Although we do not know what the oldest tattoo designs looked like, scientists have discovered that tattoos have existed as early as 3000 BC. Mummified bodies dated to that period of time have been found with marks which indicate they had tattoos. As you can see, tattoos are nothing new and our generation is definitely not the first to bear tattoos.
"Tattau" is the original form of the word tattoo. It comes from Tahiti and literally means "To mark" which makes sense considering that a tattoo involves marks on the skin. In the 18th and 19th century tattoos were rediscovered by Europeans during their explorations when they came across the Polynesians and American Indians who bore tattoos. At this time tattoos were very uncommon in Europe and the United States. They were amazed by the tattoo-covered bodies of the Polynesians and Indians.
You probably have your own reasons for wanting to get a tattoo. Maybe you think of it as a sign of independence. Or maybe you think of it as a work of art. Whatever your reason, in this day and age, it is strictly your own personal choice. However, this was not always the case in the past. While the tattoos nowadays are purely decorative in nature, early Romans practiced tattooing as a type of classification system. Slaves and criminals in particular were tattooed with a symbol to make others aware of their status. In Tahiti, tattoos were considered a tribal rite symbolizing the journey of your life. Most people who get a tattoo today do so purely for decorative reasons.
Depending on the period of time and the culture, different methods are used to create tattoos. Pricking was one of the first methods used by Native Americans. Later on a few tribes in California modified the process by using scratches to add color. Polynesians used a small rake like tool to inject pigment into the skin to create their tattoos. The Maoris actually carved into the skin to create colored grooves. The Japanese used bamboo needles. Today tattoos are created by puncturing the skin and injecting pigment with a needle. This style of tattooing is similar to the process used by the Europeans.
Tattoos have a rich and colorful history. One great improvement to the art of tattooing is the creation of online membership sites and forums on the internet where you can look for hundreds or even thousands of tattoo designs. While your ancestors may have had to simply hope for the best with their crude tattoos, you no longer have the same limit.
