Tattoo History

Tattoos are hardly a new phenomenon. Indeed, tattoo history dates back to Neolithic times. Historians believe that the earliest tattoos in written history can be traced back to Ancient Egypt, during the era of the pyramids. As the Egyptian empire flourished and the culture diffused, the art of tattooing spread as well, to areas as far as Persia, Greece, Arabia, and ultimately China. While information on the earliest days of tattoos is limited, one thing is very clear: Tattoos in historic times, as is the case today, were seen as a form of expression.

In the Greek empire, tattoos were used as a form of communication for spies. Tattoos identified the spies and showed their rank and roll. In Rome, too, tattoos were used as a way of communication, as they were used to single out criminals, slaves, and the indigent. The Japanese, too, used tattoos to mark criminals, as lines across the forehead were added for public offenses. Consistent with Japanese culture, minimalism was stressed, and by the 1700s, only those of royal status were permitted to wear ornate, glamorous clothing. As such, tattoos became prevalent among those of the upper and middle classes, giving them mystique.

Once seen as taboo, tattoos today are enjoying renewed popularity. One need only look at the growth of entire industries around tattoos, as an influx of tattoo artists, tattoo aftercare products, and tattoo conventions have come about. Indeed, today it is safe to say that a tattoo culture exists in society, as evidenced by the number of celebrities who are inked, and their presence in movies, songs, and art.

Throughout history, tattoos have also been the subject of debate within various religions. In Judaism, Leviticus states that people should not make gashed in their skin for the dead, and in fact, any gashes on the skin are prohibited. Forced tattooing, such as that which occurred during the Holocaust, is not considered a religious violation. While tattooing is generally frowned upon in the faith, simply having a tattoo usually does not prevent one from participating in Jewish rituals, as many individuals with tattoos regularly attend services and adhere to Jewish traditions. Tattoo removal is considered a form of repentance. The Jewish position is less strict than the Muslim tradition, in which tattooing is strictly forbidden in the Sharia. Per Islamic tradition, tattoos are considered an excessive attempt to beautify oneself, and the tradition sates that the human form is already deemed to be perfect and beautiful. One should consider the religious views that have come about in tattoo history as a potential risk of being tattooed.

Despite the various secular positions and well-known tattoo health risks, there is no doubt that tattooing remains immensely popular. We believe that tattoo history is still evolving, and that the unique subculture that has emerged around body art will forge out yet more chapters in the rich history of tattoos.