Tattoos

Tattoo History

Tom — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 07:38:51 GMT

Current revision posted to Tattoos by Tom on 22/01/2010 07:38:51

Tattoo History

Filed under: Tattoo History, Tattoos, Marquesan, Cambodia, Maori, Mentawi, Japanese, New Zealand, Borneo, Africa, Samoa, China, Philippines, Pazyryck, Mummies, Otzi The Iceman, Ancient Tattoos

Ancient Marquesan Tattoo

Tattooing has been a Eurasian practice at least since Neolithic times. [[Otzi the Iceman]], dating from the fourth to fifth millennium BCE, was found in the Ötz valley in the Alps and had approximately 57 carbon tattoos consisting of simple dots and lines on his lower spine, behind his left knee, and on his right ankle. Other mummies bearing tattoos and dating from the end of the second millennium BCE have been discovered at [[Pazyryk Tattooed Mummies|Pazyryk]] on the Ukok Plateau. [[Japanese tattoos]] are thought to go back to the Paleolithic era, some ten thousand years ago. Various other cultures have had their own tattoo traditions, ranging from rubbing cuts and other wounds with ashes, to hand-pricking the skin to insert dyes.

Tattooing has been practiced worldwide. The Ainu people, the indigenous people of Japan, wore facial tattoos, as do some [[Maori Tribal Tattoos|Maori]] of New Zealand to this day. Tattooing was widespread among [[Polynesian Tribal Tattoos|Polynesian]] peoples and among certain [[Tribal Tattoos|tribal]] groups in the [[Philippines Tribal Tattoos|Philippines]], [[Borneo Tribal Tattoos|Borneo]], [[Mentawai Islands Tribal Tattoos|Mentawai Islands]], [[African Tattoo History|Africa]], North America, South America, Mesoamerica, Europe, [[Japanese tattoos|Japan]], [[Cambodia Tattoos|Cambodia]], [[Maori Tribal Tattoos|New Zealand]], [[Samoan Tattoos|Samoa]] and China.

Tattoo History

Tom — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 07:38:37 GMT

Revision 8 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 22/01/2010 07:38:37

Tattoo History

Filed under: Tattoo History, Tattoos, Marquesan, Cambodia, Maori, Mentawi, Japanese, New Zealand, Borneo, Africa, Samoa, China, Philippines, Pazyryck, Mummies, Otzi The Iceman, Ancient Tattoos

Ancient Marquesan Tattoo

Tattoo History

Tom — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 07:38:25 GMT

Revision 7 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 22/01/2010 07:38:25

Filed under: Tattoo History, Tattoos, Marquesan, Cambodia, Maori, Mentawi, Japanese, New Zealand, Borneo, Africa, Samoa, China, Philippines, Pazyryck, Mummies, Otzi The Iceman, Ancient Tattoos

Ancient Marquesan Tattoo

Tattoo History

Tom — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 05:01:11 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 13/04/2009 06:01:11

Ancient Marquesan Tattoo

Autoclaves

hitchhiker — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 06:48:34 GMT

Current revision posted to Tattoos by hitchhiker on 06/10/2009 07:48:34

Autoclaves

Filed under: Piercing, Tattoos, Equipment, Autoclaves, Sterilisation, Hygiene

When properly used, autoclaves are an important part of any tattoo shop's overall sanitation program to keep both customers and artists safe from potential infections. An autoclave is a pressurized device designed to heat aqueous solutions above their boiling point to achieve sterilization. It was invented by Charles Chamberland in 1879. The term autoclave is also used to describe an industrial machine in which elevated temperature and pressure are used in processing materials.

An autoclave used for sterilising tattoo equipment

Under ordinary circumstances (at standard pressure), liquid water cannot be heated above approximately 100 °C (99.99 °C at 101.325 kPa, 99.62 °C at 100 kPa) in an open vessel except for special situations. Further heating results in boiling, but does not raise the temperature of the liquid water. However, when water is heated in a sealed vessel such as an autoclave, it is possible to heat liquid water to a much higher temperature. As the container is heated the pressure rises due to the constant volume of the container (see the ideal gas law). The boiling point of the water is raised because the amount of energy needed to form steam against the higher pressure is increased.

Air removal

When the goal of autoclaving is to achieve sterility, it is very important to ensure that all of the trapped air is removed. The reason for this is that hot air is very poor at achieving sterility. Steam at 134 °C can achieve in 3 minutes the same sterility that hot air at 160 °C takes two hours to achieve. Autoclaves may achieve air removal by various means including:

Downward displacement (or gravity type) - As steam enters the chamber, it fills the upper areas as it is less dense than air. This compresses the air to the bottom, forcing it out through a drain. Often a temperature sensing device is placed in the drain. Only when air evacuation is complete should discharge stop. Flow is usually controlled through the use of a steam trap or a solenoid valve, but bleed holes are sometimes used, often in conjunction with a solenoid valve. As the steam and air mix it is also possible to force out the mixture from locations in the chamber other than the bottom.

Another kind of autoclave for sterilising tattoo equipment

Steam pulsing

- Some autoclaves remove air by using a series of steam pulses, in which the chamber is alternately pressurised and then depressurised to near atmospheric pressure.

Vacuum pumps - Some autoclaves use vacuum pumps to suck air or air/steam mixtures from the chamber.

Superatmospheric - This type of cycle uses a vacuum pump. It starts with a vacuum followed by a steam pulse and then a vacuum followed by a steam pulse. The number of pulses depends on the particular autoclave and cycle chosen.

Subatmospheric - Similar to superatmospheric cycles, but chamber pressure never exceeds atmospheric until they pressurize up to the sterilizing temperature.

Uses of Autoclaves

Autoclaves are widely used in microbiology, medicine, sterilising instruments for body piercing and tattooing, veterinary science, dentistry, podiatry and metallurgy.

Autoclaves in medicine

A medical autoclave is a device that uses steam to sterilize equipment and other objects. This means that all bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores are inactivated. However, prions, like those associated with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, also may not be destroyed by autoclaving at the typical 121 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes or 134 degrees Celsius for 3 minutes, but can be destroyed with a longer sterilisation cycle of 134 degrees Celsius for 18 minutes.
Autoclaves are found in many medical settings and other places that need to ensure sterility of an object. Many procedures today use single-use items rather than sterilized, reusable items. This first happened with hypodermic needles, but today many surgical instruments (such as forceps, needle holders, and scalpel handles) are commonly single-use items rather than reusable.

Because damp heat is used, heat-labile products (such as some plastics) cannot be sterilised this way or they will melt. Some paper or other products that may be damaged by the steam must also be sterilized another way. In all autoclaves, items should always be separated to allow the steam to penetrate the load evenly.

Autoclaving is often used to sterilize medical waste prior to disposal in the standard municipal solid waste stream. This application has grown as an alternative to incineration due to environmental and health concerns raised by combustion byproducts from incinerators, especially from the small units which were commonly operated at individual hospitals. Incineration or a similar thermal oxidation process is still generally mandated for pathological waste and other very toxic and/or infectious medical wastes.

Chemiclave

Unlike the humid environment produced by conventional steam, the unsaturated chemical vapor method is a low-humidity process. No time-consuming drying phase is needed, because nothing gets wet. The heat-up time is shorter than for most steam sterilizers, and the heaters stay on between cycles to minimize warm-up time and increase the instrument turnover.

Steam autoclaves, however, are really the only kind acceptable in the tattoo field. There are different styles of steam autoclaves, all acceptable to use in the sterilization of the equipment. It is a good idea to ask to see the autoclave. Is it clean? More importantly, was the shop personnel more than happy to show it to you, or did they act like they had something to hide?

Also, keep in mind that the presence of an autoclave does not mean effective sterilization. Autoclaves need to be regularly tested to ensure that they are working properly. Ask to see the results of their latest spore test. These results should be no more than two months old.

Some non-professional artists will try to convince you that a pressure cooker designed for canning food is acceptable for sterilizing used tattoo equipment. This is not true. Kitchen pressure cookers do not reach the temperature or pressure required to effectively kill all blood borne pathogens. Do not trust anyone using a kitchen unit. Medical sterilizers are much larger and are designed specifically for killing bacteria and other pathogens.

Autoclaves

Tom — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:43:41 GMT

Revision 6 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 09/06/2009 04:43:41

Autoclaves

Filed under: Piercing, Tattoos, Equipment, Autoclaves, Sterilisation, Hygiene

An autoclave used for sterilising tattoo equipment

Air removal

Another kind of autoclave for sterilising tattoo equipment

Steam pulsing

- Some autoclaves remove air by using a series of steam pulses, in which the chamber is alternately pressurised and then depressurised to near atmospheric pressure.

Vacuum pumps - Some autoclaves use vacuum pumps to suck air or air/steam mixtures from the chamber.

Subatmospheric - Similar to superatmospheric cycles, but chamber pressure never exceeds atmospheric until they pressurize up to the sterilizing temperature.

Uses of Autoclaves

Autoclaves are widely used in microbiology, medicine, sterilising instruments for body piercing and tattooing, veterinary science, dentistry, podiatry and metallurgy.

Autoclaves in medicine

Chemiclave

Autoclaves

Tom — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 15:38:59 GMT

Revision 5 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 18/04/2009 16:38:59

Autoclaves

Filed under: Piercing, Tattoos, Equipment, Autoclaves, Sterilisation, Hygiene

An autoclave used for sterilising tattoo equipment

Air removal

Another kind of autoclave for sterilising tattoo equipment

Steam pulsing

- Some autoclaves remove air by using a series of steam pulses, in which the chamber is alternately pressurised and then depressurised to near atmospheric pressure.

Vacuum pumps - Some autoclaves use vacuum pumps to suck air or air/steam mixtures from the chamber.

Subatmospheric - Similar to superatmospheric cycles, but chamber pressure never exceeds atmospheric until they pressurize up to the sterilizing temperature.

Uses of Autoclaves

Autoclaves are widely used in microbiology, medicine, sterilising instruments for body piercing and tattooing, veterinary science, dentistry, podiatry and metallurgy.

Autoclaves in medicine

Chemiclave

Autoclaves

Tom — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 15:37:09 GMT

Revision 4 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 18/04/2009 16:37:09

Autoclaves

Filed under: Piercing, Tattoos, Equipment, Autoclaves, Sterilisation, Hygiene

An autoclave is a pressurized device designed to heat aqueous solutions above their boiling point to achieve sterilization. It was invented by Charles Chamberland in 1879. The term autoclave is also used to describe an industrial machine in which elevated temperature and pressure are used in processing materials.

An autoclave used for sterilising tattoo equipment

Air removal

Another kind of autoclave for sterilising tattoo equipment

Steam pulsing

- Some autoclaves remove air by using a series of steam pulses, in which the chamber is alternately pressurised and then depressurised to near atmospheric pressure.

Vacuum pumps - Some autoclaves use vacuum pumps to suck air or air/steam mixtures from the chamber.

Subatmospheric - Similar to superatmospheric cycles, but chamber pressure never exceeds atmospheric until they pressurize up to the sterilizing temperature.

Uses of Autoclaves

Autoclaves are widely used in microbiology, medicine, sterilising instruments for body piercing and tattooing, veterinary science, dentistry, podiatry and metallurgy.

Autoclaves in medicine

Chemiclave

Autoclaves

Tom — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 15:33:37 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 18/04/2009 16:33:37

Autoclaves

Filed under: Piercing, Tattoos, Equipment, Autoclaves, Sterilisation, Hygiene

An autoclave used for sterilising tattoo equipment

Air removal

Another kind of autoclave for sterilising tattoo equipment

Steam pulsing

- Some autoclaves remove air by using a series of steam pulses, in which the chamber is alternately pressurised and then depressurised to near atmospheric pressure.

Vacuum pumps - Some autoclaves use vacuum pumps to suck air or air/steam mixtures from the chamber.

Subatmospheric - Similar to superatmospheric cycles, but chamber pressure never exceeds atmospheric until they pressurize up to the sterilizing temperature.

Uses of Autoclaves

Autoclaves are widely used in microbiology, medicine, sterilising instruments for body piercing and tattooing, veterinary science, dentistry, podiatry and metallurgy.

Autoclaves in medicine

Chemiclave

Autoclaves

Tom — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 15:14:49 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 18/04/2009 16:14:49

Autoclaves

An autoclave used for sterilising tattoo equipment

Air removal

Another kind of autoclave for sterilising tattoo equipment

Steam pulsing

- Some autoclaves remove air by using a series of steam pulses, in which the chamber is alternately pressurised and then depressurised to near atmospheric pressure.

Vacuum pumps - Some autoclaves use vacuum pumps to suck air or air/steam mixtures from the chamber.

Subatmospheric - Similar to superatmospheric cycles, but chamber pressure never exceeds atmospheric until they pressurize up to the sterilizing temperature.

Uses of Autoclaves

Autoclaves are widely used in microbiology, medicine, sterilising instruments for body piercing and tattooing, veterinary science, dentistry, podiatry and metallurgy.

Autoclaves in medicine

Chemiclave

Autoclaves

Tom — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 15:03:04 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 18/04/2009 16:03:04
An autoclave is a pressurized device designed to heat aqueous solutions above their boiling point to achieve sterilization. It was invented by Charles Chamberland in 1879. The term autoclave is also used to describe an industrial machine in which elevated temperature and pressure are used in processing materials.

Air removal

Steam pulsing - Some autoclaves remove air by using a series of steam pulses, in which the chamber is alternately pressurised and then depressurised to near atmospheric pressure.

Vacuum pumps - Some autoclaves use vacuum pumps to suck air or air/steam mixtures from the chamber.

Subatmospheric - Similar to superatmospheric cycles, but chamber pressure never exceeds atmospheric until they pressurize up to the sterilizing temperature.

Uses of Autoclaves

Autoclaves are widely used in microbiology, medicine, sterilising instruments for body piercing and tattooing, veterinary science, dentistry, podiatry and metallurgy.

Autoclaves in medicine

Chemiclave

Tattoo Designs

Tom — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:46:36 GMT

Current revision posted to Tattoos by Tom on 14/08/2009 13:46:36

Tattoo Designs

Filed under: Tattoos, Japanese, Tribal, Tattoo Designs, New School, Biomechanical, Black And Grey, Spanish, Fusion

There are many types of tattoo designs, which can be sorted into major categories such as black and grey tattoos, biomechanical tattoos, new school tattoos, Japanese, tribal, Celtic, and many others.

Japanese Tattoo sleave - see profile on knink

Within these categories, the subject matter often follows various subjects, eg. Koi with Japanese tattooing, or cards, flames, dice, and swallows in New School Tattooing. Any image can be tattooed in the 'Japanese', 'New School' 'Tribal' or any of the other overall styles, however, so images which have been previously linked to a specific style are increasingly appearing in a wide range of styles. For example, you can fuse two or more styles eg 'New School Japanese' to create a new school koi or 'Tribal biomech' to recreate both tribal and biomechanical themes.

The way a tattoo artist chooses to use single styles or fusions of styles depends on their intention with the tattoo as well as their skill, and custom tattoos can also follow a unique signature style which belongs to the artist who designed or tattooed the image.

Whilst fusions and custom styles are widespread, many of the traditional tattoo methods adhere to strict principles concerning a tattoo's subject matter, positioning, and all aspects of how it's applied. Traditional [[Japanese tattoos]] and [[Tribal Tattoos|tribal tattoos]], for instance follow very strict guidelines, as they are designed to serve many spiritual and social purposes.

New School Hummingbird Tattoo

Aztec Tribal Sun Tattoo

The vivid colours of new school tattoos are contrasted by the style known as black and grey work, where shades of grey are used to build up depth and tone within the tattoo, making it a favourite style for many portrait specialists and forming beautifully toned final images. As with all styles, they're only as good as the artist who's applying them, and the quality of a portrait's depth and tonality really depend on the artist's talent and skill rather than what style they're using - black and grey work most closely resembles a fine pencil drawing in its final result with shades of black and greys blending smoothly, and in very fine detail.

