A Form of Expression in Tattooing - 1275 Words

Evidently through out time, human civilizations have found unique ways of expressing themselves, through cave drawings, wood carving and even through body modifications. Ancient cultures were able to express their emotions through a particular form of body art, known as tattooing. This form of body art symbolizes self-expression of individuality, status, and culture. The purpose of a tattoo and its meaning varies from each culture and the time at which an individual gets a tattoo also varies within each culture. Some tattoos are perceived as a sign of beauty while others can be perceived as a distinction between statuses. The importance and meaning of the tattoo is relevant to the culture itself. Tattooing is defined as the process of making permanent designs to an individual’s body. The word tattoo is believed to have two etymological origins. The first derivation is from the Polynesian word ta, which is used for the sound when something strikes another thing (PBS). The second derivative is from the word tatau, which originated in Tahiti and it means marking something on the body (RUSH). The process of tattooing has been around for many years and there is contingent evidence of tools marking the beginning of tattooing in the Upper Paleolithic (RUSH). However the first human to be found with evidence of tattoos was a frozen corpse of a man, whom they call Otzi. According to Professor Rush, Otzi dates between the 5th and 4th millennium, and he was found to have small lines byShow MoreRelatedAre Tattoos, Art?678 Words   |  3 PagesThere are many forms of art in today’s society, all ranging in a wide variety of intricacy and complexity. From performing arts, the re is also interpretive arts and the classic hand molding and paint brush wielding type of art. Most art is easily distinguished, but there’s another form that has been bubbling to the surface for quite some time now and that art form is tattooing. Though many disagree that this is an actual art form, most often times, people determine tattooing as a â€Å"rite of passageRead MoreTattoos Of Ancient Egyptian Women Essay1687 Words   |  7 Pagestattoo. It is no longer surprising to see people with markings on their bodies. Many believed it is a form of self-expression. Even though some cultures or religions view tattoos as a negative thing, that does not stop people from getting them. To have a better understanding about tattoos we must go back and trace how it all began. From the tools, they used to the ink, it is incredible how tattooing has evolved over the years. Tattoos have been around since 3,000 B.C. The oldestRead MoreTaking a Look at the Tattoo Culture786 Words   |  3 Pagespeople adorned themselves with tattoos as a symbol of self-expression. However they are now most commonly used in mainstream culture as a means of self-decoration. Today’s generation of youth are experiencing a positive relation to tattoo culture. As they are in the middle of an increasingly â€Å"tattoo friendly† and â€Å"tattoo flooded† society. The aesthetic value of tattoos has exponentially increased as they become a more legitimate art form and are accepted as fashion accessories. With the furtherRead MoreInformative Speech On Tattoos1286 Words   |  6 Pages Tattooing is a body modification practice used for centuries across the globe. Because of the multiple origins of tattoos, there are several techniques and countless styles. Every tattoo is unique in meaning to the person that receives it, though often they can fit into generalized categories. Tattoos have fallen in and out of popularity over the course of history, though they have never and most likely will never disappear. II. Specific Purpose and Need to Know: According to WrittenRead MoreTattooed: The Sociogenesis of Body Art by Michael Atkinson965 Words   |  4 Pagesquestions about the stigma that comes with the tattooed body, but not very many answers, so in his book Tattooed: The Sociogenesis Of Body Art, he set out to find why such a large number of Canadians are currently turning to tattooing as an outward appearance of self-expression rather than clothing or free speech and tries to explain why individual habituse ´s, otherwise known as personality structures or second natures, fluctuate over time (Atkinson, 2003: 13). Atkinson outlines his response withRead MoreTattoos1085 Words   |  5 Pageslooked down on those with tattoos. However, through tattoos a person can show self expression, be self creative, and be identified with a certain belief or interest through the art, design or message. It is for these simple reasons their popularity over the last twenty years has grown at an incredible rate, and people of all ages, sexes, ethnic groups, and social classes have begun to get tattoos. Self expression is one reason tattoos have become so popular due to the fact that an individual canRead MoreBody Mods Are Civil Disobedience Essay752 Words   |  4 Pagesof the physical form by smearing natural pigments such as hematite, limonite, manganese, and ash, as well as, chalk and charcoal. Scarification through branding as a cosmetic body alteration likely began in the early days after the invention of fire and has been carried on in various ways and by various cultures into the present day. Other forms of body alteration including diverse types of piercing and circumcision are remnants of the cultures from the ancient world. Tattooing and deliberateRead MoreThe Beginning of Tattoos695 Words   |  3 PagesTattoos are not a new fad that grew over night. Tattooing has been a form of art that people have used to communicate with for ages. Whether it is a family crest, a butterfly, or a zodiac sign, all tattoos have meaning in which someone can tell a story. The history of tattoos goes as far back as the first people who roamed this Earth. Tattoos have been around for so long that no historian or archaeologist can precisely trace back to when and where tattooing began. From the Beginning of Time In ArchaeologistsRead MoreComparative analysis Essay1632 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿Comparative Analysis of Josie Appleton’s article â€Å"The Body Piercing Project† and Bonnie Berkowitz’ â€Å"Tattooing Outgrows Its Renegade Image to Thrive In The Mainstream†. Traditionally, tattoos were meant for sailors, soldiers, bikers and gangs. Along with several changes in the industrialized and technological society of the twenty-first century, the standard for getting body modifications have altered as well. Everyday, people are willing to get permanently marked as an individual choice ratherRead MoreCultural Tattoos Essay1539 Words   |  7 PagesTattoos 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