Essay on Body Piercing and Tattoos

The largest organ in the complex human body is the skin. Some people choose to express themselves through decorating their skin with tattoos, piercings and other forms of body art. It's true origin, symbolism, variety, and modern day versions go more then just skin deep.
The first tattoo known to man, was found on Otzi, also known as the Iceman, in 1991. However, Otzi himself dates back to over 4,000 B.C. Fifty-eight total tattoos were found on Otzi, made up only of simple dots and lines. No real symbolism could be made out of these designs. However, scientists have come to a theory that these tattoos were part of a medical or spiritual healing process.

The process of early age tattooing was long and painful. Some of the first tools used in tattooing were made of bone, stone, or wood. There were mainly two types of tools used in the process of making most tribal tattoos: a small rake-like shaped tool, and another plain rod with a flat surface. The rake-shaped tool was used to make the design of the tattoo. It would first be dipped into its ink or dye, and then punctured into the skin by being tapped by the flat tool. Other processes consisted of scratching the skin and then rubbing in the ink.

One of the earliest tattoos were tribal tattoos. This means there were tattoos that different cultural tribes would have for certain meanings and expression. Polynesian tattooing was one of the most original and artistic tattooing of ancient times. It consisted of very sophisticated, detailed geometrical designs. The Polynesian people would add more and more tattoos to themselves until their body was completely covered. They believed it was a sign of beauty and strength to be tattooed. Mexicans tattooed their idols and gods on their skin. The Spaniards who discovered the designs on the Mexicans, were shocked as they had never seen this work before and called it Ôthe work of Satan.Õ Warriors in these South American tribes were tattooed to remind them and others of their success and bravery in battle. In Japan, tattooing was mainly punishment. If you were a convicted criminal, you would get a mark on your forehead, convicted twice yet another, and if you were convicted a third time, you would receive a third and final mark making the Japanese symbol for ÔdogÕ. Royalty in England received tattoos from Japanese artists symbolizing wealth and authority.

In most cases, people get tattoos for a personal meaning. Whether it be to remember something great that happened in your life, to show affection or emotion, or because that specific design meant a lot to you, thereÕs no one reason for a tattoo. Everyone has a reason whether itÕs good or not. Other reasons for getting a tattoo are to be rebellious. Some young adults, i.e. teenagers, choose to get a tattoo because their parents simply donÕt want them to.

There are many different forms, as you have learned, and here are some examples of different tattoos. Henna tattoos are one of the oldest, and most original types of tattooing. The ink used in Henna tattooing is actually made from the henna plant. The ink first is a green powder and is mixed in different ways for different colors such as red and black, and different consistencies. Henna tattooing is made up from many different, complex and small designs. They are mostly made up of flowers, plants, vines, and different shapes, and are usually done on the hands or feet of a woman.

A second form of tattooing is the tribal tattoo. There are many reasons for the tribal tattoo. Some tribes use tattoos on their warriors to show bravery and strength. Others use the tattoo as a form of recognition for becoming a man. However, tattooing today has changed quite a bit since it first began.

Nowadays, tattooing is used as a form of expression, or rebellion. It is be completely voluntary for someone to get a tattoo. In fact, it is getting harder and harder to find individuals that do not have a tattoo.

Some reasons for getting a tattoo,

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