Transformation of Tattoos

A historical story with a personal touch.

Tattoos have been dated as far back as 5,200 BC when the mummified body of Otzi the Iceman was inspected, revealing 61 geometric tattoos. Though the origins are not 100% clear, we do know this- tattoos have been around for centuries in many cultures, and their meanings have evolved over time.

A handful of Otzi’s tattoos, which were discovered after he was found mummified in a glacier in 1991. The 61 tattoos are made up of horizontal and vertical lines and divided into 19 groups. | https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/scientists-have-mapped-all-of-otzi-the-icemans-61-tattoos

Early tattooing was done using mallets and piercing equipment made from sharp objects such as bones, thorns, and shells. They marked headhunters, prisoners, slaves, and both the lower and upper classes. They were also done as a display of religious worship, for healing purposes, to tell stories, and to protect against bad fortune and illness.

Tattoo equipment made from bird and human bones about 2,700 years ago, found on the island of Tongatapu, Tonga. | https://theconversation.com/worlds-oldest-tattooists-toolkit-found-in-tonga-contains-implements-made-of-human-bone-109427

Today, tattoos are commonplace, and there are tens of thousands of shops across the world prepared to ink their paying guests. The United States alone hosts 21,000 of these shops, which generate approximately $1.6 billion in revenue each year.

Source: https://comparecamp.com/tattoo-statistics/#:~:text=36%25%20of%20US%20citizens%20age,aged%2030%2D39%20have%20tattoos

Today, 43% of American adults have at least one tattoo compared to 21% in 2012. Less than 40% would rule out getting one. People get tattoos to commemorate loved ones, to honor their heritage, to pay tribute to a moment in time, such as a trip, and simply for fashion; 43% of people get tattoos with a personal meaning. Unfortunately, 3 in 4 people who get tattoos regret them, and services for the removal of tattoos have increased in demand by 32%. That isn’t stopping Americans- and citizens around the world- from getting inked, however.

Source: https://www.inkedmag.com/culture/15-top-tattooed-cities-us#gid=ci0234ff2510012718&pid=screen-shot-2014-09-25-at-123400-pm

People get tattooed everywhere- from arms to legs, face to feet. Not all tattoo locations are held equally, however. Hand and face tattoos are often affiliated with gang activity and have the most stigma against them. Hidden tattoos are more accepted than visible tattoos, with 70% of United States and United Kingdom employers finding visible tattoos unfavorable. Luckily, 72% of adults have tattoos hidden by clothing.

Source: https://comparecamp.com/tattoo-statistics/#:~:text=36%25%20of%20US%20citizens%20age,aged%2030%2D39%20have%20tattoos.

Tattoos are found on millions of people worldwide. Despite negative connotations, the industry is growing more rapidly than ever. People of all careers, nationalities, genders, sexualities, lifestyles, and walks of life get tattoos to commemorate something; a person, a moment, a memory, a pet, and more. Tattoos are here to stay, and more and more people are giving life to this ancient art.