Taboo Turned Trendy: The Evolution of Body Art

From ancient civilizations to modern tattoo parlors, body art has represented people from all walks of life. Whether they hold deep meaning or are just simply eye-candy, tattoos are an ever evolving trend that seems to shape and serve cultures today.

History of Tattoos

For thousands of years, humans from all over the world have been marking their skin. From the Ancient Egyptians all the way to the indigenous Polynesians, tattoos have long served as a symbol of social status, spiritual protection and celebration. The oldest known example of tattoos is Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,200-year-old mummy discovered at the Austria-Italy border in 1991. The mummy was found to have over 50 tattoos made of fireplace soot, although they were not as advanced modern-day tattoos seen today. In fact, most origins of tattooing were merely just dotted patterns or simple figurines. Instead of tattoo guns, ancient peoples used simple methods for these marks, like sharpened bones and needles or even shark teeth to create the punctured marks, and then some sort of dark soot that would be rubbed into the wound.

In North America, tattoos were a key part of culture for Native Americans, and each tribe had unique traditions and methods in creating them. However, as European colonists arrived, the traditional art of tattooing was eventually washed out. 

The 18th century marked the return of tattoos and the beginning of modern-day tattooing when American sailors would return from their trips with markings like anchors, ships, compasses, and other patriotic emblems to celebrate their travels. Over time, tattooing in America extended far beyond maritime culture and into Western society. 

Taboo of Tattoos 

Although tattoos are widely accepted today, they have historically been considered taboos in many regions around the world. In the 19th and 20th centuries, tattoos were believed to be symbols of rebellion and crime. 

In Japan, tattoos have long been linked to the yakuza, or the Japanese Mafia. In the 1600’s, the government mandated all criminals to be branded with tattoos, and so, despite centuries passing, Japan still maintains a complicated relationship with tattoos. Even in many public facilities, many aren’t allowed to enter if they are displaying any tattoos. 

Similarly, in parts of the United States, like the South, tattoos are still viewed with judgement due to their connection to crime. In workplaces, people were expected to cover their tattoos to seem more “professional,” even if they had the same work ethic and respect as others.

Modern Day Tattoo Culture

Today, with the help of the younger generation and social media, tattoos have become much more widely accepted and seen as a form of art and expression. With the industry itself improving through new machinery, better hygiene quality and even more passionate tattoo artists, the perception of tattoo parlors has turned from a place to rebel into a cool place to work. 

The method of tattooing has also evolved with the invention of the modern tattoo gun and new styles emerging like watercolor and realism, allowing artists to push the limits on what can be drawn on skin more than ever before. 

What was once seen as a symbol of defiance, has now become a form of expression. As more and more people opt to get tattoos, they shatter the norms and the stigma around getting body art.

The Process of Getting a Tattoo 

Getting a traditional tattoo is a big commitment, and also is a long process to getting the final design onto your skin. After selecting a design and a tattoo artist, you’ll consult with the artist to discuss every minute detail about your desired tattoo. Afterwards, the artist will prep and clean your skin and an approved stencil will be adhered to your skin. A fine needle will be used for the linework, followed by shading and coloring in which your artist might switch to a different needle set called magnums. Even once the tattooing is finished, the process, however, still isn’t over. Once your tattoo is all wrapped and bandaged up, it can take up to 4 weeks to fully heal. Once it does heal, your tattoo will last a lifetime! 

Different Types of Tattoos

Tattoos also come in many various forms, each with their own unique appeals. Traditional skin tattoos result in permanent body art that will never fade, whereas Henna tattoos, which are made from different plant dyes in South Asia and The Middle East, only stain the skin and last a few days, similar to temporary paper tattoos. There’s also even permanent makeup, which are cosmetic tattoos used to tattoo lips, eyeliner and eyebrows. Every tattoo type serves a different purpose, offering individuals a wide range of options to choose from. 

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Works Cited

“Tattoo Culture Around the World.” MEDermis Laser Clinic, https://medermislaserclinic.com/blog/tattoo-culture-around-the-world/. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

“US Tattoo Culture: A Vibrant Blend of Tradition and Modernity.” Tattoo School, https://tattooschool.com/us-tattoo-culture-a-vibrant-blend-of-tradition-and-modernity/. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

“Timeline of Tattoos Evolution.” Tattoos Wizard, https://tattooswizard.com/blog/timeline-of-tattoos-evolution. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.