A Brief History of TattoosArt III

Origin

“Tattoo” – Tahitian word tatu “to mark something”

Argue that tattooing since 12,000 BC.

Purpose has varied from culture to culture.

Ritual and Tradition

Tattoos used to mark job skills and status.

Can signify membership in a clan or society.(Hells Angels tattoo their symbol of membership)

Some believe: bearer of tattoo can call on spiritual power of that tattoo. (Someone tattooed with a tiger could call the spirit of the tiger)

History

Earliest recorded history: Egypt during time of construction of the pyramids.

As Egypt expanded, they spread tattoo art to Europe and Middle East

China began tattoo artwork around 2000 BC

Practical Use

Greek use: communication among spies

Romans marked criminals and slaves

Ainu in western Asia tattoo to mark social status

Girls marked when coming of age to announce their place in society

Ainu introduced tattoos to Japan where it became a religious and ceremonial rite.

Practical Use Continued

Polynesians spread it to New Zealand.Developed facial style “Moko” which is still used today.

Europeans - tattooed family crests to mark lineage.

Banned by Pope Hadrian in 787 AD, and the tradition disappeared from Western culture for nearly 400 years.

Practical Use Continued

While gone in the west, tattoos thrived in Japan:

Used to mark criminals.

Japan around 1700: only royalty could wear ornate clothing so middle class began creating full-body tattoos for décor.

William Dampher

Sailor/explorer of the South SeasReintroduced tattooing to the west (England and other areas of Europe) in 1691.

Polynesian men were brought to London and put on display

Modern Tattoo

Modern Tattooing

1891: first electric tattooing machine, based on Edison’s electric pen. The basic components are still used today.

Moving coils

Tube and needle bar

Once tattoos became readily available, the upper class turned away from it.

Continued

Lost credibility and in 1930’s Heavily tattooed people traveled with circuses and “freak shows”

Low credibility led to going underground. Finding artists and quality tattoos was difficult.

American Style Tattoo

Born in Chatham Square, New York City An apprentice opened shop with a wallpaper artist who transformed his designs into tattoos.

Husbands tattooed wives as advertisement of their work.

Chatham Square lost its appeal during the Great Depression and prohibition.

Tattoo art moved to Coney Island

Continued

Tattoos became travel markers.

Little respect in America and in the 1960s, an outbreak of Hepatitis sent it even further on the decline.

Health codes 1960’sFew shops followed safety regulations, most were shut down.

Tattoos became illegal in New York and other areas.

Continued

Late 1960’s: Lyle Tuttle is given credit for returning the artform by tattooing celebrities – women. The media took an interest.

Today: strong comeback. More popularity with all classes seeking tattoos.

Now considered Fine Art – the art form has been combined with personal style to create intricate works of art.

Henna

What is Henna

Pigment that comes from the plant Henna, also known as mendhi.

Tall, shrub-like plant that grows in hot, dry climates.

Predominantly found in North Africa, Egypt, India and parts of the Middle East.

Applying Henna

When applied to skin, leaves an orange stain. Darkens within the first 24 hours

Remains on skin and fades as skin renews itself.

Wears down between 1-6 weeks (generally 2-3) and wears off faster with abrasive soaps, chlorinated water, and some henna brands will rub off with baby oil.

History

Introduced by the Muslims and spread in popularity in Pakistan and northern India during the 16th century

Used to decorate women’s bodies for ceremonies, especially weddings.

Still used today – a whole day affair for the bride.

Seen as celebratory rather than spiritual/religious.

Amerikan Body Art

Company created by stay-at-home moms that started working with body art, glitter art and henna art.

Owned by Erika Harrison

Created in 2003

Currently travel to art conventions all over the world

Safety

It is not safe to use Black Henna, which has side effects.

Blistering

Rash

Can contain chemicals which cause skin reactions

Safe Products

Safe henna will have no added dyes, chemicals or other additives.

To make a spreadable paste, other natural ingredients are used

Lavender essential oil is the safest for sensitive skin. Other oils are used such as orange/citrus

Lemon juice

Sugar

No nut products or preservatives are in the paste.

Application

We have henna applicators in class and these will be demonstrated for you.

There are different sized tips which allow varying amounts of paste to be used at a time, creating thin and thick lines.

Grading Criteria

Presentation/craftsmanship

Technique

Originality/Design

Use of pattern/repetition

Total: 100pts