How Tattoos Began: The Story of Ink Through the Ages

Summary

This video explores the fascinating history of tattoos, from their ancient origins to their evolution into a modern form of self-expression. Tattoos date back thousands of years, with early examples found in mummies like Otzi the Iceman and Egyptian tombs. The practice holds deep cultural significance in regions like Polynesia, Japan, and North America. The video also highlights Wang Od, the world’s oldest traditional tattoo artist, preserving ancient tattoo techniques. Tattoos, once symbols of status, punishment, or protection, have now become an art form embraced globally, representing identity, culture, and personal stories.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tattoos have deep cultural and historical roots, dating back thousands of years and spanning various civilizations.
• 😀 The earliest known tattoos were found on Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,300-year-old mummy discovered in the Alps, suggesting tattoos were used for healing and pain relief.
• 😀 In ancient Egypt, tattoos were often symbols of protection or fertility, particularly for women.
• 😀 In ancient Greece and Rome, tattoos were used to mark slaves and criminals as part of a branding system known as *stigmata*.
• 😀 The modern word *tattoo* comes from the Polynesian word *tatau*, which refers to the painful and spiritual process of marking the skin.
• 😀 Tattoos in Polynesian culture were used to signify a person’s rank, lineage, and accomplishments, with intricate designs that could cover the body.
• 😀 Japan has a long history of tattooing, initially for spiritual purposes, but later adopted by the lower classes and criminal groups like the Yakuza.
• 😀 Indigenous cultures in North America, such as the Inuit and Haida, used tattoos to mark life events and spiritual milestones.
• 😀 The Māori people of New Zealand used facial tattoos, known as *moko*, as personal expressions of lineage, social status, and achievements.
• 😀 Wang Od, the world’s oldest traditional tattoo artist, continues to practice her craft in the Philippines, preserving the cultural heritage of her Kalinga tribe through hand-tapping tattoos.

Q & A

What is the historical significance of tattoos in ancient cultures?

Tattoos in ancient cultures held deep meanings, from functional uses like pain relief in Ötzi the Iceman to spiritual markers in Egyptian and Polynesian societies. They were symbols of status, protection, fertility, or punishment, depending on the culture.

Who was Ötzi the Iceman, and what did his tattoos represent?

Ötzi the Iceman, discovered in the Otal Alps, is a 5,300-year-old mummy with tattoos believed to have served functional purposes, such as pain relief or part of healing rituals, making him one of the earliest known examples of tattooing.

How did tattooing differ in ancient Egypt compared to ancient Greece and Rome?

In ancient Egypt, tattoos were primarily symbols of protection or fertility, often found on women. In contrast, ancient Greece and Rome used tattoos to mark slaves and criminals, labeling them as lower class or punishing them for crimes.

What is the origin of the word 'tattoo,' and how did Polynesian tattooing influence modern tattooing?

The word 'tattoo' comes from the Polynesian word 'tatau,' meaning 'to strike' or 'to mark.' Polynesian tattooing had a profound influence on modern tattoo culture, with its intricate designs and cultural significance, representing a person’s lineage, accomplishments, and social status.

What role did tattooing play in Polynesian culture?

In Polynesian culture, tattoos signified a person’s rank, lineage, and accomplishments. The process was both painful and spiritually significant, with designs often covering large portions of the body, and the tattoo artist held a respected position in society.

How did tattooing evolve in Japan, and what were its cultural associations?

Tattooing in Japan dates back to at least 10,000 BC. Initially used for religious and spiritual purposes, tattoos later became associated with the lower classes and criminal groups like the Yakuza during the Edo period (1603-1868).

What was the significance of tattoos in indigenous North American cultures?

In indigenous North American cultures, tattoos marked significant life events and spiritual milestones. For example, Inuit women wore tattoos as a sign of womanhood and believed they would guide them in the afterlife, while Haida tattoos connected wearers with their ancestors.

What are Moko tattoos, and how do they represent Māori identity?

Moko tattoos are traditional facial tattoos of the Māori people of New Zealand. They represent a person's lineage, social status, and achievements. The tattooing process was intense, using chisels to carve the skin, leaving distinct grooves and scars as part of the design.

Who is Wang-Od, and what makes her significant in the tattoo world?

Wang-Od, born in 1917, is the world’s oldest traditional tattoo artist from the Philippines. She uses the ancient hand-tapping technique to create tattoos with a thorn from a pomelo tree. Wang-Od is known for preserving the traditional tattooing art of the Kalinga people, continuing this practice well into her 100s.

How have tattoos evolved in modern times compared to their historical roots?

Tattoos have evolved from symbols of status, protection, or punishment to mainstream forms of self-expression. Once associated with criminals and sailors, tattoos are now embraced by a wide range of people, including celebrities and athletes, as a form of personal and artistic expression.