Biomechanical tattoos fuse humanity with the world of the mechanical, and draw much inspiration from the work of the illustrator H.R Geiger, who's famous drawings and artwork of dark, surreal creatures and landscapes lend biomechanical tattoos their same feel. H.R Geiger was the man who created much of the artwork and creatures for films like Alien, and biomechanical tattoos often show torn flesh with what appears to be the 'machinery' of life exposed beneath. In recent years, biomechanical styles have fused with other styles to show many other things aside from machinery hidden beneath the human skin as artists and clients have come up with some amazing ideas using the biomechanical or 'biomech' style.

As one of the most popular styles of the last decade, tribal tattoos in the West bear some resemblance to the original tattoos of the tribal peoples from which the style’s name is drawn, but the methods and patterns are very different. Traditional tribal tattoos, practiced by tribes across the globe were generally hand-tapped using organic instruments and natural pigments whereas modern tribal designs are applied using a tattoo machine and synthetic inks. The placement and patterns of traditional tribal designs were generally governed by strict ritualistic meaning, even if they merely denoted geographical origins or family name. It wasn’t a matter of picking a design you like, shamen or other holy men often worked as the tattoo artist and ceremonies of initiation often were part of the tattooing process. Whilst the traditional tribal arts are still alive, Western tribal tattooing is now what people associate with the term ‘tribal ‘ and can be divided into ‘Polynesian’ , ‘Maori’ , and ‘Aztec’ designs for the most part. These patterns are increasingly mixed with other styles, and some amazing work results, but all too often, ‘tribal’ has become synonymous with tattoo flash and designs taken not for their meaning or individual value but simply as signs of a more modern ‘initiation’ into early adulthood, with little regard for the deeper aspects of the art. This said, some practitioners of tribal tattooing produce wonderfully intricate and beautiful art, and the style is kept alive by those who really engage with the deep meaning s meanings and mysteries surrounding this once-sacred practice.

Tattoo Designs

Tom — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:45:46 GMT

Revision 18 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 14/08/2009 13:45:46

Tattoo Designs

Filed under: Tattoos, Japanese, Tribal, Tattoo Designs, New School, Biomechanical, Black And Grey, Spanish, Fusion

There are many types of tattoo designs, which can be sorted into major categories such as black and grey tattoos, biomechanical tattoos, new school tattoos, Japanese, tribal, Celtic, and many others.

Japanese Tattoo sleave - see profile on knink

New School Hummingbird Tattoo

New School Hummingbird Tattoo

Whilst fusions and custom styles are widespread, many of the traditional tattoo methods adhere to strict principles concerning a tattoo's subject matter, positioning, and all aspects of how it's applied. Traditional [[Japanese tattoos]] and [[Tribal Tattoos|tribal tattoos]], for instance follow very strict guidelines, as they are designed to serve many spiritual and social purposes.

New School Hummingbird Tattoo

Aztec Tribal Sun Tattoo

Tattoo Designs

Tom — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 04:50:47 GMT

Revision 13 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 21/04/2009 05:50:47

Tattoo Designs

Filed under: Tattoos, Japanese, Tribal, Tattoo Designs, New School, Biomechanical, Black And Grey, Spanish, Fusion

Aztec Tribal Sun Tattoo

Cryosurgery

Tom — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 04:03:32 GMT

Current revision posted to Tattoos by Tom on 09/06/2009 05:03:32

Cryosurgery

Filed under: Aftercare, Tattoos, Removal, Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery (also known as cryotherapy) is the application of extreme cold to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue.

A type of cryosurgery equipment containing super-cold liquid gas

This method of tattoo removal surgery uses the application of liquid nitrogen to the area in question to freeze it. Then, this freezing causes a peeling action which in turn makes it possible for the top layer of skin to peel easily and deeper than usual. The name 'cryosurgery' suggests a rather invasive procedure. This is something that turns many people away from it as a potential means of removing unwanted ink, however, combining it with certain other methods of tattoo removal can make it a likely candidate for a clean removal, but this is over a period of time. Cryosurgery tattoo removal is not as pricey as laser removal, but it is not cheap either and is rarely covered by insurance companies for the removal of cosmetic body in. It's minimally invasive; it is slightly more so than the act of getting the tattoo itself, but the removal process is rather difficult—even with such methods as cryosurgery.

Cryosurgery is also used to treat a number of diseases and disorders, especially a variety of benign and malignant skin conditions, as well as tattoo removal in some cases.

Warts, moles, skin tags, solar keratoses, and small skin cancers are candidates for cryosurgical treatment. Several internal disorders are also treated with cryosurgery, including liver cancer, prostate cancer, cervical disorders and, more commonly in the past, hemorrhoids. Although found to be effective, this method of treatment is only appropriate for use against localized disease with no metastasis.

Cryosurgery works by taking advantage of the destructive force of freezing temperatures on cells. At low temperatures, ice crystals form inside the cells, which can tear them apart. More damage occurs when blood vessels supplying the diseased tissue freeze.

The most common method of freezing lesions is using liquid nitrogen as the cooling solution. The super-cooled liquid may be sprayed on the diseased tissue, circulated through a tube called a cryoprobe, or simply dabbed on with a cotton or foam swab. Less frequently, doctors use carbon dioxide "snow" formed into a cylinder or mixed with acetone to form a slush that is applied directly to the treated tissue. Recent advances in technology have allowed for the use of argon gas to drive ice formation using a principle known as the Joule-Thomson effect. This gives physicians excellent control of the ice, and minimizing complications using ultra-thin 17 gauge cryoneedles.

Cryosurgery is a minimally invasive procedure, and is often preferred to more traditional kinds of surgery because of its minimal pain, scarring, and cost; however, as with any medical treatment, there are risks involved, primarily that of damage to nearby healthy tissue. Damage to nerve tissue is of particular concern.

Patients undergoing cryosurgery usually experience minor-to-moderate localized pain and redness, which can be alleviated by oral administration of an analgesic such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen (paracetamol). Blisters may form, but these usually scab over and peel away within several days.

Cryosurgery

Tom — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:21:51 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 20/04/2009 19:21:51

Cryosurgery

Filed under: Aftercare, Tattoos, Removal, Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery (also known as cryotherapy) is the application of extreme cold to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue.

A type of cryosurgery equipment containing super-cold liquid gas

Cryosurgery is also used to treat a number of diseases and disorders, especially a variety of benign and malignant skin conditions, as well as tattoo removal in some cases.

Tom — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 04:03:11 GMT

Current revision posted to Tattoos by Tom on 09/06/2009 05:03:11

Laser Tattoo Removal

Filed under: Aftercare, Tattoos, Removal, Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser tattoo removal

Tattoo removal is most commonly performed using lasers that react with the ink in the tattoo, and break it down. The broken-down ink is then absorbed by the body, mimicking the natural fading that time or sun exposure would create. This technique often requires many repeated visits to remove even a small tattoo, and may result in permanent scarring. The newer Q-switched lasers are said by the National Institute of Health to result in scarring only rarely, however, and are usually used only after a topical anesthetic has been applied. The NIH recognizes five types of tattoo; amateur, professional, cosmetic, medical, and traumatic (or natural). Areas with thin skin will be more likely to scar than thicker-skinned areas. There are several types of Q-switched lasers, and each is effective at removing a different range of the color spectrum. Whilst black is the easiest color to remove, there are various different types of lasers, and specific types have proven more useful at removing other ink colours.

Also worth considering is the fact that some of the pigments used (especially Yellow #7) are known to break down into toxic chemicals in the body when attacked by light. This is especially a concern if these tattoos are exposed to UV light or laser removal; the resulting degradation products end up migrating to the kidneys and liver. Laser removal of traumatic tattoos may similarly be complicated depending on the substance of the pigmenting material. In one reported instance, the use of a laser resulted in the ignition of embedded particles of firework debris.

Laser Tattoo Removal

Tom — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:47:39 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 20/04/2009 18:47:39

Laser Tattoo Removal

Filed under: Aftercare, Tattoos, Removal, Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser Removal
Laser tattoo removal
Tattoo removal is most commonly performed using lasers that react with the ink in the tattoo, and break it down. The broken-down ink is then absorbed by the body, mimicking the natural fading that time or sun exposure would create. This technique often requires many repeated visits to remove even a small tattoo, and may result in permanent scarring. The newer Q-switched lasers are said by the National Institute of Health to result in scarring only rarely, however, and are usually used only after a topical anesthetic has been applied. The NIH recognizes five types of tattoo; amateur, professional, cosmetic, medical, and traumatic (or natural). Areas with thin skin will be more likely to scar than thicker-skinned areas. There are several types of Q-switched lasers, and each is effective at removing a different range of the color spectrum. Whilst black is the easiest color to remove, there are various different types of lasers, and specific types have proven more useful at removing other ink colours.

Also worth considering is the fact that some of the pigments used (especially Yellow #7) are known to break down into toxic chemicals in the body when attacked by light. This is especially a concern if these tattoos are exposed to UV light or laser removal; the resulting degradation products end up migrating to the kidneys and liver. Laser removal of traumatic tattoos may similarly be complicated depending on the substance of the pigmenting material. In one reported instance, the use of a laser resulted in the ignition of embedded particles of firework debris.

Laser Tattoo Removal

Tom — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:47:01 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 20/04/2009 18:47:01

Laser Tattoo Removal

Filed under: Aftercare, Tattoos, Removal, Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser Removal

Laser tattoo removal

Laser Tattoo Removal

Otzi the Iceman

Otzi the Iceman Source

Ötzi the Iceman (pronounced ˈœtsi '), Frozen Fritz, and Similaun Man are modern nicknames of a well-preserved natural mummy of a man from about 3300 BC (53 centuries ago), found in 1991 in the Schnalstal glacier in the Ötztal Alps, near Hauslabjoch on the border between Austria and Italy. The nickname comes from Ötztal, the region in which he was discovered. He is Europe's oldest natural human mummy, and has offered an unprecedented view of Chalcolithic (Copper Age) Europeans.

Tattoos

He had approximately 57 carbon tattoos consisting of simple dots and lines on his lower spine, behind his left knee, and on his right ankle. Using X-rays, it was determined that the Iceman may have had arthritis in these joints. Some scientists suggest that the designs might have been used to mark the passage from youth to manhood,or it has been speculated that they may be related to acupuncture.

Discovery

Ötzi the Iceman while still frozen in the glacier, photographed by Helmut Simon
upon the discovery of the body in September 1991.

Another early photograph of the body prior to its removal from the ice.

Ötzi was found by two German tourists from Nuremberg, Helmut and Erika Simon, on 19 September 1991. The body was at first thought to be a modern corpse, like several others which had been recently found in the region. Lying on its front and frozen in ice below the torso, it was crudely removed from the glacier by the Austrian authorities using a small jackhammer (which punctured the hip of the body) and ice-axes using non-archaeological methods. In addition, before the body was removed from the ice, people were allowed to see it, and some took portions of the clothing and tools as souvenirs. The body was then taken to a morgue in Innsbruck, where its true age was subsequently ascertained. However, during a press conference that was held, people were allowed to take photographs and touch the body. As a result of this, fungus began to grow on the Iceman's skin.

Subsequent surveys in October 1991 showed that the body had been located 92.56 meters inside Italian territory ( 46°46′44″N, 10°50′23″E). Since 1998 it has been on display at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, Italy.

Scientific analyses of Ötzi

The body has been extensively examined, measured, X-rayed, and dated. Tissues and intestinal contents have been examined microscopically, as have the items found with the body. In August 2004, frozen bodies of three Austro-Hungarian soldiers killed during the Battle of San Matteo (1918) were found on the mountain of San Matteo in the Trentino region of Italy. One body was sent to a museum in the hope that research on how the environment affected its preservation will help to find out about Ötzi's past and future evolution.

Ötzi the Iceman, now housed at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, Italy.

The body

By current estimates, at the time of his death Ötzi was approximately 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) tall,^[ weighed about 50 kg (110 lb/7.9 st) and was about 45 years of age. When his body was found, it weighed 38 kg (84 lb/6.0 st). Because the body was covered in ice shortly after his death, it only partially deteriorated. Analysis of pollen and dust grains and the isotopic composition of his tooth enamel indicate that he spent his childhood near the present village of Feldthurns (Velturno), north of Bolzano, but later went to live in valleys about 50 km further north. Analysis by Franco Rollo's group at the University of Camerino has shown that Otzi's mitochondrial DNA belongs to the K1 subcluster of the mitochondrial haplogroup K, but that it cannot be categorized into any of the three modern branches of that subcluster.

Analysis of Ötzi's intestinal contents showed two meals (the last one about eight hours before his death), one of chamois meat, the other of red deer meat. Both were eaten with some grain as well as some roots and fruits. The grain from both meals was a highly processed einkorn wheat bran, quite possibly eaten in the form of bread. There were also a few kernels of sloes (small plum-like fruits of the blackthorn tree). Hair analysis was used to examine his diet from several months before.

Pollen in the first meal showed that it had been consumed in a mid-altitude conifer forest, and other pollens indicated the presence of wheat and legumes, which may have been domesticated crops. Also, pollen grains of hop-hornbeam were discovered. The pollen was very well preserved, with even the cells inside still intact, indicating that it had been fresh (a few hours old) at the time of Ötzi's death, which places the event in the spring. Interestingly, einkorn wheat is harvested in the late summer, and sloes in the autumn; these must have been stored since the year before.

High levels of both copper particles and arsenic were found in Ötzi's hair. This, along with Ötzi's copper axe which is 99.7% pure copper, has led scientists to speculate that Ötzi was involved in copper smelting.

By examining the proportions of Ötzi's tibia, femur and pelvis, Christopher Ruff has determined that Ötzi's lifestyle included long walks over hilly terrain. This degree of mobility is not characteristic of other Copper Age Europeans. Ruff proposes that this may indicate Ötzi was a high-altitude shepherd.

Health

He apparently had whipworm (Trichuris trichiura), an intestinal parasite. During CT scans, it was observed that three or four of his right ribs had been squashed when he had been lying face down after death, or where the ice had crushed his body. Also, it was found that his epidermis, the outer skin layer, was missing, a natural process from his mummification in ice.

Clothes and shoes

Ötzi with some of the equipment found with him.

Ötzi's flint knife and its sheath.

Ötzi's clothes were quite sophisticated. He wore a cloak made of woven grass and a vest, a belt, a pair of leggings, a loincloth and shoes, all made of leather. He also wore a bearskin cap with a leather chin strap. The shoes were waterproof and wide, seemingly designed for walking across the snow; they were constructed using bearskin for the soles, deer hide for top panels, and a netting made of tree bark. Soft grass went around the foot and in the shoe and functioned like warm socks. The vest, belt, leggings, and loincloth were constructed of vertical strips of leather sewn together with sinew. His belt had a pouch sewn to it that contained a cache of useful items: a scraper, drill, flint flake, bone arrow, and a dried fungus to be used as tinder.

The shoes have since been reproduced by experts, and found to constitute such excellent footwear that there are plans for commercial production.However, a more recent hypothesis by British archaeologist Jacqui Wood says that Ötzi's "shoes" were actually the upper part of snowshoes. According to this theory, the item currently interpreted as part of a backpack is actually the wood frame and netting of one snowshoe and animal hide to cover the torso.

Other equipment

Other items found with the Iceman were a copper axe with a yew handle, a flint knife with an ash handle, a quiver of 14 bone-tipped arrows with viburnum and dogwood shafts and flint heads (two arrows were finished, twelve were not), and an unfinished yew longbow that was 1.82 m (72 in) tall. Also found were berries and two birch bark baskets.

Among Ötzi's possessions were two species of polypore mushrooms with leather strings through them. One of these, the birch fungus, is known to have antibacterial properties, and was likely used for medicinal purposes. The other was a type of tinder fungus, included with part of what appeared to be a complex firestarting kit. The kit featured pieces of over a dozen different plants, in addition to flint and pyrite for creating sparks.

Cause of death

The Ötzi memorial on the Similaun mountain, where Ötzi the Iceman was found, in the Ötztal Alps.

