo is created by inserting colored material underneath the surface of the skin. It is assumed that the first tattoo was created by chance, when someone had a small wound and he rubbed it with dirty hands. Once the wound was healed, the mark remained, permanently. Archeologists believe that in the Bronze Age, tattoos were used to heal diseases such as arthritis. Lending credence to this belief was the 1991 discovery of a 5,000-year-old body, called “otzi-the ice man”, that bore 57 tattoos.
Tattoos have held different significances in different cultures all over the world. The Egyptians, for example, are believed to have spread the practice of making tattoos. On the other hand, the Polynesians also have contributed to the tattoo culture with their skillful art and spread of the belief that tattoos have spiritual powers. There are common stereotypes associated with the ancient people having tattoos on their bodies. These people are believed to be associated with sailing, criminal activities, or circuses.
However, today with artistic development and changing cultures, tattoos have merely become a fashion statement. Even the traditional method of tattooing has been replaced by electric tattoo machines. Flower tattoos are more commonly seen and are universally popular today. These flower tattoos are made on various parts of their body such as the shoulders, lower back, thumbs, arms, etc. |
