Tattooing and body piercing have been customary for thousands of years in a variety of cultures. Tattooed mummies from Egypt, Peru, and the Philippines have been radiocarbon dated as far back as 2000 BC. Historically, the Japanese have used hand-held, non mechanized instruments to apply complex tattoos, which often cover large portions of the body. Polynesia and Japan are believed to be responsible for the introduction of modern tattooing into Western cultures via the exposure of European and American sailors to these practices while on commercial or naval visits.
Body piercing also has a long history, with rumoured reports of Roman centurions wearing nipple rings in their breast plates to hold their capes in place and as a sign of loyalty to their Emperor. The Mayans, Aztec and American Indian pierced their tongues as part of spiritual rituals. Slaves were also forced to pierce their genitals so that they wouldn’t have sexual intercourse without their owners permission.
http://tattoos.iloveindia.com/tattoo-and-bodypiercing.html
History has shown that tattooing and body piercing reveals a form of social/political status ex. Japanese whole body tattooing indicates that the Imperial family was wealthy and were allowed to wear extravagant clothing and they control the law also many tattoos is a form of cultural tradition. During slavery owners would brand their slaves with a hot iron cast with a specific marker to indicate that they were bought.
http://tattoos.lovetoknow.com/Tattoos_and_Social_Status
Symbols, such as cave paintings and carvings were mankind's earliest form of communication. Tattoos and piercing became the symbols that are known to have expressed man's deep passions, beliefs and identity.
Tattoo and piercing in the modern world is definitely a fashion item, but are also significant in indicating membership to a gang or association or sexual inclination.
I thought this website was interesting it gives the meaning of some tattoo
shttp://www.brighthub.com/education/languages/articles/25129.aspx
I didn't ever really think about were Tattoo's came from. Its interesting to know that they came from Japan and Polynesia. Also that is a very interesting fact about the Roman Centurions.
ReplyDeletei know i found this very interesting as well...but i remember my grandma had a tattoo in her hand which symbolise that she is married...
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