Initially it had been believed that Ötzi died from exposure during a winter storm. Later it was speculated that Ötzi had been a victim of a ritual sacrifice, perhaps for being a chieftain. This explanation was inspired by theories previously advanced for the first millennium B.C. bodies recovered from peat bogs, such as the Tollund Man and the Lindow Man. In 2001 X-rays and a CT scan revealed that Ötzi had an arrowhead lodged in one shoulder when he died, and a matching small tear on his coat. The discovery of the arrowhead prompted researchers to theorize Ötzi died of blood loss from the wound, which would likely have been fatal even if modern medical techniques had been available. Further research found that the arrow's shaft had been removed prior to death, and close examination of the body found bruises and cuts to the hands, wrists and chest and cerebral trauma indicative of a blow to the head. One of the cuts was to the base of his thumb that reached down to the bone but had not had time to heal before his death. Currently it is believed that death was caused by a blow to the head, though researchers are unsure if this was due to a fall, or from being struck with a rock by another person. DNA analysis revealed traces of blood from four other people on his gear: one from his knife, two from the same arrowhead, and a fourth from his coat. Interpretations of the findings were that Ötzi killed two individuals with the same arrow, and was able to retrieve it on both occasions, and the blood on his coat was from a wounded comrade he may have carried over his back. Ötzi's unnatural posture in death (frozen body, face down, left arm bent across the chest) suggests that theory of a solitary death from blood loss, hunger, cold and weakness is untenable. Rather, before death occurred and rigor mortis set in, the Iceman was turned on to his stomach in the effort to remove the arrow shaft.

The DNA evidence suggests that he was assisted by companions who were also wounded; pollen and food analysis suggests that he was out of his home territory. The copper axe could not have been made by him alone. It would have required a concerted group tribal effort to mine, smelt and cast the copper axe head. This may indicate that Ötzi was actually part of an armed raiding party involved in a skirmish, perhaps with a neighboring tribe, and this skirmish had gone badly. It may also indicate that he was ambushed or attacked by a rival tribe's raiding party on his way to deliver the axe. When the Iceman's mitochondrial DNA was analyzed by Franco Rollo and his colleagues, it was discovered that he had genetic markers associated with reduced fertility. It has been speculated that this may have affected his social acceptance.

Legal dispute over Ötzi's discovery

In 2003, the Simons filed a lawsuit which asked a court in Bolzano, Italy, to recognize their role in Ötzi's discovery and declare them his "official discoverers". Under Italian law, this would entitle them to a finders' fee of 25% of the value of the discovered item from the authorities. In November 2003, the court declared in the Simons favor, and at the end of December 2003, the Simons announced that they were seeking US$300,000 as their fee.

Provincial government officials decided to appeal. In 2004, Helmut Simon died. In June 2006, the appeals court affirmed that the Simons had indeed discovered the Iceman and were therefore entitled to a finder's fee. It also ruled that the provincial government had to pay the Simons' legal fees. After this ruling, Mrs. Erika Simon reduced her claim to €150,000. The provincial government's response was that the expenses it had incurred to establish a museum and the costs of preserving the Iceman should be considered in determining the finder's fee. It insisted it would pay no more than €50,000. In September 2006, the authorities appealed the case to Italy's highest court, the Court of Cassation.

Since the discovery of Ötzi in 1991 and the Simons' lawsuit, two other people have come forward to claim that they were part of the same mountaineering party that came across Ötzi and that they discovered the body first. They are:

Magdalena Mohar Jarc, a Slovenian actress, who alleged that she discovered the corpse first, and shortly after returning to an alpine house, asked Helmut Simon to take photographs of Ötzi. Mountaineer and explorer Reinhold Messner is apparently appearing as a witness for her.
Sandra Nemeth, from Switzerland, who contended that she found the corpse before Helmut and Erika Simon, and that she spat on Ötzi to make sure that her DNA would be found on the body later. She has asked for a DNA test on the remains, but experts believe that there is little chance of finding any trace.

The rival claims are now being heard by a court in Bolzano, Italy. The legal case has angered Mrs. Simon, who alleges that neither woman was present on the mountain that day. This position is supported by a detailed description of the Iceman's discovery by Austrian researcher Elisabeth Rastbichler-Zissernig. In 2005, Mrs. Simon's lawyer said: "Mrs. Simon is very upset by all this and by the fact that these two new claimants have decided to appear 14 years after Ötzi was found."

"Ötzi's curse"

Influenced by the "Curse of the Pharaohs" and the media theme of cursed mummies, claims have been made that Ötzi is cursed. The allegation centers around the deaths of several main people connected to the discovery, recovery and subsequent examination of Ötzi. It is alleged that they have died under mysterious circumstances. These persons include co-discoverer Helmut Simon,and Konrad Spindler, the first examiner of the mummy in Austria at a local morgue in 1991. To date, the deaths of seven people, of which four were the result of some violence in the form of accidents, have been attributed to the alleged curse. However, hundreds of people were involved in the recovery of Ötzi and are still involved in studying the body and the artifacts found with it; thus it may not be surprising that a few of them have died since the mummy's discovery

Otzi the Iceman

Tom — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 04:00:49 GMT

Revision 4 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 09/06/2009 05:00:49

Otzi the Iceman

Otzi the Iceman Source

Tattoos

Discovery

Ötzi the Iceman while still frozen in the glacier, photographed by Helmut Simon
upon the discovery of the body in September 1991.

Another early photograph of the body prior to its removal from the ice.

Scientific analyses of Ötzi

Ötzi the Iceman, now housed at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, Italy.

The body

Health

Clothes and shoes

Ötzi with some of the equipment found with him.

Ötzi's flint knife and its sheath.

Other equipment

Cause of death

The Ötzi memorial on the Similaun mountain, where Ötzi the Iceman was found, in the Ötztal Alps.

Legal dispute over Ötzi's discovery

Magdalena Mohar Jarc, a Slovenian actress, who alleged that she discovered the corpse first, and shortly after returning to an alpine house, asked Helmut Simon to take photographs of Ötzi. Mountaineer and explorer Reinhold Messner is apparently appearing as a witness for her.
Sandra Nemeth, from Switzerland, who contended that she found the corpse before Helmut and Erika Simon, and that she spat on Ötzi to make sure that her DNA would be found on the body later. She has asked for a DNA test on the remains, but experts believe that there is little chance of finding any trace.

"Ötzi's curse"

Otzi the Iceman

Tom — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 07:39:08 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 13/04/2009 08:39:08

Ötzi Otzi the Iceman

Otzi the Iceman Source

Tattoos

Discovery

Ötzi the Iceman while still frozen in the glacier, photographed by Helmut Simon
upon the discovery of the body in September 1991.

Another early photograph of the body prior to its removal from the ice.

Scientific analyses of Ötzi

Ötzi the Iceman, now housed at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, Italy.

The body

Health

Clothes and shoes

Ötzi with some of the equipment found with him.

Ötzi's flint knife and its sheath.

Other equipment

Cause of death

The Ötzi memorial on the Similaun mountain, where Ötzi the Iceman was found, in the Ötztal Alps.

Legal dispute over Ötzi's discovery

Magdalena Mohar Jarc, a Slovenian actress, who alleged that she discovered the corpse first, and shortly after returning to an alpine house, asked Helmut Simon to take photographs of Ötzi. Mountaineer and explorer Reinhold Messner is apparently appearing as a witness for her.
Sandra Nemeth, from Switzerland, who contended that she found the corpse before Helmut and Erika Simon, and that she spat on Ötzi to make sure that her DNA would be found on the body later. She has asked for a DNA test on the remains, but experts believe that there is little chance of finding any trace.

"Ötzi's curse"

Ötzi the Iceman

Tom — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 05:13:56 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 13/04/2009 06:13:56

Ötzi the Iceman

Otzi the Iceman Source

Tattoos

Discovery

Ötzi the Iceman while still frozen in the glacier, photographed by Helmut Simon
upon the discovery of the body in September 1991.

Another early photograph of the body prior to its removal from the ice.

Scientific analyses of Ötzi

Ötzi the Iceman, now housed at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, Italy.

The body

Health

Clothes and shoes

Ötzi with some of the equipment found with him.

Ötzi's flint knife and its sheath.

Other equipment

Cause of death

The Ötzi memorial on the Similaun mountain, where Ötzi the Iceman was found, in the Ötztal Alps.

Legal dispute over Ötzi's discovery

Magdalena Mohar Jarc, a Slovenian actress, who alleged that she discovered the corpse first, and shortly after returning to an alpine house, asked Helmut Simon to take photographs of Ötzi. Mountaineer and explorer Reinhold Messner is apparently appearing as a witness for her.
Sandra Nemeth, from Switzerland, who contended that she found the corpse before Helmut and Erika Simon, and that she spat on Ötzi to make sure that her DNA would be found on the body later. She has asked for a DNA test on the remains, but experts believe that there is little chance of finding any trace.

"Ötzi's curse"

Ötzi the Iceman

Tom — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 05:11:43 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 13/04/2009 06:11:43

Otzi the Iceman Source

Tattoos

Discovery

Ötzi the Iceman while still frozen in the glacier, photographed by Helmut Simon
upon the discovery of the body in September 1991.

Another early photograph of the body prior to its removal from the ice.

Scientific analyses of Ötzi

Ötzi the Iceman, now housed at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, Italy.

The body

Health

Clothes and shoes

Ötzi with some of the equipment found with him.

Ötzi's flint knife and its sheath.

Other equipment

Cause of death

The Ötzi memorial on the Similaun mountain, where Ötzi the Iceman was found, in the Ötztal Alps.

Legal dispute over Ötzi's discovery

Magdalena Mohar Jarc, a Slovenian actress, who alleged that she discovered the corpse first, and shortly after returning to an alpine house, asked Helmut Simon to take photographs of Ötzi. Mountaineer and explorer Reinhold Messner is apparently appearing as a witness for her.
Sandra Nemeth, from Switzerland, who contended that she found the corpse before Helmut and Erika Simon, and that she spat on Ötzi to make sure that her DNA would be found on the body later. She has asked for a DNA test on the remains, but experts believe that there is little chance of finding any trace.

"Ötzi's curse"

Pazyryk Tattooed Mummies

Tom — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:59:30 GMT

Current revision posted to Tattoos by Tom on 09/06/2009 04:59:30

Pazyryk Tattooed Mummies

The Pazyryk (Russian: Пазарык) is the name of an ancient nomadic people who lived in the Altai Mountains lying in Siberian Russia south of the modern city of Novosibirsk, near the borders of China, Kazakhstan and Mongolia. In this part of the Ukok Plateau, many ancient Bronze Age barrow-like tomb mounds of larch logs covered over by large cairns of boulders and stones have been found. These spectacular burials of the Pazyryk culture closely resemble those of the Scythian people to the west.

The first tombs were excavated by the archaeologist Sergei Ivanovich Rudenko beginning in the 1920s.

Pazyryk Chief

Pazyryk Tattooed Chief

Rudenko's most striking discovery was the body of a tattooed Pazyryk chief: a thick-set, powerfully built man who had died when he was about 50. Parts of the body had deteriorated, but much of the tattooing was still clearly visible. Subsequent investigation using reflected infrared photography revealed that all five bodies discovered in the Pazyryk kurgans were tattooed. No instruments specifically designed for tattooing were found, but the Pazyryks had extremely fine needles with which they did miniature embroidery, and these were probably used for tattooing.

The chief was elaborately decorated with an interlocking series of designs representing a variety of fantastic beasts. The best preserved tattoos were images of a donkey, a mountain ram, two highly stylized deer with long antlers and an imaginary carnivore on the right arm. Two monsters resembling griffins decorate the chest, and on the left arm are three partially obliterated images which seem to represent two deer and a mountain goat. On the front of the right leg a fish extends from the foot to the knee. A monster crawls over the right foot, and on the inside of the shin is a series of four running rams which touch each other to form a single design. The left leg also bears tattoos, but these designs could not be clearly distinguished. In addition, the chief's back is tattooed with a series of small circles in line with the vertebral column. This tattooing was probably done for therapeutic reasons. Contemporary Siberian tribesmen still practice tattooing of this kind to relieve back pain.

Ice Maiden

The Ice Maiden - 5th century BC

The most famous undisturbed Pazyryk burial so far recovered is the "Ice Maiden" found by archaeologist Natalia Polosmak in 1993, a rare example of a single woman given a full ceremonial wooden chamber-tomb in the 5th century BC, accompanied by six horses. It had been buried over 2,400 years ago in a casket fashioned from the hollowed-out trunk of a larch tree. On the outside of the casket were stylized images of deer and snow leopards carved in leather. Shortly after burial the grave had apparently been flooded by freezing rain and the entire contents of the burial chamber had remained frozen in permafrost. Six horses wearing elaborate harnesses had been sacrificed and lay on the logs which formed the roof of the burial chamber. The maiden's well-preserved body, carefully embalmed with peat and bark, was arranged to lie on her side as if asleep. She was young; her hair was still blonde; she had been 5 feet 6 inches tall. Even the animal style tattoos were preserved on her pale skin: creatures with horns that develop into flowered forms. Her coffin was made large enough to accommodate the high felt headdress she was wearing, which had 15 gilded wooden birds sewn to it. On a gold buckle retrieved from another tomb, a similar woman's headdress intertwined with branches of the tree of life are depicted. Her blouse was originally thought to be made of wild "tussah" silk but closer examination of the fibers indicate the material is not Chinese but came from somewhere else, perhaps India. She was clad in a long crimson woolen skirt and white felt stockings. Near her coffin was a vessel made of yak horn, and dishes containing gifts of coriander seeds: all of which suggest that the Pazyryk trade routes stretched across vast areas of Asia. Similar dishes in other tombs was thought to have held Cannabis sativa, confirming a practice described by Herodotus but after tests the mixture was found to be coriander seeds, probably used to disguise the smell of the body.

Two years after the discovery of the "Ice Maiden" Dr. Polosmak's husband, Vyacheslav Molodin, found a frozen man, elaborately tattooed with an elk, with two long braids that reached to his waist, buried with his weapons.

Pazyryk Tattooed Mummies

Tom — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:59:30 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 09/06/2009 04:59:30

Pazyryk Tattooed Mummies

Pazyryk Chief

Pazyryk Tattooed Chief

Ice Maiden

The Ice Maiden - 5th century BC

Pazyryk Tattooed Mummies

Tom — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 05:26:37 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 13/04/2009 06:26:37

Pazyryk Tattooed Mummies

Pazyryk chief

Chief

Pazyryk Tattooed Chief

Ice Maiden

The Ice Maiden - 5th century BC

Pazyryk Tattooed Mummies

Tom — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 05:23:43 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 13/04/2009 06:23:43
The Pazyryk (Russian: Пазарык) is the name of an ancient nomadic people who lived in the Altai Mountains lying in Siberian Russia south of the modern city of Novosibirsk, near the borders of China, Kazakhstan and Mongolia. In this part of the Ukok Plateau, many ancient Bronze Age barrow-like tomb mounds of larch logs covered over by large cairns of boulders and stones have been found. These spectacular burials of the Pazyryk culture closely resemble those of the Scythian people to the west.

The first tombs were excavated by the archaeologist Sergei Ivanovich Rudenko beginning in the 1920s.

Pazyryk chief

Pazyryk Tattooed Chief

Ice Maiden

The Ice Maiden - 5th century BC

Samoan Tattoos

Tom — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:58:31 GMT

Current revision posted to Tattoos by Tom on 09/06/2009 04:58:31

Samoan Tattoos

When the Samoan Islands were first seen by Europeans in 1722 three Dutch ships commanded by Jacob Roggewein visited the eastern island known as Manua. A crew member of one of the ships described the natives in these words, “They are friendly in their speech and courteous in their behavior, with no apparent trace of wildness or savagery. They do not paint themselves, as do the natives of some other islands, but on the lower part of the body they wear artfully woven silk tights or knee breeches. They are altogether the most charming and polite natives we have seen in all of the South Seas…"

The ships lay at anchor off the islands for several days, but the crews did not venture ashore and didn’t even get close enough to the natives to realize that they were not wearing silk leggings, but their legs were completely covered in tattoos.

In Samoa, the tradition of applying tattoo, or tatau, by hand has been unbroken for over two thousand years. Tools and techniques have changed little. The skill is often passed from father to son, each tattoo artist, or tufuga, learning the craft over many years of serving as his father's apprentice. A young artist-in-training often spent hours, and sometimes days, tapping designs into sand or tree bark using a special tattooing comb, or au. Honoring their tradition, Samoan tattoo artists made this tool from sharpened boar's teeth fastened together with a portion of the turtle shell and to a wooden handle.

