Tattoo Design
Visual designs can also appear on the body in the form of a tattoo. Tattooing has existed for thousands of years in countries all across the globe. Below you will see some of the traditional forms of tattooing complete by hand.
Traditional Tattoos
In Pacific cultures tattooing has rich cultural significance. The word ‘tattoo’ is taken from the Tahitian word tatua which means ‘to mark something’. Polynesian peoples believe that a person’s mana, their spiritual power or life force, is displayed through their tattoo.
In Samoa, the tattoo defines rank and title, a cultural practice which spread to other Polynesian Islands, such as New Zealand. In Hawaii, the tattoo design also serves to guard a person’s health and spiritual wellbeing. Ta moko (below left)- taditional Maori tattooing, often on the face- is a taonga (treasure) to Maori for which the purpose and application are sacred. The pattern designs communicate specific things, such as social standing and family history. |
The image below, provides an example of the types of symbols used in traditional Japanese tattooing, known as Tabori. Common motifs used include dragons, samurai warriors, lotus flowers and koi fish.
There are of course countless other forms of traditional tattoos around the world. If you would like to extend your knowledge on this aspect feel free to use the following sources below: National Geographic Tattoo Temple |
Western Tattoos
We will now explore contemporary tattoo designs, starting with a brief investigation of when western tattooing began back around 1870. Although tattoo designs today can also incorporate traditional designs, there is a distinction between western styles and traditional styles.
The invention of the electric needle in 1891 by Samuel O’Reilly, allowed designs to be more intricate, refined and applied more readily. By the end of the 1920s, American circuses employed more than 300 people with full-body tattoos who could earn an unprecedented $200 per week.
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The invention of the electric needle in 1891 by Samuel O’Reilly, allowed designs to be more intricate, refined and applied more readily. By the end of the 1920s, American circuses employed more than 300 people with full-body tattoos who could earn an unprecedented $200 per week.
Left: