History of
Tattooing

The art of tattooing is not a new phenomenon as many people are aware. In fact, in 1991, there was a discovery of a frozen male human at the border of Austria and Italy, that had died over 5000 years earlier, whom had over 50 skin markings on his body. Ancient remains and evidence show us that people have always used body art and manipulation, through tattooing or piercing, as a way of expressing themselves, their culture and their social status.

The word "tattoo" comes from the Tahitian word "tattau" and the Polynesian word "tatu" which means "to mark". These words were first mentioned in European society in 1769 by the explorer James Cook.

It is estimated that today more than 5% of the population has a tattoo in the USA and it is suggested by a high school teacher that "Many of my students have tattoos or know of someone (family, friend) who has tattoos." (Sheila White) Personally, I know A LOT of people that have tattoos!

"Tattoos nowadays...are becoming increasingly acceptable; there is not just one 'type' of person who may get a tattoo, there are no barriers of sex, age or class in tattooing." (Delio). The concept of age may sound a little vague as it is unlikely that large numbers of childern say, under 15 are getting tattoos, however it does happen in some cultures. I had a friend throughout high school who had a small tattoo on her hand that she had since birth, as she was born in Egypt. I am unsure of the exact cultural reason for this, however the simple point is that in some cases children are tattooed.