Traditional Samoan Tattooing Techniques

Traditional Samoan tattooing of the “pe'a”, body tattoo, is an ordeal that is not lightly undergone. It takes many weeks to complete. The process is very painful and used to be a necessary prerequisite to receiving a matai title; this however is no longer the case. Tattooing was also a very costly procedure.

It was not uncommon for half a dozen boys to be tattooed at the same time, requiring the services of four or more artists. It was not just the men who received tattoos, but the women too; their designs are of a much lighter nature rather than having the large areas of solid dye which are frequently seen in men’s tattoos. The tattooing of women was not nearly as ritualized like men’s were.

Samoan society has long been defined by rank and title, with chiefs (ali'i) and their assistants, known as talking chiefs (tulafale). The tattooing ceremonies for young chiefs, typically conducted at the time of puberty, were part of their ascendance to a leadership role. The permanent marks left by the tattoo artists would forever celebrate their endurance and dedication to cultural traditions. The pain was extreme and the risk of death by infection was a concern; to back down from tattooing was to risk being labeled a “pala'ai” or coward. Those who could not endure the pain and abandoned their tattooing were left incomplete, would be forced to wear their mark of shame throughout their life. This would forever bring shame upon their family so it was avoided at all cost.

A Traditional Samoan Tatau design

The Samoan tattooing process used a number of tools which remained almost unchanged since their first use. “Autapulu” is a wide tattooing comb used to fill in the large dark areas of the tattoo. “Ausogi'aso tele” is a comb used for making thick lines. “Ausogi'aso laititi” is a comb used for making thin lines. “Aumogo” small comb is used for making small marks. “Sausau” is the mallet is used for striking the combs. It is almost two feet in length and made from the central rib of a coconut palm leaf. “Tuluma” is the pot used for holding the tattooing combs. Ipulama is the cup used for holding the dye. The dye is made from the soot collected from burnt lama nuts. “Tu'I” used to grind up the dye. These tools were primarily made out of animal bones to ensure sharpness.

Modern example of traditional Samoan design

The tattooing process itself would be 5 sessions, in theory. These 5 sessions would be spread out over 10 days in order for the inflammation to subside. The steps are as follows.

I. O le Taga Tapulu (back and small of the back) In the first session the height to which the tattoo will rise is decided (Ano le Tua), this is always such that the top of the design will show above the lavalava. Then the va'a, *** tama and *** tele are outlined and the design filled in.

II. O le Taga Fai'aso (the posterior) The aso fa'aifo are completed around to the abdomen and the 'asolaititi are finished. Next to be added are the saemutu, which vary in number depending upon social status. A matai will have four an orator three and anyone else would have two. Where it meets the 'ivimutu at the anus it is called tafaufile, where it covers the perineum it is called tasele, where it covers the *** it is called tafumiti and the area over the penis is called tafito. Needless to say this is very painful.

III. Taga Tapau The lausae, an area of solid tattooing, is added to the thighs beneath the aso e lua.

IV. Taga o Fusi ma Ulumanu The fourth session is the tattooing of the ulumanu, from the center of the thigh up to the inner groin.

V. 'Umaga (the end) The final sessions involves the tattooing of the abdomen, the area that covers the navel being called the pute, and is apparently the most painful part of the whole process.

Christian missionaries from the west attempted to purge tattooing among the Samoans, thinking it barbaric and inhumane. Many young Samoans resisted mission schools since they forbade them to wear tattoos. But over time attitudes relaxed toward this cultural tradition and tattooing began to reemerge in Samoan culture.

Samoan Tattoos

Tom — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:58:31 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 09/06/2009 04:58:31

Samoan Tattoos

Traditional Samoan Tattooing Techniques

Tom — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:58:03 GMT

Current revision posted to Tattoos by Tom on 09/06/2009 04:58:03

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Filed under: Tattoos, Africa, Tribal, History, Cote D'Ivoire, Adinkra Symbols, Symbols, Tattoo Designs, West Africa

Created by the Akan people of Ghana, and the Gyaman of Cote d'Ivoire in West [[African Tattoo History|Africa]] the Adinkra symbols represent concepts or aphorisms. Adinkra are used on fabric, walls, in pottery, woodcarvings and logos. They also can be used to communicate evocative messages that represent parts of their life or those around them.

Nyame Nti

Adinkra Symbols of West Africa

Adinkrahene

Adinkra Symbol Adinkrahene from Cote D'Ivoire

Akoma Ntoso

Adinkra Symbology - Akoma Ntoso

Denkyem

Dwennimmen

Adinkra

Funtunfunefu

Adinkra Symbol Funtunfunefu

Sankofa

Sankofa - West African Tribal Symbol

To find out more about the Adinkra Symbols from West Africa, please click here for the most comprehensive site I could find on the subject which explores other Adinkra Symbols as well as their meanings.

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Tom — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 08:30:32 GMT

Revision 17 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 18/04/2009 09:30:32

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Filed under: Tattoos, Africa, Tribal, History, Cote D'Ivoire, Adinkra Symbols, Symbols, Tattoo Designs, West Africa

Created by the Akan people of Ghana, and the Gyaman of Cote d'Ivoire in West Africa [[African Tattoo History|Africa]] the Adinkra symbols represent concepts or aphorisms. Adinkra are used on fabric, walls, in pottery, woodcarvings and logos. They also can be used to communicate evocative messages that represent parts of their life or those around them.

Nyame Nti

Adinkra Symbols of West Africa

Adinkrahene

Adinkra Symbol Adinkrahene from Cote D'Ivoire

Akoma Ntoso

Adinkra Symbology - Akoma Ntoso

Denkyem

Dwennimmen

Adinkra

Funtunfunefu

Adinkra Symbol Funtunfunefu

Sankofa

Sankofa - West African Tribal Symbol

To find out more about the Adinkra Symbols from West Africa, please click here for the most comprehensive site I could find on the subject which explores other Adinkra Symbols as well as their meanings.

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Tom — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 08:28:36 GMT

Revision 16 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 18/04/2009 09:28:36

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Filed under: Tattoos, Africa, Tribal, History, Cote D'Ivoire, Adinkra Symbols, Symbols, Tattoo Designs, West Africa

Created by the Akan people of Ghana, and the Gyaman of Cote d'Ivoire in West Africa the Adinkra symbols represent concepts or aphorisms. Adinkra are used on fabric, walls, in pottery, woodcarvings and logos. They also can be used to communicate evocative messages that represent parts of their life or those around them.

Nyame Nti

Adinkra Symbols of West Africa

Adinkrahene

Adinkra Symbol Adinkrahene from Cote D'Ivoire

Akoma Ntoso

Adinkra Symbology - Akoma Ntoso

Denkyem

Dwennimmen

Adinkra

Funtunfunefu

Adinkra Symbol Funtunfunefu

Sankofa

Sankofa - West African Tribal Symbol

'God is in

To find out more about the heavens' and Adinkra Symbols from West Africa, please click here for the most comprehensive site I could find on the subject which explores other Adinkra Symbols as well as their meanings.

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Tom — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:29:03 GMT

Revision 15 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 17/04/2009 19:29:03

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Nyame Nti

Adinkra Symbols of West Africa

Adinkrahene

Adinkra Symbol Adinkrahene from Cote D'Ivoire

Akoma Ntoso

Adinkra Symbology - Akoma Ntoso

Denkyem

Dwennimmen

Adinkra

Funtunfunefu

Adinkra Symbol Funtunfunefu

Sankofa

Sankofa - West African Tribal Symbol

'God is in the heavens' and other Adinkra Symbols as well as their meanings

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Tom — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:28:34 GMT

Revision 14 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 17/04/2009 19:28:34

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Nyame Nti

Adinkra Symbols of West Africa

Adinkrahene

Adinkra Symbol Adinkrahene from Cote D'Ivoire

Akoma Ntoso

Adinkra Symbology - Akoma Ntoso

Denkyem

Dwennimmen

Adinkra

Funtunfunefu

Adinkra Symbol Funtunfunefu

Sankofa

Sankofa - West African Tribal Symbol

'God is in the heavens' and other Adinkra Symbols as well as their meanings

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Tom — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:28:12 GMT

Revision 13 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 17/04/2009 19:28:12

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Nyame Nti

Adinkra Symbols of West Africa

Adinkrahene

Adinkra Symbol Adinkrahene from Cote D'Ivoire

Akoma Ntoso

Adinkra Symbology - Akoma Ntoso

Denkyem

Dwennimmen

Adinkra

Funtunfunefu

Adinkra Symbol Funtunfunefu

Sankofa

Sankofa - West African Tribal Symbol

'God is in the heavens' and other Adinkra Symbols as well as their meanings

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Tom — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:25:29 GMT

Revision 12 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 17/04/2009 19:25:29

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Nyame Nti

Adinkra Symbols of West Africa

Adinkrahene

Adinkra Symbol Adinkrahene from Cote D'Ivoire

Akoma Ntoso

Adinkra Symbology - Akoma Ntoso

Denkyem

Dwennimmen

Adinkra

Funtunfunefu

Adinkra Symbol Funtunfunefu

Gye Nyame

West African Adinkra Tribal Symbols

Sankofa

Sankofa - West African Tribal Symbol

'God is in the heavens' and other Adinkra Symbols as well as their meanings

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Tom — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:24:45 GMT

Revision 11 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 17/04/2009 19:24:45

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Nyame Nti

Adinkra Symbols of West Africa

Adinkrahene

Adinkra Symbol Adinkrahene from Cote D'Ivoire

Akoma Ntoso

Adinkra Symbology - Akoma Ntoso

Denkyem

Dwennimmen

Adinkra

Funtunfunefu

Adinkra Symbol Funtunfunefu

Gye Nyame

West African Adinkra Tribal Symbols

Sankofa

Sankofa - West African Tribal Symbol

'God is in the heavens' and other Adinkra Symbols as well as their meanings

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Tom — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:22:42 GMT

Revision 10 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 17/04/2009 19:22:42

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Nyame Nti

Adinkra Symbols of West Africa

Adinkrahene

Adinkra Symbol Adinkrahene from Cote D'Ivoire

Akoma Ntoso

Adinkra Symbology - Akoma Ntoso

Denkyem

Dwennimmen

Adinkra

Funtunfunefu

Adinkra Symbol Funtunfunefu

Gye Nyame

West African Adinkra Tribal Symbols

Sankofa

Sankofa - West African Tribal Symbol

'God is in the heavens' and other Adinkra Symbols as well as their meanings

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Tom — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:19:22 GMT

Revision 9 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 17/04/2009 19:19:22

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Nyame Nti

Adinkra Symbols of West Africa

Adinkrahene

Adinkra Symbol Adinkrahene from Cote D'Ivoire

Akoma Ntoso

Adinkra Symbology - Akoma Ntoso

Denkyem

Dwennimmen

Adinkra

Funtunfunefu

Adinkra Symbol Funtunfunefu

Gye Nyame

West African Adinkra Tribal Symbols

Sankofa

Sankofa - West African Tribal Symbol

'God is in the heavens' and other Adinkra Symbols as well as their meanings

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Tom — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:25:56 GMT

Revision 8 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 17/04/2009 18:25:56

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Adinkra Symbols of West Africa

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Tom — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:20:36 GMT

Revision 7 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 17/04/2009 18:20:36

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Except for god
GYE NYAME

"except for God"
symbol of the supremacy of God

This unique and beautiful symbol is ubiquitous in Ghana. It is by far the most popular for use in decoration, a reflection on the deeply religious character of the Ghanaian people

sankofa
sankofa
SANKOFA

"return and get it"
symbol of importance of learning from the past

Adinkra symbols - adinkrahene
ADINKRAHENE

"Chief of the adinkra symbols"

symbol of greatness, charisma and leadership

This symbol is said to have played an inspiring role in the designing of other symbols. it signifies the importance of playing a leadership role.

Adinkra Symbols of West Africa- siamese crocodiles
FUNTUNFUNEFU-DENKYEMFUNEFU

"Siamese crocodiles"
symbol of democracy and unity

The Siamese crocodiles share one stomach, yet they fight over food. This popular symbol is a remind that infighting and tribalism is harmful to all who engage in it.

crocodile
DENKYEM

"crocodile"

symbol of adaptability

The crocodile lives in the water, yet breathes the air, demonstrating an ability to adapt to circumstances.

Ram's Horns - Adinkra Symbol of Cote D'Ivoire
DWENNIMMEN

"ram's horns"
symbol of humility together with strength

The ram will fight fiercely against an adversary, but it also submits humbly to slaughter, emphasizing that even the strong need to be humble.

Akoma ntoso - adinkra symbology
AKOMA NTOSO

"linked hearts"
symbol of understanding and agreement

By God's Grace
NYAME NTI

"by God's grace"
symbol of faith and trust in God
According to The Adinkra Dictionary by W. Bruce Willis: "This stalk is depicted as the staff of life in many cultures. It symbolizes to the Akan that food is a basis of life and that they could not survive if not for the food that God has placed here on Earth for their nourishment. "

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Tom — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:54:57 GMT

Revision 6 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 17/04/2009 17:54:57

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Except for god
GYE NYAME

"except for God"
symbol of the supremacy of God

This unique and beautiful symbol is ubiquitous in Ghana. It is by far the most popular for use in decoration, a reflection on the deeply religious character of the Ghanaian people

sankofa
sankofa
SANKOFA

"return and get it"
symbol of importance of learning from the past

Adinkra symbols - adinkrahene
ADINKRAHENE

"Chief of the adinkra symbols"

symbol of greatness, charisma and leadership

This symbol is said to have played an inspiring role in the designing of other symbols. it signifies the importance of playing a leadership role.

Adinkra Symbols West Africa - siamese crocodiles
FUNTUNFUNEFU-DENKYEMFUNEFU

"Siamese crocodiles"
symbol of democracy and unity

The Siamese crocodiles share one stomach, yet they fight over food. This popular symbol is a remind that infighting and tribalism is harmful to all who engage in it.

crocodile
DENKYEM

"crocodile"

symbol of adaptability

The crocodile lives in the water, yet breathes the air, demonstrating an ability to adapt to circumstances.

Ram's Horns - Adinkra Symbol of Cote D'Ivoire
DWENNIMMEN

"ram's horns"
symbol of humility together with strength

The ram will fight fiercely against an adversary, but it also submits humbly to slaughter, emphasizing that even the strong need to be humble.

Akoma ntoso - adinkra symbology
AKOMA NTOSO

"linked hearts"
symbol of understanding and agreement

By God's Grace
NYAME NTI

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Tom — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:54:02 GMT

Revision 5 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 17/04/2009 17:54:02

Adinkra African tribal symbols

Except for god
GYE NYAME

"except for God"
symbol of the supremacy of God

This unique and beautiful symbol is ubiquitous in Ghana. It is by far the most popular for use in decoration, a reflection on the deeply religious character of the Ghanaian people

sankofa

sankofa
SANKOFA

African Tattoo History

Filed under: Tattoo History, Tattoos, Africa, Countries, Designs, Tribal, History, Tattooed Mummies, Adinkra, Makonde, Cicatrisation, Cote D'Ivoire, Ghana, Scarification, India, Plants & Flowers

African Tattoo on Woman Source

The history of tattooing in Africa dates back thousands of years. Until the recent discovery of [[Otzi the Iceman]], the oldest known tattoos belonged to the mummy of Amunet, a priestess of the goddess Hathor somewhere between 2160 BC -1994 BC. With her simple parallel lines on her arms, legs, and an elliptical pattern below her navel, Amunet was the oldest glimpse we know had into tattooing in Africa, and the world. The designs found on her mummy, were believed to be symbols of fertility and rejuvenation. No male mummies in Egypt have been found with tattoos, but this does not mean they didn't exist, as male mummies have been found in Libya with tattoos of images relating to sun worship. In the tomb of Seti the first, dating back to around 1300 BC tattoos symbolizing Neith, a fierce goddess who led warriors into battle were also found on men. Very early tattoos portraying Bes, the god of sex and overseer of orgies have also been found on Nubian female mummies dating back to 400 BC.

[[Henna Tattoos|Henna]] and Mehndi were popular in ancient India and ancient Egypt and still remain popular today in the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and North Africa.

