From Ancient Egypt to modern times, tattoos have been part and parcel of the pertinent cultural practices of different societies across the world. From their earlier cultural forms in ancient societies to the modern-day artistry expressions, the markings have had significant roles to play from a personal expression and cultural identity perspective. In today’s digital age, much like the rise of top iGaming platforms like vulcanbet, tattooing is undergoing a modern renaissance that has successfully merged innovation with tradition to appeal to the vast audiences that put into practice this form of skin artistry. Join us as we explore the cultural significance of this body modification practice while we draw conclusive examples mapped out throughout history.
The Early Days: Ancient Civilization Days
The practice of skin marking can be traced back to the Ancient Egyptian days, and to date, evidence can be found on mummified remains and ancient artifacts. From a cultural perspective, the individuals whose skins were marked did so to portray status. Others got tattooed as a symbol that they were protected, In other instances, these marks bore some spiritual significance. In such cases, priests and priestesses adorned themselves with tattoos to invoke the divine powers of the ancient gods. Other times, warriors who were going into battle got tattooed as they felt that this would give them the courage required to go into battle and return victorious.
In the Polynesian age, tattooing held huge cultural significance, being used to mark different cultural milestones. Dubbed “tatau” in Polynesia, this practice was deeply ingrained into the social practice of this society. The Polynesian method of tattooing involved using a wooden tool to tap into the skin. Each marking had its personal and tribal significance in this society. The designs usually entailed intricate geometrical patterns that reflected the society's beliefs. To date, the Polynesian society still believes in body art creation, and the practice is thriving, especially in Samoa and Tahiti.
The Middle Ages of Tattooing
Although it was widely embraced in many ancient societies, there was a period when tattooing faced a tough period when it was suppressed and largely frowned upon by the masses. This was particularly during the Middle Ages. Be that as it may, the skin artistry practice still thrived amidst all the challenges coming its way. During this time, tattooing was often associated with criminality or deviant behavior.
That said, these markings also retained some religious significance. For instance, Christian pilgrims would often get tattoos as a sign of their devotion to the faith and as a way to commemorate their journey to Christian holy sites. Besides being used for religious purposes during this time, these markings were also used to convey social stature or the profession of the person who had been marked.
The Resurgent Era
While the perception towards the tattoo industry had been negative in the previous era, the Renaissance era of the 18th century saw a shift in perception back to the good old days when these markings were highly valued. From being a symbol of ridicule, the perception changed to these markings being symbols of personal expression for nobility and status. The resurgent era of tattooing was triggered by Captain James Cook, who documented intricate Polynesian designs during his voyages to the South Pacific. His accounts spread far and wide and quickly landed among soldiers, sailors, and adventurers who were the first to revive the trade. By the late 19th century, inkwork parlors had spread through most urban centers across Europe and North America.
The Modern Tattoo Industry
The Ink industry underwent a radical shift in the 20th century, going from a subculture that once existed in the shadows to a mainstream industry that caters to the needs of hundreds of thousands across the globe. In the modern day world, there are at least 8 countries in the world that have broken the 40% mark of having at least one tattoo. According to Worldatlas.com, these countries are:
- Italy;
- Sweeden;
- United States;
- Australia;
- Argentina;
- Spain;
- Denmark;
- United Kingdom.
Today, tattooing encompasses lots of styles, aesthetics, and outlooks depending on various factors. With the advancement of technology in recent times, the quality and quantity of tattoos have gradually gone up over the years.
An-Age Old Practice That Is Steeped in History
Today’s tattoo industry has become more professional, from the personnel to the equipment being utilized. From the rudimentary materials that were utilized in the past to the state-of-the-art computerized tech that is in use today, this industry has vastly grown. In today’s world, Inking is a form of artistic expression that has risen through lots of challenges over the years.
