Past and Present of Body Art
1
For the last several centuries, body art has been used for many different reasons
under many different cultures. All the way from identification, spiritual practices,
medical practices, to merely showing an individual’s uniqueness. Body art has evolved
from being categorized as a pathetic and lowly way of life to a modern fad that will not
be dying out anytime soon. This type of art has long since been a part of the human race.
Piercing and body art have been around roughly 2000 years before the ancient
Egyptians (Body Art, 2009). According to Gay and Whittington, in earlier times,
tattooing and piercing was used strictly for religious purposes, therapeutic healing, and
even as a method to identify individual people (Gay & Whittington, 2007). These
individuals at the time were stereotyped as criminals, sailors, or slaves (History of
Tattoos, 2005). Some of these older traditions have not changed, but today, body art can
be used simply for decoration of ones body (Gay & Whittington, 2007).
Tattooing and piercing is one of the oldest practices known to man kind (Montana
Body Piercing, 2008). Scientists theorize that the beginning of tattooing was merely an
accident - that someone who had an open cut/wound had soot or ash rubbed into the open
skin, so when it healed, the pigment of the individual’s skin was discolored (A Brief
History of Tattoos, 2000). And tattooing – in short – is insertion of colored ink beneath
the first two layers of skin via needle (Body Art: Marks of Identity, 2009). Regardless of
how it started though, scientists theorize that the Polynesian’s were a main distributor of
tattooing and piercing, right along side Aztecs and Inca’s; all three are ancient cultures
(Body Art: Marks Of Identity, 2009). The word ‘tattoo’ was even derived from
Polynesian and Tahitian language (History of Tattoos, 2005).
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Tattooing and piercing is said to date back over five thousand years ago - and
more recent finds are said to date back over 20,000 years ago. The first evidence of this is
a well-preserved body that was discovered in a glacier located in the Otztal Alps near the
border of Austria and Italy (Freeland, 2007). He was nick-named “Ice Man” or “Otzi”
(pronounced: oot-zee). He earned the name “Ice Man” because of the glacier he was
found in; the name “Otzi” was earned because he was found in the valley of the Otztal
Alps (Freeland, 2007).
Ice Man has helped proved that tattooing has been around for some time,
considering the age and time period of the corpse – Otzi – found. One scientist noted that
the position of the parallel lines that Ice Man had were equivalent to traditional
acupuncture points (The Ancient History of Body Art, 2009). This leads scientist to
believe that they were used for medical purposes as well; the theory was later
strengthened when X-rays were taken of Ice Man when arthritis was found in those areas
of the body (Gay and Whittington 21).
Finding Ice Man was surely a piece of cold, hard evidence (literally) to scientist
and archeologists, but Ice Man has not been the only evidence we have on the history and
beliefs of tattooing and piercing (The Ancient History of Body Art, 2009). Mummies
that have been found in their ancient tombs have tattoos inscribed on their bodies (The
Ancient History of Body Art, 2009). Patterns and lines were common among Egyptian
women, but so far, there are no male mummies that have been found with tattoos (Body
Art: Marks of Identity, 2009). Although there are no indications of what the patterns or
lines meant, they could have been used to identify how wealthy or how important
Past and Present of Body Art
3
particular Egyptian women were (Gay and Whittington pg21). This could have shown the
royalty of Egyptian females at the time (A Brief History of Tattoos, 2000).
The Greeks originally learned tattooing and piercing from the Persians (Thomas,
Brooks, Grace and Hauslaib, 2003). Greek women thought that tattoos were fascinating
and viewed them as beauty marks and so they adopted the practice into their own culture
(Brief History of Tattoos, 2003). Ann Dwyer researched that in 5000 BC, the Japanese
leaders were found entombed with figurines of their Gods who bore tattoos (Body
Piercing: A Guide for Teens, 2006).