Tattoo Meanings

The great variety of tribes [[Tribal Tattoos|tribes]] and peoples of Africa mean that it's hard to state all the reasons for tattoos, however, tribal hierarchy, geographical location (as in the case of the [[Makonde Tribal Tattoos|Makonde tribal tattoos]] from Mozambique), spiritual protection, and rites of passage feature highly as reasons for tattooing throughout Africa's past.

Designs

All manner of animals, plants, ancestry and spirits are denoted in African Tattoo history, achieved not only through tattooing, but also through body-painting, [[Scarification|cicatrisation]] and [[Scarification]].

The [[Adinkra African tribal symbols|Adinkra symbols]], created by the Akan people of Ghana, and the Gyaman of Cote d'Ivoire in West Africa have become popular in some parts of the West.

The African Adinkra Symbols are becoming more commonly used in the West for tattoos source

African Tattoo History

Tom — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:33:52 GMT

Revision 10 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 17/04/2009 19:33:52

African Tattoo History

Filed under: Tattoo History, Tattoos, Africa, Countries, Designs, Tribal, History, Tattooed Mummies, Adinkra, Makonde, Cicatrisation, Cote D'Ivoire, Ghana, Scarification, India, Plants & Flowers

African Tattoo on Woman Source

[[Henna Tattoos|Henna]] and Mehndi were popular in ancient India and ancient Egypt and still remain popular today in the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and North Africa.

Tattoo Meanings

The great variety of tribes and peoples of Africa mean that it's hard to state all the reasons for tattoos, however, tribal hierarchy, geographical location (as in the case of the [[Makonde Tribal Tattoos|Makonde tribal tattoos]] from Mozambique), spiritual protection, and rites of passage feature highly as reasons for tattooing throughout Africa's past.

Designs

The African Adinkra Symbols are becoming more commonly used in the West for tattoos source

Tom — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 07:39:27 GMT

Revision 8 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 13/04/2009 08:39:27

African Tattoo History

Filed under: Tattoo History, Tattoos, Africa, Countries, Designs, Tribal, History, Tattooed Mummies, Adinkra, Makonde, Cicatrisation, Cote D'Ivoire, Ghana, Scarification, India, Plants & Flowers

African Tattoo on Woman Source

The history of tattooing in Africa dates back thousands of years. Until the recent discovery of [[Ötzi [Otzi the Iceman]], the oldest known tattoos belonged to the mummy of Amunet, a priestess of the goddess Hathor somewhere between 2160 BC -1994 BC. With her simple parallel lines on her arms, legs, and an elliptical pattern below her navel, Amunet was the oldest glimpse we know had into tattooing in Africa, and the world. The designs found on her mummy, were believed to be symbols of fertility and rejuvenation. No male mummies in Egypt have been found with tattoos, but this does not mean they didn't exist, as male mummies have been found in Libya with tattoos of images relating to sun worship. In the tomb of Seti the first, dating back to around 1300 BC tattoos symbolizing Neith, a fierce goddess who led warriors into battle were also found on men. Very early tattoos portraying Bes, the god of sex and overseer of orgies have also been found on Nubian female mummies dating back to 400 BC.

[[Henna Tattoos|Henna]] and Mehndi were popular in ancient India and ancient Egypt and still remain popular today in the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and North Africa.

Tattoo Meanings

The great variety of tribes and peoples of Africa mean that it's hard to state all the reasons for tattoos, however, tribal hierarchy, geographical location (as in the case of the [[Makonde tribal tattoos]] from Mozambique), spiritual protection, and rites of passage feature highly as reasons for tattooing throughout Africa's past.

Designs

All manner of animals, plants, ancestry and spirits are denoted in African Tattoo history, achieved not only through tattooing, but also through body-painting, [[Scarification|cicatrisation]] and [[Scarification]].

The [[Adinkra symbols]], created by the Akan people of Ghana, and the Gyaman of Cote d'Ivoire in West Africa have become popular in some parts of the West.

Tom — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 07:36:31 GMT

Revision 6 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 13/04/2009 08:36:31

African Tattoo History

African Tattoo History

Filed under: Tattoo History, Tattoos, Africa, Countries, Designs, Tribal, History, Tattooed Mummies, Adinkra, Makonde, Cicatrisation, Cote D'Ivoire, Ghana, Scarification, India, Plants & Flowers

[[Henna Tattoos|Henna]] and Mehndi were popular in ancient India and ancient Egypt and still remain popular today in the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and North Africa.

Tattoo Meanings

The great variety of tribes and peoples of Africa mean that it's hard to state all the reasons for tattoos, however, tribal hierarchy, geographical location (as in the case of the [[Makonde tribal tattoos]] from Mozambique), spiritual protection, and rites of passage feature highly as reasons for tattooing throughout Africa's past.

Designs

All manner of animals, plants, ancestry and spirits are denoted in African Tattoo history, achieved not only through tattooing, but also through body-painting, [[Scarification|cicatrisation]] and [[Scarification]].

The [[Adinkra symbols]], created by the Akan people of Ghana, and the Gyaman of Cote d'Ivoire in West Africa have become popular in some parts of the West.

The African Adinkra Symbols are becoming more commonly used in the West for tattoos source

African Tattoo History

Tom — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 06:59:39 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 13/04/2009 07:59:39
The history of tattooing in Africa dates back thousands of years. Until the recent discovery of [[Ötzi the Iceman]], the oldest known tattoos belonged to the mummy of Amunet, a priestess of the goddess Hathor somewhere between 2160 BC -1994 BC. With her simple parallel lines on her arms, legs, and an elliptical pattern below her navel, Amunet was the oldest glimpse we know had into tattooing in Africa, and the world. The designs found on her mummy, were believed to be symbols of fertility and rejuvenation. No male mummies in Egypt have been found with tattoos, but this does not mean they didn't exist, as male mummies have been found in Libya with tattoos of images relating to sun worship. In the tomb of Seti the first, dating back to around 1300 BC tattoos symbolizing Neith, a fierce goddess who led warriors into battle were also found on men. Very early tattoos portraying Bes, the god of sex and overseer of orgies have also been found on Nubian female mummies dating back to 400 BC.

[[Henna Tattoos|Henna]] and Mehndi were popular in ancient India and ancient Egypt and still remain popular today in the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and North Africa.

Tattoo Meanings

The great variety of tribes and peoples of Africa mean that it's hard to state all the reasons for tattoos, however, tribal hierarchy, geographical location (as in the case of the [[Makonde tribal tattoos]] from Mozambique), spiritual protection, and rites of passage feature highly as reasons for tattooing throughout Africa's past.

Designs

All manner of animals, plants, ancestry and spirits are denoted in African Tattoo history, achieved not only through tattooing, but also through body-painting, [[Scarification|cicatrisation]] and [[Scarification]].

The [[Adinkra symbols]], created by the Akan people of Ghana, and the Gyaman of Cote d'Ivoire in West Africa have become popular in some parts of the West.

The African Adinkra Symbols are becoming more commonly used in the West for tattoos source

Borneo Tribal Tattoos

Tom — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:53:28 GMT

Current revision posted to Tattoos by Tom on 09/06/2009 04:53:28

Borneo Tribal Tattoos

Know as the "Dayak", meaning "interior" or "inland" person, the variety of indigenous native tribes of Borneo have a tradition of tattooing that describes their fundamental identity as tribespeople, headhunters, warriors, and community members. Both the men and the women were tattooed, and for a variety of reasons.

Dayak Tattooed Woman from Borneo

Dayak tattoo mythology

All aspects of Dayak tatttoing showed a great reverence for ancestors, the departed spirits who resided in the 'village of the dead', as well as nature - the Dayak believing that plants contained the same type of lifeforce as humans and animals. Performed by Shaman known as 'manang' to the Iban tribe of Borneo, tattoos were performed to show rites of passage such as a successful head-hunt, to cure illness which was sometimes believed to be due to evil spirits, or to mark women's abilties with textiles and their status in the tribe. In Iban mythology and religious belief, all humans were formed by Selempandai, the Iban blacksmith god who forges human beings, and if a person's illness was thought to be caused by evil spirits, a name changing ceremony was sometimes performed along with a new tattoo near the wrist, in order to conceal the person from the evil spirit by changing them spiritually in the same way as Selempandai forged humans.

Ancestor spirits, and the shaman

The spirits of ancestors, and enemies (in the case of headhunting) were used for agricultural advice, to predict the seasons, protect from evil spirits in the forest, and protect and ensure success in hunts and head-hunts. Shamans acted as the link between the tribe's world, and the spirit world, and it was believed that while all people hoped their spirits would be able to find the sacred village of the dead in the afterlife, only those with the tattoos would be able to make it past the greatest hurdle in the afterlife, 'Maligang', the malevolent guardian of the bridge over the River of Death. Their tattoos would then shine brightly on the other side of the bridge, guiding their way through the darkness.

Traditional Tattooing Methods

The Kayan tribe's style of tattoos owes its popularity to its wood-block stamp technique, and is the source of much of the Borneo's designs, as other tribes, such as the Iban adapted the deigns to suit their own community. Tribe members would carve patterns into blocks of wood and then transfer it onto the skin. Designs were hand-tapped in ceremonies which often bore resemblance to ceremonies performed for the dead, possibly showing the Dayak's view of tattooing as a death and re-birth for the subject.

Common Borneo tribal designs

Dogs, Scorpions, Tigers,The Hornbill, Tuba root, the Garing tree, and Rosettes feature highly in Borneo designs, as well as other images all depicting features of nature, such as bamboo. These designs denoted spiritual assistance, protection, prestige, and tribal identity among other things.

Some typical Borneo tribal rosettes Source Source

Some useful info, and facts about Borneo

Borneo is the third largest island in the world and is located at the centre of Maritime Southeast Asia. Administratively, this island is divided between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. Indonesia's region of Borneo is called "Kalimantan" (although Indonesians use the term for the whole island), while Malaysia's region of Borneo is called East Malaysia or Malaysian Borneo. The independent nation of Brunei occupies the remainder of the island.

Satelite image of Borneo showing smoke from peat fires, taken August 19th 2002 Source

There are over 30 sub-ethnic groups living in Borneo, making the population of this island one of the most varied of human social groups. The native ethnic groups are Austronesians and their languages belong to the Malayo-Polynesian language family. Some ethnicities are now represented by only 30-100 individuals and are threatened with extinction. Much culture, language, ethnomusic and traditional knowledge has yet to be documented by anthropologists. Ancestral knowledge of ethnobotany and ethnozoology is useful in drug discovery (for example, bintangor plant for AIDS) or as future alternative food sources (such as sago starch for lactic acid production and sago maggots as a protein source).

Some typical Borneo tribal rosettes Source Source

Some useful info, and facts about Borneo

Satelite image of Borneo showing smoke from peat fires, taken August 19th 2002 Source

The type of rainforests found in Borneo include the high diversity mixed dipterocarp forest, the rare peat swamp forests and heath forest.

Borneo Tribal Tattoos

Tom — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 06:35:44 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 13/04/2009 07:35:44

Borneo Tribal Tattoos

Dayak tattoo mythology

Ancestor spirits, and the shaman

Traditional Tattooing Methods

Common Borneo tribal designs

Some typical Borneo tribal rosettes Source Source

Some useful info, and facts about Borneo

Satelite image of Borneo showing smoke from peat fires, taken August 19th 2002 Source

The type of rainforests found in Borneo include the high diversity mixed dipterocarp forest, the rare peat swamp forests and heath forest.

Borneo Tribal Tattoos

Tom — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 06:34:35 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 13/04/2009 07:34:35
Know as the "Dayak", meaning "interior" or "inland" person, the variety of indigenous native tribes of Borneo have a tradition of tattooing that describes their fundamental identity as tribespeople, headhunters, warriors, and community members. Both the men and the women were tattooed, and for a variety of reasons.

Dayak tattoo mythology

Ancestor spirits, and the shaman

Traditional Tattooing Methods

Common Borneo tribal designs

Some typical Borneo tribal rosettes Source Source

Some useful info, and facts about Borneo

Satelite image of Borneo showing smoke from peat fires, taken August 19th 2002 Source

The type of rainforests found in Borneo include the high diversity mixed dipterocarp forest, the rare peat swamp forests and heath forest.

Cambodia Tattoos

Tom — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:53:06 GMT

Current revision posted to Tattoos by Tom on 09/06/2009 04:53:06

Cambodia Tattoos

Filed under: Tattoos, Cambodia, Tribal, History, Sak Yant

Sak yant, (also called yantra tattooing), is a form of sacred tattooing practiced in Southeast Asian countries including Cambodia and Thailand. Sak yant are normally tattooed by Buddhist monks or Brahmin priests. The most famous temple in the present day for Yant tattooing is Wat Bang Phra in Nakhon Chaysri, Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand.

Wat Bang Phra Temple in Cambodia

The Yantra designs that already existed in Hindu India were adapted by the Khmer as Buddhism arrived from neighbouring India.Records have shown that the tattoo dates back to Angkor times. Different masters have added to these designs through visions received in their meditations. Some Yant have been adapted from pre-Buddhist Shamanism and the belief in Animal Spirits that was to be found in the Southeast Asian sub-Continent and incorporated into the Thai Buddhist tradition.

The script used for Yant designs is ancient Khmer and Pali.

In Cambodia, the tattoo is used for self-protection. Cambodians believe a yantra has magical powers that ward off evil and hardship. The tattoo is particularly popular amongst military personnel. The tattoo supposedly guarantees that the person cannot receive any physical harm as long as they follow certain conditions. A person is supposed not supposed to talk to anyone for three days and three nights after receiving a yantra. Another alternative is to follow the five Buddhist precepts which are you cannot kill, steal, cheat, be intoxicated by alcohol or lust over women.

Yant designs are also applied to many other mediums, such as cloth or metal, and placed in one's house, place of worship, or vehicle as a means of protection from all kinds of dangers, or against illness, to increase wealth or attract lovers etc.

Cambodia Tattoos

Tom — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 07:52:02 GMT

Revision 4 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 13/04/2009 08:52:02

Cambodia Tattoos

Filed under: Tattoos, Cambodia, Tribal, History, Sak Yant

Wat Bang Phra Temple in Cambodia

The script used for Yant designs is ancient Khmer and Pali.

Cambodia Tattoos

Tom — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 07:52:02 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 13/04/2009 08:52:02

Cambodia Tattoos

Wat Bang Phra Temple in Cambodia

The script used for Yant designs is ancient Khmer and Pali.

Cambodia Tattoos

Tom — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 07:51:16 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 13/04/2009 08:51:16

Cambodia Tattoos

Sak yant, (also called yantra tattooing), is a form of sacred tattooing practiced in Southeast Asian countries including Cambodia and Thailand.

Sak yant are normally tattooed by Buddhist monks or Brahmin priests. The most famous temple in the present day for Yant tattooing is Wat Bang Phra in Nakhon Chaysri, Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand.

Wat Bang Phra Temple in Cambodia

The script used for Yant designs is ancient Khmer and Pali.

Cambodia Tattoos

Tom — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 07:45:46 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 13/04/2009 08:45:46
Sak yant, (also called yantra tattooing), is a form of sacred tattooing practiced in Southeast Asian countries including Cambodia and Thailand.

Sak yant are normally tattooed by Buddhist monks or Brahmin priests. The most famous temple in the present day for Yant tattooing is Wat Bang Phra in Nakhon Chaysri, Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand.

Wat Bang Phra Temple in Cambodia

The script used for Yant designs is ancient Khmer and Pali.

Mentawai Islands Tribal Tattoos

Tom — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:52:23 GMT

Current revision posted to Tattoos by Tom on 09/06/2009 04:52:23

Mentawai Islands Tribal Tattoos

Filed under: Tattoo History, Countries, Designs, Traditional Methods, Tattoo Culture, Hand Tapping, Tribal, Trees, Shaman, Mentawai Islands

Mentawai tattoo Mythology

The Mentawai people are the indiginous inhabitants of the Mentawai Islands - a chain of about seventy islands and islets off the western coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. In Mentawai mythology, a young boy transformed himself into the first Sago tree so that his people would never run out of food. This Sago tree is one of the most revered symbols of Mentawai people's religion, Jarayak, and this tree image is tattooed on the body of every medicine man. One of the main aims of the Mentawai's tattoos is to help them achieve perfect harmony with the spirits of the forest.

