Tattoo History

The word "tattoo" was borrowed into English from a number of Polynesian dialects at the same time as tattooing itself was rediscovered by European sailors. Tattooing had been practiced in Europe during the prehistoric era, and some groups such as the Celts were known for decorating their skin even during Roman times. Tattooing was also common in many cultures around the world, with different styles and techniques being developed.

Tattooing had become a forgotten art in the West when explorers who had reached the New World began to bring home stories of peoples who covered their bodies in intricate designs., and even carried home some of these tattooed individuals. It was not until Captain Cook and his crews came back from their exploration of Polynesia, with the world "tattoo" and a number of examples on their own bodies, that tattooing was once again practiced in Europe. Tattoos were often associated with sailors as it was they who spread the art throughout Europe. It was not just the ordinary sailors who had been interested in tattoos; one of the crew members who returned with a tattoo was the Scientist Sir Joseph Banks. Cook also brought back a Polynesian man, Omai, who was introduced to King George III.

During the 19th century tattooing became popular in Europe, even among the aristocracy, with King George V getting tattooed in both Europe and Japan. Other members of European royalty followed his lead, and tattooing also spread through the aristocracy, being particularly popular in Britain. It was even rumored that Queen Victoria had a secret tattoo.

Japanese tattoos originally had spiritual associations and had been worn since ancient times, but they fell out of favor after about 300 AD and became instead a way of marking out criminals. There were a few minor revivals of the art, but it was not until after 1600 that decorative tattoos became more common. They were inspired in part by the popularity of the Chinese novel "Suikoden" whose heroes were pictured with elaborate tattoos. Woodblock artists found themselves applying their artistic skills- and the same equipment they used for making prints, to the human body. Despite some continuing associations with the criminal underworld, and attempts by the government to ban tattooing, Japanese tattoos became so famous that foreigners would come to the country to seek out the best tattoo artists.

Getting a tattoo today is far more hygienic and much less painful than it would have been in the past. It is usually done with an electric machine that uses rapidly moving disposable needles to insert ink under the skin, which can produce incredibly detailed designs. Laser removal of tattoos is also now possible.

Tattoos are increasingly popular, although they are usually fairly small and often located so that they can be hidden under clothes. Many famous people have and show off tattoos, which both demonstrates and increases their acceptability in mainstream culture.