Tattooing and piercing was more popular among ancient tribes or groups of
people such as the Incas, Mayans, Aztecs, and Amazonians (Body Art: Marks of Identity,
2009). Other earlier cultures that practiced tattooing and piercing were Native Americans
Greeks, Nubians, Germans, Gauls, Thracians, and the British (Body Art: Marks Of
Identity, 2009). Borneo is one of the few places left in the world that still practices
ancient tribal tattooing (A Brief History of Tattoos, 2000). Even Pagans, during Old
Testament, thousands of years ago, practiced tattooing as a sign of worship over Deities
(A Brief History of Tattoos, 2000).
Tattoos today are still being used to identify certain people (A Brief History of
Tattoos, 2000). Religions used tattoos as a way to recognize followers of certain beliefs,
while other religious groups thought it a sin because it goes against God’s image of
humans (The Ancient History of Body Art, 2009). Tattoos were even at one point used to
recognize slave members (A Brief History of Tattoos, 2000); but one of the most popular
identification methods for tattoos is used by gang members (Beth, 2006).
Past and Present of Body Art
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Gang members today and in the past use tattoos to distinguish members of that
particular organization by using symbols, letters, or pictures (Beth, 2006). Common
examples of gang symbols are black rings located around the upper arm for every crime
committed (History of Tattoos, 2005); this is used for members of Yakuza, which is a
Japanese gang (Gay & Whittington, 2007 pg46-47). There are numerous Hispanic related
gang tattoos, but one of the more popular gang symbols for Hispanics is a five-point
crown, and or, a five point star, usually located on the upper-arm, or on the hand (Gay &
Whittington, 2007 pg46-47). A common Mexican gang symbols is two hands that are
praying, this means: “Praying to God for forgiveness” most likely for deeds or tasks they
will do (Gay & Whittington, 2007 pg46). When getting, or thinking about getting a
tattoo, it is important to be aware that your tattoo choice does not end up looking similar
to that of a gang symbol (Gay and Whittington pg46).
According to Sarah Freeland, “History also records several different purposes for
body art, beyond the label of art. Some societies used it for medical purposes, some
spiritual, and some as a statement of hierarchy (Freeland, 2007).” Native Americans
tribes used tattoos for either a marital status/ranking (A Brief History of Tattoos, 2000),
and reflected power and group identity (A Brief History of Tattoos, 2000). Most Native
Americans were often terminal after using charcoal for means of tattooing (The Ancient
History of Body Art, 2009).
Materials used were shaped into a point, similar to that of a needle, and then it is
dipped into inks and dyes that are made up of different colored berries and plants (The
Ancient History of Body Art, 2009). It is then the beginning of a long and painful process
that involves the needle-like material and a flat piece of wood or stone used to tap the
Past and Present of Body Art
5
needle-like object against the skin and from that point, the color is transferred from the
needle to the first layer of skin (The Ancient History of Body Art, 2009). Along with the
longer and more drawn out procedure, the chances of infection are higher and more
likely, and this is because the equipment isn’t sterile or cleaned like the tattoo artists are
required to do today in most tattoo/piercing parlors (Proper Tattoo Aftercare, 2006).
Because we live in a world that is constantly changing, adapting, and evolving, it
means that things come and go; like clothes, music, and other trends, body art is generally
the same (See Appendix B). When tattoos first arrived in the United States, they were
more looked at as a sign of disgrace to the human body and only people such as sailors
and prisoners got them to show off how many years were done in prison or how strong or
vile that particular individual was (A Brief History of Tattoos, 2000). However, it did not
take long for that stereotype to change; tattoos became popular there after, and were even
considered a sign of strength; the greater number of tattoos that an individual had, the
more respect the person was paid (History of Tattoos, 2005). Someone who bared no
marks was thought to be an outcast to society (History of Tattoos, 2005).
In the year 1890, Samuel O’Reilly – an American tattoo artist – invented the very
first electronic tattooing machine (History of Tattoos, 2005). And even though his
invention took a huge step for the tattooing world, it is still possible to get infections and
scarring (History of Tattoos, 2005). This is why it is important for someone who decides
to get a piercing or tattoo to do research on local tattoo parlors, because in rare cases,
syphilis has been transmitted due to dirty, unclean needles (Body Art: Marks Of Identity,
2009).