Mentawai Islands Tattoos on Old Man

Mentawai Designs

The Sago tree is the most prolific of the Metawai designs and usually consists of stripes on the legs represent the trunk, long dotted lines running down the arms evoke the branches, patterns on the hands and ankles to suggest the bark, and curved lines on the chest representing the sago flower.

Mentawai's tattoos served other functions as well as venerating their religion - tattoos show ethnicity, and where a person was from, their status and profession eg, hunter, shaman, tribal member, as well as to celebrate the skills of the maker, and the 'mana' or spiritual force of the group.

Traditional Methods

Tattoos are seen as sacred and are therefore best performed by tribal shaman known as 'sikeireis', who's job it is to bridge the world of man with the spirit world. Tattoos are hand-tapped into the subject using the wood of the indigenous Karai tree. The Ink is often made from some form of carbon mixed with sugar cane juice. Tattoo lines are passed over several times to ensure string black lines.

According to some sources, a man must construct an 'uma', or Metawai traditional house before he could be tattooed. During this rite, the man would not be allowed to look at women, not allowed to have sex, and observe taboos around drinking and dining. Several pigs would also be slaughtered. At the climax of the rite, there would be a journey in a flat-bottomed skiff containing up to 40 passengers to Siberut island - believed to be the place of origin of the Metawai people, and only when all these people, after braving the huge waves, returned safely from the island of Siberut with beads unique to that island, could the members of the tribe be tattooed.

Traditional Methods

Philippines Tribal Tattoos

Tom — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:51:53 GMT

Current revision posted to Tattoos by Tom on 09/06/2009 04:51:53

Philippines Tribal Tattoos

Philippino Tribal Tattoos

'The Painted Prince' Giolo, brought to London in September 1691

The men of Visayas wore such intricate and extensive tattoos that early Spanish explorers called their part of the Philippines 'La Isla De Los Pintados' - meaning the island of the painted ones. The term 'Patik' means tattoo.

Traditional Tattoo Methods

The traditional tattoo methods of the Philippines are said to differ slightly between the groups of the various regions - the Philippines being made up of over 7000 islands. All the methods involve the subject's skin being smeared with a mixture of soot and sugar cane juice, and if these aren't available, substances such as lard or hen's dung can be used. The skin is rapidly perforated by the tattooing instrument, which consists of either sharp metal points as used by the 'Pintados', or sharpened wooden teeth, as used by the Kankanay tribe. The Isneg tribe from the Apayao Province use a curved piece of rattan with four or five pins attached to the end. The curve near the pins is then beaten rapidly by the tattooists while the pins are on the skin, forcing them deep into the subject's skin.

Folklore

The traditional tattoo revival underway in the Philippines has lead to a renewed interest in the earliest folklore and mythology behind the Philippino tattooing arts. One Philippino tattoo myth bears a lot of similarities with the tribes of Borneo, - it says that a bird fell into a bowl of ink, and, in panic started to fly around desperately, and flew into a warrior, and as it furiously pecked at the warrior, the ink penetrated his skin, and the first tattoo was born.

Tattoo Meanings

As with other tribal tattooing histories, Philippino tattoos were used on men to show tribal seniority, accomplishments, age, and power, as well as acting as talismans in certain cases. For instance, although the lizard denotes death, as it was said to be the messenger of death, lizard tattoos would actually be worn as protection, as it was felt that other spirits, seeing the lizard tattoo, would leave the warrior alone as they would be tricked into believing the message of death had already been delivered. Women would wear tattoos to enhance their beauty, and would limit the placing of their tattoos to hands and feet usually, although there were exceptions. The idea of connetcing with ancestors runs through Philippino tattooing traditions, meaning that awareness of family, past, and oral teachings was very important.

Designs

The desings vary among the different Philippino traditions, from the extremely elaborate and complicated etchings of the Visayas, to the Luzon's intricate patterns comprised of curved and straight lines inked in Indigo blue. The designs worn were indicators of blood lines, and ancestors as well as achievements and changes, so designs would have been tailored to the individual, although there were tattoos with specific meanings.

The Philippines now - some facts and a brief modern history ...

The Philippines (Filipino: Pilipinas), officially the Republic of the Philippines (Republika ng Pilipinas; RP), is an archipelagic nation located in Southeast Asia, with Manila as its capital city. The Philippine archipelago comprises 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean, bordering countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Palau and the Republic of China, although it is the only Southeast Asian country to share no land borders with its neighbors. The Philippines is the world's 12th most populous country with a population approaching 90 million people. Its national economy is the 47th largest in the world with a 2006 gross domestic product (GDP) of over US$117.562 billion. There are more than 11 million overseas Filipinos worldwide, about 11% of the total population of the Philippines.

The Philippines was formerly a Spanish then an American colony. The Philippine Revolution was an attempt to gain independence from Spain, and later from the U.S. in the Philippine-American War. The Philippines ultimately gained its independence from the United States on July 4, 1946 after the Pacific War (the Second World War) via the Treaty of Manila. The Philippines then became a fledgling democracy until the authoritarian rule of Ferdinand Marcos led to his overthrow in the People Power Revolution of 1986. Political upheavals alternated with peaceful transition of power on the period that followed.
Today, the Philippines has many affinities with the Western world, derived mainly from the cultures of Spain, Latin America, and the United States. Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion, although pre-Hispanic indigenous religious practices still exist. There are also followers of Islam. Spanish was an official language of the Philippines until 1973. Today the two official languages are Filipino and English.

Philippines Tribal Tattoos

Tom — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 06:29:09 GMT

Revision 5 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 13/04/2009 07:29:09

Philippines Tribal Tattoos

Philippino Tribal Tattoos

'The Painted Prince' Giolo, brought to London in September 1691

Traditional Tattoo Methods

Folklore

Tattoo Meanings

Designs

The Philippines now - some facts and a brief modern history ...

Philippines Tribal Tattoos

Tom — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 06:28:05 GMT

Revision 4 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 13/04/2009 07:28:05

Philippines Tribal Tattoos

Philippino Tribal Tattoos

'The Painted Prince' Giolo, brought to London in September 1691

Traditional Tattoo Methods

Folklore

Tattoo Meanings

Designs

The Philippines now - some facts and a brief modern history ...

Makonde Tribal Tattoos

Tom — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:49:49 GMT

Current revision posted to Tattoos by Tom on 09/06/2009 04:49:49

Makonde Tribal Tattoos

Filed under: Tattoos, Africa, History, Makonde, Tibal, Mozambique

Makonde Traditional Methods

In traditional Makonde practises for tattooing, the tattoo ('dinembo') ("design" or "decoration") usually requires three or more sessions with the tattoo artist (mpundi wa dinembo) ("tattoo design artist") to produce the correct result. Cuts are made with the traditional tattoo implements (chipopo), the design of which is one of the only major changes in Makonde tattooing practises - the old blade has now been replaced by newer razor blades to produce cleaner, deeper lines. Vegetable carbon is then rubbed into the incisions producing a dark blue color.

Makonde Traditional Tribal Tattoos Source

Men normally tattoo men, and women normally tattoo other women, although sometimes there are exceptions. The memory of the design is cut into the subject by the tattooist, then the vegetable carbon is rubbed in, and the wounds are left to dry in the sun. The process is repeated twice more at 6 month intervals, so that steadily, a raised relief pattern emerges in the desired design. Those who do not complete the second or third sitting are ridiculed by other members of the tribe, and sometimes threatened - this applies to the women as much as the men, who are chastised by their tattooist who acts as a kind of godmother during the tattooing rite, as courage is one of the characteristics a tattoo shows in Makonde culture.

Designs

Spiders (lidangadanga), root bundles (nkaña), and crocodiles (nantchiwanuwe) are just some of the decorative motifs used by the Makonde which are believed to have had magical properties to the tribe in their past. Even today, fertility symbols such as lizards, palm trees and palm fruit are believed by Makonde women to attract husbands when tattooed on their abdomen and inner thighs.

Much of the practise of tattooing pubic and naval areas may also relate to the old tribal practise of trying to ward of evil spirits who may want to enter the body through vulnerable areas.

Some info and facts about The Makonde

Makonde Art

The Makonde are best known for their wood carvings and their observances of puberty rites. They speak Makonde, also known as ChiMakonde, a Central Bantu language closely related to Yao. Many speak other languages such as English in Tanzania, Portuguese in Mozambique, and Swahili and Makua in both countries. The Makonde are traditionally a matrilineal society where children and inheritances belong to women, and husbands move into the village of their wives. Their traditional religion is an animistic form of ancestor worship and still continues, although Makonde of Tanzania are nominally Muslim and those of Mozambique are Catholic or Muslim.

Makonde art

Makonde art

Makonde Tribal Tattoos

Tom — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:06:47 GMT

Revision 4 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 17/04/2009 11:06:47

Makonde Tribal Tattoos

Filed under: Tattoos, Africa, History, Makonde, Tibal, Mozambique

Makonde Traditional Methods

Makonde Traditional Tribal Tattoos Source

Designs

Much of the practise of tattooing pubic and naval areas may also relate to the old tribal practise of trying to ward of evil spirits who may want to enter the body through vulnerable areas.

Some info and facts about The Makonde

Makonde art

Makonde Tribal Tattoos

Tom — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:57:52 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 17/04/2009 10:57:52

Makonde Tribal Tattoos

Filed under: Tattoos, Africa, History, Makonde, Tibal, Mozambique

Makonde Traditional Methods

Designs

Much of the practise of tattooing pubic and naval areas may also relate to the old tribal practise of trying to ward of evil spirits who may want to enter the body through vulnerable areas.

Some info and facts about The Makonde

Makonde art

Makonde Tribal Tattoos

Tom — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:57:52 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 17/04/2009 10:57:52

Makonde Tribal Tattoos

Filed under: Tattoos, Africa, History, Makonde, Tibal

Makonde Traditional Methods

Designs

Much of the practise of tattooing pubic and naval areas may also relate to the old tribal practise of trying to ward of evil spirits who may want to enter the body through vulnerable areas.

(source)

Some info and facts about The Makonde

Makonde art

A Makonde Carving source

Detail of the Makonde carving source

Another Makonde carving source

Makonde elephant carving source

Makonde Tribal Tattoos

Tom — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:56:28 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 17/04/2009 10:56:28
Makonde Traditional Methods

Designs
Spiders (lidangadanga), root bundles (nkaña), and crocodiles (nantchiwanuwe) are just some of the decorative motifs used by the Makonde which are believed to have had magical properties to the tribe in their past. Even today, fertility symbols such as lizards, palm trees and palm fruit are believed by Makonde women to attract husbands when tattooed on their abdomen and inner thighs.

Much of the practise of tattooing pubic and naval areas may also relate to the old tribal practise of trying to ward of evil spirits who may want to enter the body through vulnerable areas.

(source)

Some info and facts about The Makonde

Makonde art
The art of the Makonde must be subdivided into different areas. The Makonde traditionally carve household objects, figures and masks. Since the 1950s years the socalled Modern Makonde Art has been developed. An essential step was the turning to abstract figures, mostly spirits (Shetani) that play a special role. Makonde are also part of the important contemporary artists of Africa today.

A Makonde Carving source

Detail of the Makonde carving source

Another Makonde carving source

Makonde elephant carving source

Tattoo Studio Hygiene

Tom — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:48:54 GMT

Current revision posted to Tattoos by Tom on 09/06/2009 04:48:54

Tattoo Studio Hygiene

Filed under: Tattoos, Equipment, Autoclaves, Sterilisation, Hygiene, Needles, Tattoo Studios, Sharps, Biohazards, Blood, Cross Contamination, Pathogens

Hygiene

The properly equipped [[Tattoo Studios|tattoo studio]] will use biohazard containers for objects that have come into contact with blood or bodily fluids, sharps containers for old needles, and an [[Autoclaves|autoclave]] for sterilizing tools. Certain jurisdictions also require studios by law to have a sink in the work area supplied with both hot and cold water.

A tattoo artist wearing gloves (source)

The properly equipped [Tattoo Studios|tattoo studio]] will use biohazard containers for objects that have come into contact with blood or bodily fluids, sharps containers for old needles, and an [[Autoclaves|autoclave]] for sterilizing tools. Certain jurisdictions also require studios by law to have a sink in the work area supplied with both hot and cold water.

A tattoo artist wearing gloves (source)

Indian Ink

Tom — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:48:17 GMT

Current revision posted to Tattoos by Tom on 09/06/2009 04:48:17

Indian Ink

Filed under: Tattoos, Equipment, Ink, Indian Ink

Also known as India ink, and Chinese ink, Indian Ink is a simple black ink once widely used for writing and printing, and now more commonly used for drawing, especially when inking comics and comic strips. Indian ink can be used for home-made tattoos (sometimes called "stick and poke" or "prison" tattoos), by repeatedly stabbing the skin with a sharp sewing needle wrapped in ink-soaked thread. Indian ink usually is not suitable for fountain pens, as it will readily clog the pen.

Indian Ink Bottle
History

The ink used in early India since at least the 4th century BC was called masi, which was an admixture of several chemical components. Indian documents written in Kharosthi with ink have been unearthed in Chinese Turkestan. The practice of writing with ink and a sharp pointed needle was common in early South India. Several Jain sutras in India were compiled in ink. In India, the carbon black from which India ink is produced is obtained by burning bones, tar, pitch, and other substances.

Other uses of Indian Ink

Hanetsuki (羽根突き, 羽子突き) is a Japanese traditional game, similar to badminton, played by girls at the New Year with a rectangular wooden paddle called a hagoita, and a brightly-colored shuttlecock. The shuttlecock must be kept in the air as long as possible. Girls who fail to hit the shuttlecock get marked on the face with Indian ink.

In pathology laboratories, Indian ink is applied to surgically removed tissue specimens to help maintain orientation and indicate tumor resection margins. To avoid having an inky mess, the painted tissue is sprayed with acetic acid, which acts as a mordant, "fixing" the ink so it doesn't track everywhere. This ink is used because it survives tissue processing, during which time samples of tissue are bathed in alcohol and xylene before being embedded in paraffin wax, as part of making glass microscope slides. When viewed under the microscope, the ink at the tissue edge informs the pathologist of the surgical resection margin or other point of interest.

Indian Ink

Tom — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 07:17:50 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 20/04/2009 08:17:50

Indian Ink

Filed under: Tattoos, Equipment, Ink, Indian Ink

Indian Ink Bottle
History

Other uses of Indian Ink

Indian Ink

Tom — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 15:44:54 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 18/04/2009 16:44:54
Also known as India ink, and Chinese ink, Indian Ink is a simple black ink once widely used for writing and printing, and now more commonly used for drawing, especially when inking comics and comic strips. Indian ink can be used for home-made tattoos (sometimes called "stick and poke" or "prison" tattoos), by repeatedly stabbing the skin with a sharp sewing needle wrapped in ink-soaked thread. Indian ink usually is not suitable for fountain pens, as it will readily clog the pen.

History

Other uses of Indian Ink

Tattoo Pigments And Dyes

Tom — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:47:25 GMT

Current revision posted to Tattoos by Tom on 09/06/2009 04:47:25

Tattoo Pigments And Dyes

Tattoo Dyes and pigments

Early tattoo inks were obtained directly from nature and were extremely limited in pigment variety. Today, an almost unlimited number of colors and shades of tattoo ink are mass-produced and sold to parlors worldwide. Tattoo artists commonly mix these inks to create their own, unique pigments.

Traditional pigments being mixed and used in Africa

A wide range of dyes and pigments can be used in tattoos, from inorganic materials like titanium dioxide and iron oxides to carbon black, azo dyes, and acridine, quinoline, phthalocyanine and naphthol derivates, dyes made from ash, and other mixtures. The current trend for tattoo pigment favors Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS plastic) as seen by the widespread popularity of Intenze, Millennium and other ABS pigmented brands.

Iron oxide pigments are used in greater extent in cosmetic tattooing. Many pigments were found to be used in a survey of professional tattooists. Recently, a blacklight-reactive [[Tattoo Ink|tattoo ink]] using PMMA microcapsules has surfaced. The technical name is BIOMETRIX System-1000, and is marketed under the name "Chameleon Tattoo Ink". This same ink can also be found as "The Original Blacklight Inks by NEWWEST Technologies".

