Body art or mutilation?

Body art has root in man's earliest expressions

Permanently scarring the skin, branding the skin, painting the skin, or placing items ranging from bones to jewellery into the skin

In existence since around 1200 BC, probably first arising in Asia and the South Pacific among various tribes.

• The art of tattooing came to be performed in the backs of pubs and on the docks.

• The first official tattoo shop was founded in London in the mid 1800's • Its customers consisted mainly of sailors,

working men and even prostitutes.• In the 1700's certain European

countries had taken to tattooing their criminals to either symbolise them as such or to display the nature of the crime committed.

Originate from New Zealand in the 1600s The « Moko » is the permanent face and

body marking by Maori. Reasons why they did this:

Sign of rank and status Ancestry Sign of cultural identity Make people more attractive to the

opposite sex.

Body Piercing was another tradition European sailors picked up, mostly piercing just the ears.

Now the trend has expanded and the possibility to pierce most body parts exists.

• Religion or Culture• Reminder of a special event, e.g. death of a

loved one• Military Service

– It may no longer be as popular but many ex or serving soldiers decide to show their commitment to their country.

• Sign of individuality• Way of expression, make a statement• Signify a membership to a group• Make their body pleasing to their eye• To annoy parents, rebellion

Up to ½ of all body piercings lead to very serious infections which needed medical treatment.

Little was known about the chemicals and toxicity of many of the dyes used in tattooing.

It has been warned that many people are injecting car paint into their skins.

Tuberculosis Tetanus Host of other skin diseases