Franchesca
Tattoos are an an amazing art of sculpting on human body; today in the in modern world tattooing is probably the most popular type of body adornment. Tattooing can be dated back as far back as the ancient Egyptian civilization.
Current archaeological records state that the tattoo began around early third and fourth century ancient times. Back then old fashioned methods of tattooing instruments were used for tattooing around the period 10,000 BC to 38,000 BC. These old fashioned instruments have been dug up archeologists in digs throughout
Tattoos have played a significant role, especially in religious terms. Many people in past have chosen to have a religious tattoo inscribed on their body. Religious tattoos are used to symbolize the thoughts of the wearer.
Records dating back to the late fifth century suggest that Manim, (one of the disciples of Jesus Christ) had a tattoo on his thigh was inscribed to help represent his dedication to Jesus.
The word “tattoo” comes from Polynesian origin, related to the Tahitian word tatau and the Marquesan word ta-tu.The uses of tattooing have always been mysterious as these purposes could have been accomplished by other means easily as well. So many people believe that there might be another motive beneath the surface: perhaps an inexplicable fascination of blood-shedding to make their statement and consenting to change the body for life.
Tattooing is discouraged and most Christian churches throughout history have forbidden the art of expression. There have been many historical records and biblical passages that suggest religious tattooing was common amongst the ancient Jews and Christians.
There is evidence that suggests that the sun god ‘Baal’ asked his worshippers to mark their hands with “divine tokens in a mystic attempt to acquire strength.”
In religious backgrounds there are two kinds of tattoo arts - one which is of a of pagan superstition. And the other for the sake of God, which provides certain rewards toward the bearers rituals and beliefs.Ancient Crusaders that arrived in the Holy Land often tattooed a small cross on their hands or arms as a sign that they wished to have a Christian burial.
The ways of tattooing have also been simply incredible. In ancient times the men in Samoan Islands were traditionally tattooed from waist to knees. While Samoan men covered their lower bodies with tattoos, ‘Maori’ men of New Zealand tattooed their buttocks, thighs, and faces. ‘Maori’ men had their faces tattooed by an artist of “moko”, a technique unique to the ‘Maori’.
The Maori pattern was carved into the skin with a chisel, much the way designs are carved into wood. A painful process not for the light hearted. The tattoo Ink was placed into the cuts to make the tattoo. Due to the pain they often started this process in early adulthood and continued through the years, in stages. As time has passed the art of tattooing has lost its religious and ritual meaning.
Now tattooing is used for fashion purposes. Today’s more often than not, it’s extremely common to find youngsters with a wide variety of tattoos of different sizes and all patterns such as skulls bikes or even names or initials of loved ones.Although even today it’s possible to find people with astonishing tattoos on their body, based on a religious background. Religious tattoos have a mystery in themselves, and are likely to continue the legacy for generations to come.
