Tattoo Research Papers

Tattooing has existed for thousands of years in places such as Irezumi in Japan, Ta Moko in New Zealand and the Pe'a and Malu in Samoa. The word tattoo originates from the Polynesian word “ta” which means striking something, as well as the Tahitian word “tatau” which means “to mark something”. Contemporary tattooing has evolved from a practice that was initially imported from the islands of Polynesia and later transformed into a form of working-class folk art. Tattooing is a centuries old art form with various styles, purposes, and applications.
Each style has fundamentals that contribute to the distinctive appearance of its tattoo. There's hundreds of styles but only a few have been bold enough to be remembered. Some styles have been so indelible …show more content…
Like most aesthetic trends, tattooing didn’t make its way to rural America quickly. Small-town introductions to body ink came via the circus, where those with body art were billed as bizarre attractions” (Crum). People covered head to toe in body art were occasionally hired as a sideshow act for circuses. These exhibits provided employment for those completely tattooed.
“Tattoos are one of the only things you take to the grave. Having tattoos does not make you a delinquent or a thug… it’s art! Art is about self expression and creativity. Some people hang their art. We wear ours” (Tattoos and Piercings). Advanced techniques allows any image to be tattooed. If an individual simply likes a piece of art they can now wear it forever. Painting recreations are common whether it is the work of a famous artist or the individual’s own work.
Another current reason people get tattooed today is to establish a goal. Some may have a specific profession, or activity they want to conquer. Someone might wish to get a quote or a symbol that has value to them. Having a permanent reminder can incite them to never abandon their