Past and Present of Body Art
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An alternative to tattooing is a style known as scarification (The Ancient History
of Body Art, 2009). Scarification is similar to tattooing; though negative the inks and
dyes. Instead, scarification is the process of cutting or branding ones skin so that when
the marred flesh heals, the scar tissue in its place creates intricate patterns in the way the
cuts were made (The Ancient History of Body Art, 2009). Branding however is only
slightly different; instead of cutting, it is simply burning the skin so that the skin is seared
and blistered to the point of scarring after it heals (The Ancient History of Body Art,
2009).
In order to even get a tattoo or piercing to begin with, you either need to be
eighteen years of age, or have a parent or guardian accompany you at the tattoo parlor,
because if you are a minor, they will not allow you to be pierced or tattooed (Body
Piercing: A Guide for Teens, 2006). This is mainly because of safety protocol. When you
have consent (either from yourself or guardian) to have a tattoo or piercing, one of the
first steps is the preparation (Proper Tattoo Aftercare, 2006). Being prepared will help
when it comes time to get the piercing and or tattoo, and when the piercing or tattoo
begins to heal. The healing process is said to be the most painful part of the piercing or
tattooing process (Proper Tattoo Aftercare, 2006). This is so because the tattoo/piercing is
likely to be tender, irritated or inflamed over the time period in which it is healing
(Proper Tattoo Aftercare, 2006). People with higher tolerances to pain are more likely to
keep the piercing instead of taking it out; this is obviously impossible to do with a tattoo
(Proper Tattoo Aftercare, 2006).
The area that is pierced or ‘inked’ will be bumped and nudged while it is in the
process of healing (Proper Tattoo Aftercare, 2006). This could make the healing process
Past and Present of Body Art
7
longer, so it is important to keep from touching or irritating the area in any way possible
(Proper Tattoo Aftercare, 2006). Tattoos and piercing need room to breathe, so wearing
loose or baggy clothes in that particular area will help it to heal, and it will probably
make things a lot less painful (Proper Tattoo Aftercare, 2006). It is also helpful if the
tattoo or piercing owner avoids sleeping on that particular part of their body; again,
leaving the area alone at all costs helps (Proper Tattoo Aftercare, 2006). It is not unusual
for the person receiving the chosen piercing or tattoo to get a special cream, spray, or
solution from the tattoo artist to help speed up the healing process; it will need to be
applied daily, usually once to twice a day and it is required that you keep the area clean;
soaping up a clean rag with antibacterial scrub and washing it gently in the shower helps
to do so (Proper Tattoo Aftercare, 2006). Depending on the location of the piercing or
tattoo, it can take months to over a year for a tattoo or piercing to fully heal (Gay and
Whittington pg76-78). Also, just as a side note, surgical stainless steel is the most ideal
metal to use when getting a piercing done – this is preferred over others because of its
durability (Body Piercing: A Guide for Teens, 2006).
Picking a respectable tattoo and piercing parlor is a big part of getting a piercing
or tattoo; it is also important to research the location and status of a parlor instead of just
showing up at one that could very well be unsafe or dirty (Body Piercing: A Guide for
Teens, 2006). Asking family and friends for advice may also help to narrow your search.
The recommendations from family or friends that may have gotten a tattoo from a safe
and friendly shop may aid someone in their search and save someone the trouble and time
of searching for a tattoo parlor (Body Piercing: A Guide for Teens, 2006). Although
finding a clean and well-kept parlor is important, checking to see if the tattoo artist is a
Past and Present of Body Art
8
professional may be more reassuring to the customer (obviously); better safe than sorry
(Gay & Whittington, pg74-75).
Even though ‘flesh art’ may be becoming more popular among the nations, that
does not mean people don’t look down on it. Piercing and tattooing has become a major
problem for people that are looking to get into serious businesses or job opportunities that
involve people or the image of the business (Gay & Whittington pg85-87). In fact, many
teenagers that have an unseen or maybe even just a minuscule amount of visible tattoos
and piercing often wonder why they cannot wear or have their piercing in while their on
the job.
