Tattoos and the Role They've Played in Human History

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University of Phoenix

Tattoos and the Role They've Played in Human History
Tattoos are a means of permanently marking the body with coloring by a way of piercing the skin. This form of art articulates the body as well as the psyche. This body modification can be found in every culture around the world, with some of its earliest findings dating back as far as 10,000 BCE (Lineberry, 2007). History shows the symbolisms behind tattoos vary from one society to the next. These markings may be for therapeutic purposes in one part of the world while showing social status in another, and in turn, a way of branding criminals in an additional region. Although tattoos have many different significances, wavering with each different culture, there is no doubt they are a significant part of human history.

Professor Don Brothwell and Cate Lineberry, stated a man found in ice around the Italian-Austrian border, had tattoos that may have been for therapeutic purposes. Post examination, they concluded that the disbursement of dots and small crosses on his body in the areas of his lower back, right knee, and ankle may relate to areas of "strain-induced degeneration". Suggesting that these tattoos were applied to ease joint pain and to explain why the tattoos on this man were not in places on the body that were easily displayed (Lineberry, 2007).

In ancient Egyptian culture, tattoos were prominently found on women. These mummified women found in early discoveries, were once thought to be concubines. It was believed that these women would be tattooed not only to be identified for what they were, but to help superstitiously ward off sexually transmitted diseases as well. However, new studies show that these tattoos were indeed superstitious, but not at all for their formerly supposed intent. Lineberry is confident that these markings were used as a way of safeguarding this ancient societies' pregnant women. The tattoos were spread largely over their belly, almost as if they were forming a net to help support the growing baby. Figures of the god who was supposed to protect women in labor were tattooed on the tops of their thighs. He was said to look after these women, especially while they were in the act of giving birth. It was as if this marking on these pregnant women would somehow summon this god and he would coach them through the experience (Lineberry, 2007).

With early Polynesian and African cultures alike, mostly everyone was tattooed. Tattoos represented many things in these ancient societies. They were tattooed to show who they were, what they have done in their lives, where they were born, their social standings, what jobs they performed, and even activities they enjoyed. Some had religious or superficial meanings, as well. Warriors were often tattooed with omens that were said to protect them from their enemies, just as the Polynesian fisherman were tattooed to ward off sharks (The Revival of Polynesian Lost Art, 1992-2008). African women believed tattooing would aid in fertility. Markings were added at puberty, after the birth of their first child, and once they had stopped breastfeeding their last child. Tattooing for them, was a way of signifying and highlighting their bravery and endurance as mothers (African Tattoos, 2012).

Contrarily, Japanese culture has quite a different history from the previously discussed societies. They had the idea of using tattooing as a form of branding criminals. One of the more humiliating practices were of that in the Edo period of Japanese history. Criminals of this time specifically, were tattooed on their forehead. The more marks they received, the more crimes they had committed. The marks that were made were strokes of a Chinese character and with each crime following their first, they would receive another mark. In most regions, if the person repeat offends beyond the finishing of the specific symbol, the penalty would be death. This was a form corporal punishment and actually replaced the act of amputation (Blaster, 2013). Tattoos continue to be frowned upon even within the past decade in Japan. It is easy to affiliate tattoos with notorious people in the Japanese society. Japanese mafia members are said to have elaborate full body tattoos, so as to show their ties. It is rumored to be a part of their initiation process, taking years to accomplish (Yakuza Member- Japan, 1996). Many businesses and public places ban tattooed people. Some of those who ban are beaches, bathhouses, and spas especially. Therefore, the social acceptability of tattoos is straining within this culture.

Greek and Roman culture shared in the art of branding criminals with tattoos. The Greeks learned of tattooing from the Persians and tattooed their slaves and criminals as a way of identifying them should they escape. “Plato thought that individuals guilty of sacrilege should be tattooed and banished from the Republic.” The Romans also adopted this practice, but not only for their criminals, but their mercenaries as well. Upon completing rigorous activities, in what most certainly was an early form of boot camp, to determine if they were suited for duty, these warriors would be tattooed. The official mark is unknown but thought to have possibly been an eagle. It would not only classify them and their rank within the army, but they would be easily recognizable should they flee and desert their post (Greek and Roman Tattoos, 2013).

There is also a popular standpoint of tattooing that conflicts between two of the most prominent religions in our society today. In Judaism, tattoos are thought to be sacrilegious and condemning to those who have them. It goes against a passage in Leviticus which translates, "Do Not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos. I am the LORD" (19:28). Most people of the Jewish faith believe that if they have a tattoo, they are prohibited from being buried in a Jewish cemetery. However, exceptions are made for those who have been tattooed unwillingly or for surgical purposes (Fischer, 2013). While people of the Christian faith have different views on the matter, and this verse is not binding to them (Fradd, 2013).

Even in the melting pot of America, tattoos have a rich history. In years past tattoos have been synonymous with sailors and criminals, but as the years go by, much has changed. There is a wide variety of people getting tattooed these days, from honor roll students in high school, to stay at home mothers, to grandparents (Handwerk, 2002). Whether their reasons are for self-expression, to honor their loved ones or even to show their strength for beating a life-threatening disease, there is no limit.

Although tattoos have many different symbolisms and cultural stances, there is no doubt that they are a significant part of human history. The wide-ranging social acceptability of such body modification is further proof of their profound role in society. Tattoos have vastly deep meanings and to each their own. The beauty of this most ancient form of art, truly, is within the eye of the beholder.

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African Tattoos, (2012) http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/tattoo_museum/african_tattoos.html

Brian Handwerk, (2002) Tattoos—From Taboo to Mainstream. National Geographic, http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/10/1011_021011_taboo.html

C. Holden, (1995) "Ice man" markings seen as medical tattoos. Science, 268(5207), 33. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/213564357?accountid=458

Cate Lineberry, (2007) Tattoos The Ancient and Mysterious History. http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/tattoos-144038580/?page=2

Elli Fischer, (2013) The Tattoo: Still Taboo. The Jewish Week, http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/short-takes/tattoo-stil-taboo

Greek and Roman Tattoos, (2013) http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/tattoo_museum/greek_roman_tattoos.html

History of Polynesian Tattoo, (1992-2008) https://www.tahititatou.com/history.html

Matt Fradd, (2013) What does the Church Teach about Tattoos?. Catholic Answers, http://www.catholic.com/blog/matt-fradd/what-does-the-church-teach-about-tattoos

Master Blaster, (2013) Criminals of Japan's Edo Period Were Often Punished by Getting Face Tattoos. http://en.rocketnews24.com/2013/03/14/criminals-of-japans-edo-period-were-often-punished-by-getting-face-tattoos/

Tattoos, (1996) National Geographic, http://www.nationalgeographic.com/tattoos/photo4.html

Thomson Reuters, (2014) Prison Tattoos as a Reflection of the Criminal Life Style. Journal Citation Reports, http://ijo.sagepub.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/content/55/4/509