Tattoo Pigments And Dyes

Tom — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 15:46:55 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 18/04/2009 16:46:55

Tattoo Dyes and pigments

Tattoo Ink

Tom — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:46:43 GMT

Current revision posted to Tattoos by Tom on 09/06/2009 04:46:43

Tattoo Ink

Filed under: Tattoos, Equipment, Ink, Pigments, U.V Ink, Tattoo Ink

Tattoo inks

Modern tattooing inks, (as opposed to traditional [[Tattoo Pigments And Dyes|tattoo pigments and dyes]]) are carbon based pigments that have uses outside of commercial tattoo applications. Although the United States Food and Drug Administration technically requires premarket approval of pigments it has not actually approved the use of any ink or pigments for tattooing (because of a lack of resources for such relatively minor responsibilities).

Tattoo Ink, Image by knucklover

Having said this, there are many reputable, established, and safe tattoo ink brands and manufacturers whose products are used widely and safely around the world. As of 2004 the FDA does perform studies to determine if the contents are possibly dangerous, and follow up with legal action if they find them to have disallowed contents, including traces of heavy metals (such as iron oxide) or other carcinogenic materials (see CA lawsuit). The first known study to characterize the composition of these pigments was started in 2005 at Northern Arizona University (Finley-Jones and Wagner). The FDA expects local authorities to legislate and test tattoo pigments and inks made for the use of permanent cosmetics. In California, the state prohibits certain ingredients and pursues companies who fail to notify the consumer of the contents of tattoo pigments. Recently, the state of California sued nine pigment and ink manufacturers, requiring them to more adequately label their products.

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS plastic) ground down to an average diameter of slightly less than 1 micrometer is used as the colorant in the brighter tattoo pigments. The tattoo pigments that use ABS result in very vivid tattoos. Many popular brands of tattoo pigment contain ABS as a colorant. ABS colorants produce extremely vivid tattoos that are less likely to fade or blur than the traditional pigments, but ABS tattoo pigment is also harder to remove because it is so much less reactive to lasers.

Tom — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 15:44:22 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 18/04/2009 16:44:22

Tattoo Ink

Liner Tattoo Needles in blister pack- used for lines and small detail

Shader needles most commonly come in groups of 4,6,7 & 9 needles, and are usually arranged in a straght line on a flat bar, much like the teeth of a comb.

Tattoo needles in professional studios are single-use to stop infection of any kind, and often come in blister packs.

tattoo machine showing needles, grip, and sanitary tube

Tattoo Needles

Tom — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:58:01 GMT

Revision 4 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 18/04/2009 15:58:01

Tattoo Needles

Shading Tattoo Needles

The needles are mounted (soldered in place) on a bar which is attached to the tattoo machine, and the number of needles can vary. The needles are attached to the the tattoo machine's needle arm which is what makes the movement happen, and the needles are surrounded by a sanitary tube which can be taken off so that it can be sterilised in an [[Autoclaves|autoclave]]. The sanitary tubes are designed especially for the combination of needles, so there's a seperate tube for each different number of needles in a needle bar assembly.

Liner Tattoo Needles in blister pack- used for lines and small detail

Shader needles most commonly come in groups of 4,6,7 & 9 needles, and are usually arranged in a straght line on a flat bar, much like the teeth of a comb.

Tattoo needles in professional studios are single-use to stop infection of any kind, and often come in blister packs.

tattoo machine showing needles, grip, and sanitary tube

Tattoo Needles

Tom — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:57:11 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 18/04/2009 15:57:11

Tattoo Needles

There are two sets of tattoo needles - those used for lining, and those used for shading. Some tattooists will use the different types of needles with

Shading Tattoo Needlesmachines specifically designed for them, eg, lining and shading machines, however many tattooists will use both lining and shading needles with the same tattoo machine.

Shading Tattoo Needles

Liner Tattoo Needles in blister pack- used for lines and small detail

Liner needles come in combinations of 1,3,4,5 & 7 (there can be any number, but they're most often found in these combinations) needles per bar, are made

Liner Tattoo Needles in blister pack- used for lines and small detail

of madeof stainless steel, and are usually arranged on the round bar in a circular pattern.

Shader needles most commonly come in groups of 4,6,7 & 9 needles, and are usually arranged in a straght line on a flat bar, much like the teeth of a comb.

Tattoo needles in professional studios are single-use to stop infection of any kind, and often come in blister packs.

tattoo machine showing needles, grip, and sanitary tube

Tattoo Needles

Tom — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:55:28 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 18/04/2009 15:55:28

Tattoo Needles

There are two sets of tattoo needles - those used for lining, and those used for shading. Some tattooists will use the different types of needles with

Shading Tattoo Needles

machines specifically designed for them, eg, lining and shading machines, however many tattooists will use both lining and shading needles with the same tattoo machine.

Liner needles come in combinations of 1,3,4,5 & 7 (there can be any number, but they're most often found in these combinations) needles per bar, are made

Liner Tattoo Needles in blister pack- used for lines and small detail

of stainless steel, and are usually arranged on the round bar in a circular pattern.

Shader needles most commonly come in groups of 4,6,7 & 9 needles, and are usually arranged in a straght line on a flat bar, much like the teeth of a comb.

Tattoo needles in professional studios are single-use to stop infection of any kind, and often come in blister packs.

tattoo machine showing needles, grip, and sanitary tube

Tattoo Needles

Tom — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:54:35 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 18/04/2009 15:54:35
There are two sets of tattoo needles - those used for lining, and those used for shading. Some tattooists will use the different types of needles with

Shading Tattoo Needles

machines specifically designed for them, eg, lining and shading machines, however many tattooists will use both lining and shading needles with the same tattoo machine.

Liner needles come in combinations of 1,3,4,5 & 7 (there can be any number, but they're most often found in these combinations) needles per bar, are made

Liner Tattoo Needles in blister pack- used for lines and small detail

of stainless steel, and are usually arranged on the round bar in a circular pattern.

Shader needles most commonly come in groups of 4,6,7 & 9 needles, and are usually arranged in a straght line on a flat bar, much like the teeth of a comb.

Tattoo needles in professional studios are single-use to stop infection of any kind, and often come in blister packs.

tattoo machine showing needles, grip, and sanitary tube

Tattoo Machines

Tom — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:44:03 GMT

Current revision posted to Tattoos by Tom on 09/06/2009 04:44:03

Tattoo Machines

Filed under: Tattoos, Equipment, Tattoo Machines, Irons, Guns

A tattoo machine is a hand-held device generally used to create a tattoo, a permanent marking of the skin with ink.

A Custom Tattoo Machine

Modern tattoo machines use alternating electromagnetic coils to move a needle bar up and down, driving pigment into the skin. Tattoo artists generally use the word "machine", or even "iron", to refer to their equipment, while amateurs and collectors often use the term "gun".

How It Works

Basically the machine works similar to alternating current- charge causes magnets to pull downward on the bar, which disconnects the circuit and allows the upward force of the spring to pull the bar upward

Power is conducted by wires in two different directions: Through the coils to the adjustable contact screw, and through the frame to the contact spring, via the armature spring.

The tattoo machine parts

Current, flowing between the contact screw and the contact spring, completes the circuit, causing:
The electromagnetic coils to pull down on the armature bar, which causes:
The needle bar to move down with it, the needles at the end of the needle bar penetrate the skin.
With the circuit broken, the armature spring is free to exert its upward force again, causing the circuit to close with the contact made again.

The basic machine was invented by Thomas Edison and patented in the United States in 1876 U.S. Patent 196,747 , Stencil-Pens. It was originally intended to be used as an engraving device, but in 1891, Samuel O'Reilly discovered that Edison's machine could be modified and used to introduce ink into the skin, and later patented a tube and needle system to provide an ink reservoir.

History

U.S Government patent for tattoo machine 1876

The technology used to make modern tattoo machines has come a long way since Samuel O'Reilly's inovations. While O'Reilly's machine was based on the rotary technology of Edison's engraving device, modern tattoo machines use electromagnets. The first machine based on this technology was a single coil machine patented by Thomas Riley of London, just twenty days after O'Reilly filed the patent for his rotary machine. For his machine, Riley placed a modified door bell assembly in a brass box. The modern two coil configuration was patented by Alfred Charles South, also of London. Because it was so heavy, a spring was often attached to the top of the machine and the ceiling to take most of the weight off the operator's hand.

Most modern tattoo machines can control needle depth, speed, and force of application, which has allowed tattooing to become a very precise art form. Such advancements in precision have also produced a style of facial tattooing that has attained mainstream popularity in America called dermapigmentation, or "permanent cosmetics".

Tattoo Machines

Tom — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:35:14 GMT

Revision 7 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 17/04/2009 11:35:14

Tattoo Machines

Filed under: Tattoos, Equipment, Tattoo Machines, Irons, Guns

A tattoo machine is a hand-held device generally used to create a tattoo, a permanent marking of the skin with ink.

A Custom Tattoo Machine

How It Works

Power is conducted by wires in two different directions: Through the coils to the adjustable contact screw, and through the frame to the contact spring, via the armature spring.

The tattoo machine parts

History

U.S Government patent for tattoo machine 1876

Tattoo Machines

Tom — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:34:35 GMT

Revision 6 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 17/04/2009 11:34:35

Tattoo Machines

Filed under: Tattoos, Equipment, Tattoo Machines, Irons, Guns

A tattoo machine is a hand-held device generally used to create a tattoo, a permanent marking of the skin with ink.

A Custom Tattoo Machine

How It Works

The tattoo machine parts

Power is conducted by wires in two different directions: Through the coils to the adjustable contact screw, and through the frame to the contact spring, via the armature spring.

The tattoo machine parts

History

U.S Government patent for tattoo machine 1876

Tattoo Machines

Tom — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:32:58 GMT

Revision 5 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 17/04/2009 11:32:58

Tattoo Machines

Filed under: Tattoos, Equipment, Tattoo Machines, Irons, Guns

A tattoo machine is a hand-held device generally used to create a tattoo, a permanent marking of the skin with ink.

A Custom Tattoo Machine

A tattoo machine is a hand-held device generally used to create a tattoo, a permanent marking of the skin with ink. Modern tattoo machines use alternating electromagnetic coils to move a needle bar up and down, driving pigment into the skin. Tattoo artists generally use the word "machine", or even "iron", to refer to their equipment, while amateurs and collectors often use the term "gun".

The tattoo machine parts

The tattoo machine parts
The electromagnetic coils to pull down on the armature bar, which causes:
The needle bar to move down with it, the needles at the end of the needle bar penetrate the skin.
With the circuit broken, the armature spring is free to exert its upward force again, causing the circuit to close with the contact made again.

History

U.S Government patent for tattoo machine 1876

Tattoo Machines

Tom — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:20:51 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 17/04/2009 11:20:51

Tattoo Machines

Filed under: Tattoos, Equipment, Tattoo Machines, Irons, Guns

The tattoo machine parts

The electromagnetic coils to pull down on the armature bar, which causes:
The needle bar to move down with it, the needles at the end of the needle bar penetrate the skin.
With the circuit broken, the armature spring is free to exert its upward force again, causing the circuit to close with the contact made again.

History

U.S Government patent for tattoo machine 1876

Tattoo Machines

Tom — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:15:32 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 17/04/2009 11:15:32
A tattoo machine is a hand-held device generally used to create a tattoo, a permanent marking of the skin with ink. Modern tattoo machines use alternating electromagnetic coils to move a needle bar up and down, driving pigment into the skin. Tattoo artists generally use the word "machine", or even "iron", to refer to their equipment, while amateurs and collectors often use the term "gun".

The tattoo machine parts

History

U.S Government patent for tattoo machine 1876

Polynesian Tribal Tattoos

Tom — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:42:02 GMT

Current revision posted to Tattoos by Tom on 09/06/2009 04:42:02

Polynesian Tribal Tattoos

Filed under: Tattoo History, Tattoos, Tribal, Polynesian

Polynesian Tattooed Man

Geographically, and oversimply, Polynesia may be described as a triangle with its corners at Hawaii, New Zealand and Easter Island. The other main island groups located within the Polynesian triangle are Samoa, Tonga, the various island chains that form the Cook Islands and French Polynesia. Niue is a rare solitary island state near the centre of Polynesia.

The practise of tattooing in ancient Polynesian society was used to denote hierarchy, sexual maturity, and blood line, and most people bore tattoos. After the missionaries arrived in Polynesia in 1797, the practise of tattooing was banned as it was felt that the art contradicted the teachings of the Bible's Old Testament, but since the 1980's, a revival of Polynesian tattoing has spread from Polynesia across the globe as these beautiful designs, and the meanings behind them have fascinated new generations and audiences.

History of Polynesian Tattooing

Marquesan Warrior Tattoos

When Mendana , the Spanish explorer, found the islands of Fenua Enana in 1595, he named the archipelago (chain of islands) the Marquises Islands, however it was the English Sea Captains, Samuel Wallis, and Cook, as well as French explorer Bougainville who first described Polynesian tattoing to the West over 200 years later. Samuel Wallis in 1767 said that there was a "universal custom among men and women to get their buttocks, and the back of their thighs painted with thin black lines representing different figures." Bougainville said that "The women of Tahiti dye their loins and buttocks a deep blue" in 1768. In 1774, Captain Cook wrote in his diary that the Polynesian people "Print signs on peoples' bodies and call this Tattow"

Traditional Polynesian Tattooing Tools

Needles carved from bone or Tortoise shell form a comb which is then fitted to a wooden handle. After being dipped into a pigment made from the soot of burnt candlenut mixed with water or oil, the comb of needles is placed on the desired area of skin, and tapped with another stick to form the image by piercing the skin's surface, allowing the ink deep into the skin's broken layers. The word tatau is said to come from the sound of this [[hand tapping]]

The sacred aspects of Polynesian tattoing

Polynesian culture viewed tattoing as a sacred art or 'Tapu', and it was performed by Shamans (Tahua) who were highly trained in the technical aspects of the art, the meanings of the desings, as well as the rituals associated with the process. A period of cleansing was often undertaken before receiving a tattoo, including abstaining from food, sex, and contact with women for a specific amount of time. The positioning of the tattoos was based on your blood line, social rank, and your personal acchievements. At about 12 years of age, the first tattoos would be performed on ancient Polynesians to mark the passage between childhood and adulthood, and more were added as your experience and prestige grew. Tattoos were also a sign of power and prestige, and not having any meant you were despised for your lack of these attributes. Chiefs and warriors wore the most elaborate tattoos due to their status, and power within the social hierarchy. Girls also received their first tattoos around the age of twelve - the first being a hand tattoo which allowed them to take part in acivities such as the preparation of foods, and the rubbing of dead bodies with coconut oil - before the tattoos were completed, participation in these activities was prohibited. Although much less elaborate than the male tattoos, the Polynesian womens' tattoos were still extensive, although usually limited to certain parts of the body such as hands, arms, feet, lips, and ears, although prestigious women also could have their legs tattooed.

Traditional Polynesian Tattoo Designs

Enata designs are natural designs that come to symbolize a person’s life history, island of origin, social level, type of work done, etc. For example, if you were a fisherman, you might have a symbol that is there to protect you from dangerous sharks, or to protect your fishing vessel.

The Etua designs have a much stronger spiritual, magical or religious meaning to them, and might show particular honour to one or more people in a tribe, or offer protection by the gods.

Tiki:

Tiki is a god, most often depicted with his eyes closed. His eyes are closed because Tiki is reported to smell trouble before he sees it.

Shells:

Shells represent wealth to the Polynesian cultures, most likely because they were used as a type of currency.

Sharks’ teeth:

Tattoos of sharks’ teeth denote protection.

Sharks:

Sharks were sacred animals. Powerful and mighty, Polynesian shark tattoos were often used as a protection from enemies.

Turtles:

Turtles symbolized fertility and long life.

Gecko:

The gecko is supposed to have supernatural powers, and is regarded by Polynesians with fear and awe. It is rumored that if a green gecko “laughs” at you, it’s a terrible omen of illness and bad fortune.

Even though Polynesian tattoing has had more than its fair share of adversaries, this beautiful art form is once again flourishing both in its homeland and abroad.