Food industries especially need to be cautious about their employee’s appearance
and image (Gay & Whittington pg 85-87). This is because it is likely that the obscene
amount of piercing or tattoos can be distasteful to customers and buyers, which may
cause the business to lose customers, which, in turn, causes the business to lose money
(Gay and Whittington pg 85-87). Besides losing customers from the self-image of its
employees and or workers, a safety concern could include a piece of jewelry or metal
falling off into the food, or an infected piercing or tattooed area touching the food or
other goods; which brings me to reason that getting appropriately fitted body jewelry is
important to your safety as well as others (Body Piercing: A Guide For Teens, 2006).
Food poisoning or other bodily harm done due to ignored safety precautions will most
likely result in a law suit (Gay & Whittington pg 85-87).
Also, there are alternatives to tattoos and piercing if one should have a problem,
which includes Henna, temporary tattoos, and clip-on piercing (Gay & Whittington,
2007). Henna is a kind of long-term dye that stains the skin for weeks at a time (Gay &
Past and Present of Body Art
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Whittington pg, 2007). Temporary tattoos, as the name suggests, only last a little while.
And clip-ons come in many different varieties.
Aside from safety precautions and the health hazards of body art, people often
wonder what different kinds of piercing is available and what does it take to get these
kinds of procedures done? Although there are plenty of different types of tattoos that you
can place in a variety of different places, there are also a number of different piercing
types available. Starting with the most popular are the ears. Ear lobes are most commonly
pierced (See Appendix A) because it is supposedly the least painful and fastest to heal
(Types of Piercing Library, n.d.). It is considered the most social-friendly piercing
available as well (Types of Piercing Library, n.d.). Most every part of the ear can be
pierced and depending on the area of the ear, there is a specific name for the piercing
(Types of Piercing Library, n.d.).
Today, teenagers and young adults ranging from ages fourteen to twenty-one are
usually most influenced into getting a tattoo or piercing. “People want, I think in general
with society — especially the younger sect — to be different,” said Luis Garcia,
international liaison for the Association of Professional Piercers (Falkner, 2006). And
though those age groups are most influenced, it is important to know that one does not
need a tattoo/piercing in order to belong (Thomas, Brooks, Grace and Hauslaib, 2003).
However, it is a choice that deserves a lot of thought and effort in getting (Thomas,
Brooks, Grace and Hauslaib, 2003).
More popular piercing areas are the tongue, nose, lip, chin, and eyebrow (Types
of Piercing Library, n.d.). The tongue piercing is a short barbell that is strung through the
center of the tongue. The web of flesh connecting your tongue and the bottom of your
Past and Present of Body Art 10
mouth together is also an option; this is called a tongue web piercing (Types of Piercing
Library, n.d.).
The nose piercing - also very common - is usually placed in either side of ones
nostril. A septum piercing is also a nose piercing that goes through the skin in the center
of the nose; it has a tendency to give the wearer the look of a bull (Types of Piercing
Library, n.d). The Bridge or Erl piercing is in the same general location of the nose
except at the top. The bridge part of the nose, just before the eyebrow, a barbell can be
placed in a horizontal fashion (Types of Piercing Library, n.d.). A piercing called the
Third Eye is similar to the Bridge/Erl but it is placed vertically, which gives it the look of
a ‘third eye’ (Types of Piercing Library, n.d.).
The lips have become a popular place for piercing as well, the more common ones
include Snake Bites which are two studs or hoops located on both sides of the bottom lip;
Angel Bites which are two studs or hoops located on both sides of the upper lip; and
Spider Bites, which are a combination of Snake Bites and Angel Bites, giving it the look
of a spiders fangs (Types of Piercing Library, n.d.). The Madonna is a piercing located
above the upper lip; the Madonna piercing got its name from Madonna, the famous singer
(Types of Piercing Library, n.d.). Why, because of the mole she had located above her
upper lip; a Twin Madonna is also available, this is simply getting both sides above the
upper lip pierced (Types of Piercing Library, n.d.).
