A Brief History of Tattoos Art III

Origin “Tattoo” – Tahitian word tatu “to mark something” Argue that tattooing since 12,000 BC. Purpose has varied from culture to culture.

Ritual and Tradition Tattoos used to mark job skills and status. Can signify membership in a clan or society. (Hells Angels tattoo their symbol of membership) Some believe: bearer of tattoo can call on spiritual power of that tattoo. (Someone tattooed with a tiger could call the spirit of the tiger)

History Earliest recorded history: Egypt during time of construction of the pyramids. As Egypt expanded, they spread tattoo art to Europe and Middle East China began tattoo artwork around 2000 BC

Practical Use Greek use: communication among spies Romans marked criminals and slaves Ainu in western Asia tattoo to mark social status Girls marked when coming of age to announce their place in society Ainu introduced tattoos to Japan where it became a religious and ceremonial rite.

Practical Use Continued Polynesians spread it to New Zealand. Developed facial style “Moko” which is still used today. Europeans - tattooed family crests to mark lineage. Banned by Pope Hadrian in 787 AD, and the tradition disappeared from Western culture for nearly 400 years.

Practical Use Continued While gone in the west, tattoos thrived in Japan: Used to mark criminals. Japan around 1700: only royalty could wear ornate clothing so middle class began creating full-body tattoos for décor.

William Dampher Sailor/explorer of the South Seas Reintroduced tattooing to the west (England and other areas of Europe) in Polynesian men were brought to London and put on display

Modern Tattoo

Modern Tattooing 1891: first electric tattooing machine, based on Edison’s electric pen. The basic components are still used today. Moving coils Tube and needle bar Once tattoos became readily available, the upper class turned away from it.

Continued Lost credibility and in 1930’s Heavily tattooed people traveled with circuses and “freak shows” Low credibility led to going underground. Finding artists and quality tattoos was difficult.

American Style Tattoo Born in Chatham Square, New York City An apprentice opened shop with a wallpaper artist who transformed his designs into tattoos. Husbands tattooed wives as advertisement of their work. Chatham Square lost its appeal during the Great Depression and prohibition. Tattoo art moved to Coney Island

Continued Tattoos became travel markers. Little respect in America and in the 1960s, an outbreak of Hepatitis sent it even further on the decline. Health codes 1960’s Few shops followed safety regulations, most were shut down. Tattoos became illegal in New York and other areas.

Continued Late 1960’s: Lyle Tuttle is given credit for returning the artform by tattooing celebrities – women. The media took an interest. Today: strong comeback. More popularity with all classes seeking tattoos. Now considered Fine Art – the art form has been combined with personal style to create intricate works of art.

Henna

What is Henna Pigment that comes from the plant Henna, also known as mendhi. Tall, shrub-like plant that grows in hot, dry climates. Predominantly found in North Africa, Egypt, India and parts of the Middle East.

Applying Henna When applied to skin, leaves an orange stain. Darkens within the first 24 hours Remains on skin and fades as skin renews itself. Wears down between 1-6 weeks (generally 2-3) and wears off faster with abrasive soaps, chlorinated water, and some henna brands will rub off with baby oil.

History Introduced by the Muslims and spread in popularity in Pakistan and northern India during the 16 th century Used to decorate women’s bodies for ceremonies, especially weddings. Still used today – a whole day affair for the bride. Seen as celebratory rather than spiritual/religious.

Amerikan Body Art Company created by stay-at-home moms that started working with body art, glitter art and henna art. Owned by Erika Harrison Created in 2003 Currently travel to art conventions all over the world

Safety It is not safe to use Black Henna, which has side effects. Blistering Rash Can contain chemicals which cause skin reactions

Safe Products Safe henna will have no added dyes, chemicals or other additives. To make a spreadable paste, other natural ingredients are used Lavender essential oil is the safest for sensitive skin. Other oils are used such as orange/citrus Lemon juice Sugar No nut products or preservatives are in the paste.

Application We have henna applicators in class and these will be demonstrated for you. There are different sized tips which allow varying amounts of paste to be used at a time, creating thin and thick lines.

Grading Criteria Presentation/craftsmanship Technique Originality/Design Use of pattern/repetition Total: 100pts