Polynesian Tribal Tattoos

hitchhiker — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:49:56 GMT

Revision 7 posted to Tattoos by hitchhiker on 16/04/2009 13:49:56

Polynesian Tribal Tattoos

Filed under: Tattoo History, Tattoos, Tribal, Polynesian

Polynesian Tattooed Man

History of Polynesian Tattooing

Marquesan Warrior Tattoos

Traditional Polynesian Tattooing Tools

The sacred aspects of Polynesian tattoing

Traditional Polynesian Tattoo Designs

The Etua designs have a much stronger spiritual, magical or religious meaning to them, and might show particular honour to one or more people in a tribe, or offer protection by the gods.

Tiki:

Tiki is a god, most often depicted with his eyes closed. His eyes are closed because Tiki is reported to smell trouble before he sees it.

Shells:

Shells represent wealth to the Polynesian cultures, most likely because they were used as a type of currency.

Sharks’ teeth:

Tattoos of sharks’ teeth denote protection.

Sharks:

Sharks were sacred animals. Powerful and mighty, Polynesian shark tattoos were often used as a protection from enemies.

Turtles:

Turtles symbolized fertility and long life.

Gecko:

Polynesian Tribal Tattoos

hitchhiker — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:48:35 GMT

Revision 6 posted to Tattoos by hitchhiker on 16/04/2009 13:48:35

Polynesian Tribal Tattoos

Filed under: Tattoo History, Tattoos, Tribal, Polynesian

Polynesisan Tattoos
Polynesian Tattooed Man

Geographically, and oversimply, Polynesia may be described as a triangle with its corners at Hawaii, New Zealand and Easter Island. The other main island groups located within the Polynesian triangle are Samoa, Tonga, the various island chains that form the Cook Islands and French Polynesia. Niue is a rare solitary island state near the centre of Polynesia.

The practise of tattooing in ancient Polynesian society was used to denote hierarchy, sexual maturity, and blood line, and most people bore tattoos. After the missionaries arrived in Polynesia in 1797, the practise of tattooing was banned as it was felt that the art contradicted the teachings of the Bible's Old Testament, but since the 1980's, a revival of Polynesian tattoing has spread from Polynesia across the globe as these beautiful designs, and the meanings behind them have fascinated new generations and audiences.

History of Polynesian Tattooing

Marquesan Warrior Tattoos

Traditional Polynesian Tattooing Tools

The sacred aspects of Polynesian tattoing

Traditional Polynesian Tattoo Designs

The Etua designs have a much stronger spiritual, magical or religious meaning to them, and might show particular honour to one or more people in a tribe, or offer protection by the gods.

Tiki:

Tiki is a god, most often depicted with his eyes closed. His eyes are closed because Tiki is reported to smell trouble before he sees it.

Shells:

Shells represent wealth to the Polynesian cultures, most likely because they were used as a type of currency.

Sharks’ teeth:

Tattoos of sharks’ teeth denote protection.

Sharks:

Sharks were sacred animals. Powerful and mighty, Polynesian shark tattoos were often used as a protection from enemies.

Turtles:

Turtles symbolized fertility and long life.

Gecko:

Polynesian Tribal Tattoos

Tom — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:44:43 GMT

Revision 5 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 13/04/2009 09:44:43

Polynesian Tribal Tattoos

Filed under: Tattoo History, Tattoos, Tribal, Polynesian

Polynesisan Tattoos

Polynesian Tattooed Man

History of Polynesian Tattooing

Marquesan Warrior Tattoos

Traditional Polynesian Tattooing Tools

The sacred aspects of Polynesian tattoing

Traditional Polynesian Tattoo Designs

The Etua designs have a much stronger spiritual, magical or religious meaning to them, and might show particular honour to one or more people in a tribe, or offer protection by the gods.

Tiki:

Tiki is a god, most often depicted with his eyes closed. His eyes are closed because Tiki is reported to smell trouble before he sees it.

Shells:

Shells represent wealth to the Polynesian cultures, most likely because they were used as a type of currency.

Sharks’ teeth:

Tattoos of sharks’ teeth denote protection.

Sharks:

Sharks were sacred animals. Powerful and mighty, Polynesian shark tattoos were often used as a protection from enemies.

Turtles:

Turtles symbolized fertility and long life.

Gecko:

Polynesian Tribal Tattoos

Tom — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:44:43 GMT

Revision 4 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 13/04/2009 09:44:43

Polynesian Tribal Tattoos

Filed under: Tattoo History, Tattoos, Polynesian

Polynesisan Tattoos

Polynesian Tattooed Man

History of Polynesian Tattooing

Marquesan Warrior Tattoos

Traditional Polynesian Tattooing Tools

The sacred aspects of Polynesian tattoing

Traditional Polynesian Tattoo Designs

The Etua designs have a much stronger spiritual, magical or religious meaning to them, and might show particular honour to one or more people in a tribe, or offer protection by the gods.

Tiki:

Tiki is a god, most often depicted with his eyes closed. His eyes are closed because Tiki is reported to smell trouble before he sees it.

Shells:

Shells represent wealth to the Polynesian cultures, most likely because they were used as a type of currency.

Sharks’ teeth:

Tattoos of sharks’ teeth denote protection.

Sharks:

Sharks were sacred animals. Powerful and mighty, Polynesian shark tattoos were often used as a protection from enemies.

Turtles:

Turtles symbolized fertility and long life.

Gecko:

Polynesian Tribal Tattoos

Tom — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:44:43 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 13/04/2009 09:44:43

Polynesian Tribal Tattoos

Polynesisan Tattoos

Polynesian Tattooed Man

History of Polynesian Tattooing

Marquesan Warrior Tattoos

Traditional Polynesian Tattooing Tools

The sacred aspects of Polynesian tattoing

Traditional Polynesian Tattoo Designs

The Etua designs have a much stronger spiritual, magical or religious meaning to them, and might show particular honour to one or more people in a tribe, or offer protection by the gods.

Tiki:

Tiki is a god, most often depicted with his eyes closed. His eyes are closed because Tiki is reported to smell trouble before he sees it.

Shells:

Shells represent wealth to the Polynesian cultures, most likely because they were used as a type of currency.

Sharks’ teeth:

Tattoos of sharks’ teeth denote protection.

Sharks:

Sharks were sacred animals. Powerful and mighty, Polynesian shark tattoos were often used as a protection from enemies.

Turtles:

Turtles symbolized fertility and long life.

Gecko:

Polynesian Tattoos

Tom — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 06:12:35 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 13/04/2009 07:12:35

Polynesian Tattoos

Polynesisan Tattoos

Polynesian Tattooed Man

History of Polynesian Tattooing

Marquesan Warrior Tattoos

Traditional Polynesian Tattooing Tools

The sacred aspects of Polynesian tattoing

Traditional Polynesian Tattoo Designs

The Etua designs have a much stronger spiritual, magical or religious meaning to them, and might show particular honour to one or more people in a tribe, or offer protection by the gods.

Tiki:

Tiki is a god, most often depicted with his eyes closed. His eyes are closed because Tiki is reported to smell trouble before he sees it.

Shells:

Shells represent wealth to the Polynesian cultures, most likely because they were used as a type of currency.

Sharks’ teeth:

Tattoos of sharks’ teeth denote protection.

Sharks:

Sharks were sacred animals. Powerful and mighty, Polynesian shark tattoos were often used as a protection from enemies.

Turtles:

Turtles symbolized fertility and long life.

Gecko:

Polynesian Tattoos

Tom — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 06:09:55 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 13/04/2009 07:09:55

Polynesisan Tattoos

Polynesian Tattooed Man

History of Polynesian Tattooing

Marquesan Warrior Tattoos

Traditional Polynesian Tattooing Tools

The sacred aspects of Polynesian tattoing

Traditional Polynesian Tattoo Designs

The Etua designs have a much stronger spiritual, magical or religious meaning to them, and might show particular honour to one or more people in a tribe, or offer protection by the gods.

Tiki:

Tiki is a god, most often depicted with his eyes closed. His eyes are closed because Tiki is reported to smell trouble before he sees it.

Shells:

Shells represent wealth to the Polynesian cultures, most likely because they were used as a type of currency.

Sharks’ teeth:

Tattoos of sharks’ teeth denote protection.

Sharks:

Sharks were sacred animals. Powerful and mighty, Polynesian shark tattoos were often used as a protection from enemies.

Turtles:

Turtles symbolized fertility and long life.

Gecko:

Maori Tribal Tattoos

Tom — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:41:24 GMT

Current revision posted to Tattoos by Tom on 09/06/2009 04:41:24

Maori Tribal Tattoos

Filed under: Tattoo History, Tattoos, Maori, New Zealand, Tribal, Ta Moko

Maori Tattoos

Tā moko is the permanent body and face marking by Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. It is distinct from tattoo and tatau in that the skin was carved by uhi (chisels) rather than punctured. This left the skin with grooves, rather than a smooth surface.

It was brought by Māori from their Eastern [[Polynesian Tribal Tattoos|Polynesian]] homeland, and the implements and methods employed were similar to those used in other parts of Polynesia (see Buck 1974:296, cited in References below).

Maori tribal tattoos (source)

In pre-European Māori culture, many if not most high-ranking persons received moko, and those who went without them were seen as persons of lower social status. Receiving moko constituted an important milestone between childhood and adulthood, and was accompanied by many rites and rituals. Apart from signalling status and rank, another reason for the practice in traditional times was to make a person more attractive to the opposite sex. Men generally received moko on their faces, buttocks (called raperape) and thighs (called puhoro). Women usually wore moko on their lips (kauae) and chins. Other parts of the body known to have moko on it include the foreheads, buttocks, thighs, neck and backs of women, and the backs, stomachs and calves of men.

The tattoists were considered Royal and special.

Instruments Used

Originally tohunga-ta-moko (moko specialists) used a range of uhi (chisels) made from albatross bone which were hafted onto a handle, and struck with a mallet. The [[pigments]] were made from the awheto for the body colour, and ngarehu (burnt timbers) for the blacker face colour. The soot from burnt [[kauri gum]] was mixed with fat to make pigment, also. The pigment was stored in ornate vessels named oko, which were often buried when not in use. The oko were handed on to successive generations. Men were predominantly the moko specialists, although King records a number of women during the early 20th century who also took up the practice. There is also a remarkable account of a woman prisoner-of-war in the 1830s who was seen putting moko on the entire back of the wife of a chief

Changes

King talks about changes which evolved in the late 19th century when needles came to replace the uhi as the main tools. This was a quicker method, less prone to possible health risks, but the feel of the moko changed to smooth. Women continued receiving moko through the 20th century, but moko on men stopped around the 1860s in line with changing fashion and acceptance by Pākehā (white New Zealanders).

Tā moko Today

Since 1990 there has been a resurgence in the practice of moko for both men and women, as a sign of cultural identity and a reflection of the general revival of the language and culture. Not all moko applied today is done using [[Tattoo Machines|tattoo machines]]. Recently there has been a strong revival of the use of uhi (chisels). Women too have become more involved as practitioners, such as Christine Harvey of the Chathams, Henriata Nicholas in Rotorua and Julie Kipa in Whakatane. Te Uhi a Mataora was recently established by practitioners to discuss issues facing the art form, such as the practice by non-Māori, an issue which is increasingly of concern to Māori

Maori Tribal Tattoos

Tom — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 07:34:02 GMT

Revision 6 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 20/04/2009 08:34:02

Maori Tribal Tattoos

Filed under: Tattoo History, Tattoos, Maori, New Zealand, Tribal, Ta Moko

Maori Tattoos

Maori tribal tattoos (source)

The tattoists were considered Royal and special.

Instruments Used

Revision 4 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 13/04/2009 09:46:43

Maori Tribal Tattoos

Filed under: Tattoo History, Tattoos, Maori, New Zealand, Tribal, Ta Moko

Maori Tattoos

It was brought by Māori from their Eastern [[Polynesian Tribal Tattoos|Polynesian homeland]]Tattoos|Polynesian]] homeland, and the implements and methods employed were similar to those used in other parts of Polynesia (see Buck 1974:296, cited in References below). In pre-European Māori culture, many if not most high-ranking persons received moko, and those who went without them were seen as persons of lower social status. Receiving moko constituted an important milestone between childhood and adulthood, and was accompanied by many rites and rituals. Apart from signalling status and rank, another reason for the practice in traditional times was to make a person more attractive to the opposite sex. Men generally received moko on their faces, buttocks (called raperape) and thighs (called puhoro). Women usually wore moko on their lips (kauae) and chins. Other parts of the body known to have moko on it include the foreheads, buttocks, thighs, neck and backs of women, and the backs, stomachs and calves of men.

The tattoists were considered Royal and special.

Instruments Used

Tom — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:42:53 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 13/04/2009 09:42:53

Maori Tribal Tattoos

Filed under: Tattoo History, Tattoos, Maori, New Zealand, Tribal, Ta Moko

Maori Tattoos

It was brought by Māori from their Eastern Polynesian homeland[[Polynesian homeland|Polynesian Tribal Tattoos]], and the implements and methods employed were similar to those used in other parts of Polynesia (see Buck 1974:296, cited in References below). In pre-European Māori culture, many if not most high-ranking persons received moko, and those who went without them were seen as persons of lower social status. Receiving moko constituted an important milestone between childhood and adulthood, and was accompanied by many rites and rituals. Apart from signalling status and rank, another reason for the practice in traditional times was to make a person more attractive to the opposite sex. Men generally received moko on their faces, buttocks (called raperape) and thighs (called puhoro). Women usually wore moko on their lips (kauae) and chins. Other parts of the body known to have moko on it include the foreheads, buttocks, thighs, neck and backs of women, and the backs, stomachs and calves of men.

The tattoists were considered Royal and special.

Instruments Used

Changes

Tā moko Today

Since 1990 there has been a resurgence in the practice of moko for both men and women, as a sign of cultural identity and a reflection of the general revival of the language and culture. Not all moko applied today is done using [[tattoo machines]]. Recently there has been a strong revival of the use of uhi (chisels). Women too have become more involved as practitioners, such as Christine Harvey of the Chathams, Henriata Nicholas in Rotorua and Julie Kipa in Whakatane. Te Uhi a Mataora was recently established by practitioners to discuss issues facing the art form, such as the practice by non-Māori, an issue which is increasingly of concern to Māori

Maori Tribal Tattoos

Tom — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:40:50 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 13/04/2009 09:40:50

Maori Tattoos

It was brought by Māori from their Eastern Polynesian homeland, and the implements and methods employed were similar to those used in other parts of Polynesia (see Buck 1974:296, cited in References below). In pre-European Māori culture, many if not most high-ranking persons received moko, and those who went without them were seen as persons of lower social status. Receiving moko constituted an important milestone between childhood and adulthood, and was accompanied by many rites and rituals. Apart from signalling status and rank, another reason for the practice in traditional times was to make a person more attractive to the opposite sex. Men generally received moko on their faces, buttocks (called raperape) and thighs (called puhoro). Women usually wore moko on their lips (kauae) and chins. Other parts of the body known to have moko on it include the foreheads, buttocks, thighs, neck and backs of women, and the backs, stomachs and calves of men.

The tattoists were considered Royal and special.

Instruments Used

Changes

Tā moko Today

Underwater tattoo (source)

Having a shower isn't generally considered harmful to a new tattoo, as long as you don't scrub the tattoo whilst in the shower. Be sure to clean it very carefully at first so you don't damage your skin. When it comes to swimming, chlorine can cause problems in the beginning so, even after the first two weeks, limit your exposure to chlorine-treated swimming pools. Some people suggest that it's best to wait for a long as three months before you can really stop worrying about getting your tattoo soaked. This is because it can take that long for a new protective layer of skin to form over your new tattoo, protecting it from chemicals and bacteria. Lots of people get tattoos in summer, or just before, but, in reality, this is probably the worst time to get a new tattoo, especially if you're a fan of the outdoors or swimming, as both water and [[New Tattoos Sun Exposure|sun exposure]] can harm your tattoo. If you're a fan of the summer, it's worth getting your new tattoo a few months before the sun and heat really get going to allow it to [[New Tattoo Healing Times]] fully.

New Tattoos and Water

Tom — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 18:10:50 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Tattoos by Tom on 19/04/2009 19:10:50

New Tattoos and Water

Underwater tattoo (source)