inked

Man has always been a vain creature.  Since recorded history, humankind has always been on its own personal quest to beautify one’s self.  Clothes, jewelry and other accessories were discovered foremost to enhance one’s look.  And since then, body art designs gradually emerged as one of the improvements one does for beautification.

            Body art designs aka tattooing has been around for thousands of years.  Recent archaeological findings suggests that as early as five thousand years ago, man has been using the tattoo as a symbols or rank, seniority, personal amulets, symbols of rights, devotion, religion and strength or trophies of deeds.  Certain tribes and ethnic groups developed their own uses and meanings behind these body art designs.

            The name as we know it now, “tattoo” was first used around 1769 and was based on the Chinese words “Ta” meaning to tap and “Tao” meaning to mark.  Then, the art was done using a sharp comb-like object dipped in lampblack and tapped all over the body to produce geometric designs that signifies different meanings depending on ethnicity. Around this era, the use of body art was considered a norm if not a necessity around the areas of Japan, Egypt, China and the rest of Polynesia.  From these countries and regions the art travelled to Europe and the rest of the world.

            From its beginnings, the body art designs of tattoo has undergone major changes.  Nowadays there different types of tattooing based on design and types.  Mostly, it is used aesthetically the world over.

            Polynesian body art designs are probably the nearest designs that we see in modern times that would mirror those of the ancient tattoo styles.  Polynesia, meaning many islands is a term used to describe a group of islands spread within the Pacific Ocean region.  They include Hawaii, Samoa, New Zealand, Tonga and Tahiti.  These tattoos are characterized by large, often black geometric shapes and symbols.  In former times, these symbols often describe personal achievement and history of the wearer.  Today, they are often more decorative than symbolic.

            Oriental body art designs are distinctive to the Chinese and Oriental culture.  Although a lot of other Asian designs are common such as the Japanese tattoo designs, it is the Chinese that has developed a more marked style.  It is quite common to see Chinese character tattoos and oriental creatures in common day inks.  In fact, the most popular of body art design fauna, the dragon started its existence as an oriental symbol of strength and good luck.  Another common design is that of the Koi, a fish believed to be a symbol of luck for the Chinese people.

            These two body art designs though the most common and striking in modern times are not the only ones in use.  In fact nowadays there are a myriad set of other tattoo categories.  Traditional or old school designs are easily recognizable as body art designs.   Usually worn by bikers and sailors they are remnants from a time when tattooing was considered a fad and was frowned upon by American society.  These are usually characterized by faintly applied, simple iconic art depicting hearts, doves, skulls and naked ladies.

            Today, society is more accepting of tattooing as body art designs.  People from all walks of life and from all cultures sport often a mixture of available styles.  Nowadays, ink has evolved from symbols and status representation and could be of any meaning; more importantly they are a badge of courage and a mark of personal design.