Assignment #1
Anatomy & Tattoo
Making a
connection to
the human
body and the
history of
Tattoo’s
What is the Origin of the word
“Tattoo”?
Tattoo's: (Body Art)
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The word Tattoo 'Tatau' originates from Polynesia. It was first written in the records from
Captain Cooks Voyages in 1769.
Enough tattooed remains have now been found to realise that tattooing is an ancient and
widespread art. Some of the earliest examples of tattooing comes from Japan, and are found
in the form of clay figurines that have faces painted or engraved to represent tattoo marks.
The oldest figures of this kind have been recovered from tombs dated to 5,000 BC or older.
Some bodies appear to show a correlation between the locations of their tattoos and
modern day recognised acupuncture points.
History of the Tattoo
• The earliest know tattoo’s- The Iceman from the area of the
Italian-Austrian border in 1991 and his tattoo patterns, when he was carbon-dated at around
5,200 years old.
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Ötzi had several carbon tattoos including groups of short, parallel, vertical lines to both sides
of the lumbar spine, a cruciform mark behind the right knee, and various marks around both
ankles. It has been speculated that these tattoos may have been related to pain relief
treatments similar to acupressure or acupuncture. If so, this is at least 2000 years before
their previously known earliest use in China (c. 1000 BCE).
Why Tattoo?
Egypt
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From the ancient Egyptians, pre-332 B.C. women were tattooed with dotted lines believe connected to
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fertility and birthing
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In 1891, archaeologists discovered the mummified remains of Amunet - Dynasty XI, Egypt, c. 4040 - 3994
years ago. This mummy was found at Thebes. Amunet (various spellings) was a priestess of Hathor. This
female mummy displayed several lines and dots and dashes tattooed on her body, aligned in abstract
geometrical patterns.
Why Tattoo?
Japan
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Irezumi (入れ墨, 入墨, 紋身, 刺花, 剳青, 黥 or 刺青) is a Japanese word that refers to the insertion of ink
under the skin to leave a permanent, usually decorative mark; a form of tattooing.
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Tattooing for spiritual and decorative purposes in Japan is
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thought to extend back to at least the Jōmon or paleolithic period (approximately 10,000 BC)..
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In the following Yayoi period (c. 300 BC–300 AD) tattoo designs were observed and remarked upon by
Chinese visitors. Such designs were thought to have spiritual significance as well as functioning as a status
symbol.
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Starting in the Kofun period (300–600 AD) tattoos began to assume negative connotations. Instead of
being used for ritual or status purposes, tattooed marks began to be placed on criminals as a punishment.
Tattoos Today
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People tattoo today for many different reasons. Some tattoos are purely decorative, while
other’s are a memorial or an homage to someone or something important in the life on the
tattooed.
Inspiration Tattoo Artist
Sasha Unisex
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Combining precise shapes and bold, in-your-face colours, these tattoos are quite simply a
thing of beauty. The geometric aspect makes them triumph over the usual tattoo offerings,
with Sasha Unisex's creations proving a hit across the world.
Kenji Alucky
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Tattoo artist Kenji Alucky specialises in the stippling method. This is where the tattoo design
is made by inscribing countless tiny black dots onto the skin to produce something truly
remarkable. Combining an array of influences, his work is spectacularly intricate - producing
awe-inspiring patterns and imagery.
Matt Houston
Matt Houston is a tattoo artist originating from London currently working at Gastown Tattoo
Parlor in Vancouver, Canada. His work reflects the traditional style whilst integrating his own
influences. One of our favourite pieces is shown above - a wolf wearing a feathered headdress
whilst spitting blood.
Your Assignment
• Research a Tattoo Artist
• Decide on an appropriate part of the body to
place the tattoo
• Complete your tattoo design
• Complete drawing of Body with tattoo design