The front of the neck, just above the collar bone, you can get a bar placed beneath
the skin where two small studs protrude from the skin. This is called a Madison piercing
(Types of Piercing Library, n.d.). A bar can also be placed at the back of the neck called
the Nape piercing (Types of Piercing Library, n.d.). These piercing are categorized as
Past and Present of Body Art 11
surface piercing because they are seen at the top of the skin instead of a general area such
as the ears, nose, or tongue (Types of Piercing Library, n.d.).
The piercing list can go on until every last ounce of flesh is pierced, but the last of
the more common piercing ends at the navel and near the genital area (Types of Piercing
Library, n.d.). Navel piercing - more commonly known as the belly button piercing - is
simply a curved barbell that can be put through the top of the belly button (Types of
Piercing Library, n.d.). And lastly, though there is plenty of flesh for both man and
woman to get any part of the genital done, the more common is the clitoris/clitoris hood
piercing for females and the Prince Albert for males (Types of Piercing Library, n.d). It is
believed that genital piercing helps with sexual enhancement (Types of Piercing Library,
n.d.).
Body art has been practiced for centuries and will continue to grow in popularity
among the nations and the world. Of course, as time progresses, this strange method to
show individuality and uniqueness will most likely become less painful as technology
evolves and changes, and, who knows, maybe even become more accepted among
people. Whether it is considered self-mutilation or art, body modifications will continue
to grow and change with people and society like it always has for the last several
centuries (Body Piercing History, 2006).
Past and Present of Body Art 12
Appendix A
Appendix B
Past and Present of Body Art 13
Works Cited (APA)
Freeland, S. (2007, October 30). The History of Body Art and Modification.
Retrieved October 5, 2009, fromhttp://ezinearticles.com/?The-History-of-BodyArt-and-Modification&id=808875
(Freeland, S. 2007)
Dwyer, A. Tattoos: The Ancient History of Body Art. Retrieved August 26, 2009, from
The Ancient History of Body Art Web site:http://www.helium.com/items/628133tattoos-the-ancient-history-of-body-art
(The Ancient History Of Body Art, 2009)
Body Piercing Throughout History. Retrieved August 26, 2009, from Body Piercing
History Web site: http://www.montanabodyart.com/content.asp?content=14
(Body Piercing Throughout History, 2009)
Body Art: Marks Of Identity. Retrieved August 26, 2009, from Body Art: Marks Of
Identity Web site: http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/bodyart/glossary.html
(Body Art: Marks Of Identity, 2009)
Young Women's Health. (2006, August 01). Body Piercing: A Guide for Teens.
Retrieved from: http//www.youngwomenshealth.org/body-piercing.html
(Body Piercing: A Guide for Teens, 2006)
(2007). Gay & Whittington, K., C. The History of Body Art and Modification.
(Gay & Whittington, 2007)
Beth, S. (2006, July 28). Gang Tattoos. Retrieved: July 28, 2006 Retrieved
from: http://tattoos.lovetoknow.com/Gang_Tattoos#
(Beth, S. 2006)
(2005). History of Tattoos. Retrieved from: http://www.tattoos-bydesign.co.uk/history.html
(History of Tattoos, 2005)
Falkner, A. (2006, August 6). Split tongues, implants take body art to extreme. Retrieved
from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14188979/
Past and Present of Body Art 14
(Falkner, A. 2006)
(2000). A Brief history of tattoos. Retrieved from:
http://www.designboom.com/history/tattoo_history.html
(A Brief History of Tattoos, 2000)
Body Matters Gold Designer Body Jewellery & The Real Body Piercing Studio, (n.d.).
Types of Piercing Library.
Retrieved from http://www.bodymattersgold.com/bmg/htm/Piercing/index.html
(Types of Piercing Library, n.d.)
(2006). Proper tattoo aftercare.
Retrieved from: http://www.tattooandpiercingsupplies.com/tattoo_aftercare.html
(Proper Tattoo Aftercare, 2006)