Tattoos: The Mystery, The Magic, The Obsession.

The decision to mark your skin, permanently, is a big one! I would say “it’s not one to be taken lightly”, but heck, it’s your body! Do what you want! Take it lightly, think about it seriously, never get one, it’s completely up to you. Getting a tattoo, is just that, a personal choice. An expression of yourself.

I got two tattoos when I was 17 years old – 1 week before I was 18. It’s a funny story and a demonstration of how impatient I can be. Since I was 14, I wanted a tattoo. I wanted to get the words “Pura Vida”, which is the national saying of Costa Rica. The Spanish translates to, “Pure Life.” I went to Costa Rica when I was 11 and then again when I was 14, and immediately I connected with that motto and their outlook on life. Which I saw as a positivity, zest and passion for living.

So, that was the first tattoo I wanted. I have a memory of my Mom telling me when I was 14, that if I was 16 and I still wanted the tattoo, I could get it. Fast-forward to my 16th Birthday when I tell my Mom, I’m ready to get the tattoo. She says, “No way!!!” I protest and remind her of her promise. She can’t recall ever saying that and claims that she must’ve been drunk when she said it! So. No tattoo for me. Until I’m 18 and can do it without parental permission.

Let’s skip ahead to the weeks before my 18th. I’m STILL ready to get that tattoo! I’ve decided where I want, what font I want to use and I’ve also decided, I’m getting a 2nd one! In typical teenage style, I couldn’t wait until my birthday, I needed to get it before. Maybe you can help me out with understanding this crazy behaviour? I honestly can’t remember why I needed it 1 week early so badly, but I do remember going to the tattoo shop with my great-aunt, who signed as my Mom so that I could get my tattoo done! Yes. She is super cool.

I finally had that tattoo I had been coveting for years. Plus, another! For my second piece, I picked a feather. A simple black ink design. To be honest, when I selected it, I just loved how it looked. I didn’t have a special meaning for it. I’ve developed a meaning for it over time, as I’ve carried it on my skin for the last 10 years. It represents creativity (the writer’s quill) and also represents being delicate and vulnerable. Being soft. Which is something I strive for.

My story represents such a small window of understanding on tattoos, what they are, where they come from, why we love them! Let’s dive into some of it. Welcome to the mystery, the magic and the obsession of tattoos!

The Mystery

When did the practice of tattoos start? What was the original purpose, of the living pieces of art that we carry on our bodies?

There are many reasons that tattooing could have first started. Our ancestors could have used them as a tribute to Gods and Goddesses, it could have been symbolic of the tribe you came from, it could also have marked achievements and victories in hunting or warfare. The very first evidence of tattoos on a human, were found on Otzi “The Iceman”. Otzi’s mummified body was found in the ice in the Ötztal Alps, where he was presumed to have lived sometime between 3,400-3,100 BCE. There were 61 tattoos found on his body, that’s right 61! The tattoos comprised of groups of black lines and covered a large portion of his body, with the majority found on his legs. After the examination, it was discovered that the ink for these tattoos was created using soot and charcoal from a fire. It was also speculated that the tattoos could have possibly been used as a pain relief agent (similar to acupuncture), since the locations of the tattoos corresponded with Otzi’s injuries.

The technique of using a traditional hand-crafted needle and inking with charcoal and soot, is one that has been used for millennia and is still used across the world. Some are keeping the tradition alive, other people use it if they are unable to get access to the modern equipment we use today.

In the Philippines, Fang-od Oggay, a century old tattoo artist is teaching young women of her village how to tattoo in the traditional way, in order to financially support themselves and their village. Her story is definitely worth reading so head to https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/fang-od-oggay-kalinga-tattoo-philippines , to check it out!

The Magic

In the modern world of tattooing, styles and techniques have completely evolved and transformed since their ancient beginnings. Now we are able to tattoo in a way that would’ve seemed magical to our brethren of the past. As our technology progresses, the inky art on our bodies will take many forms. Let’s take a look at some memorable developments…

Color

This one may be the most obvious development in tattoo history but needs a mention. The rich and intense colours that have been developed in the past century, have brought this art to another level.

UV “Black Light” Tattoos

A great option for someone who wants an “invisible tattoo” or wants to add some flair to their more traditional design!

3D Printer

In keeping with the technological world we live in. There are now 3D printers that are being set up to tattoo people. In case you feel like getting a tattoo done by a machine!

Not too far in the future, we will be seeing digitally interactive tattoos, that are able to interface with our devices. Projecting images from the ink on our skin and transmitting data that is held within the lines of our tattoos. I’m not sure I’m ready for that myself, but I’m excited to see what the future holds!

The Obsession

Let’s face it. We. Are. Obsessed. In North America, 20% of citizens have at least one tattoo. In other countries, the number can be even higher! And hey! I get it! Self-expression is so important. As individuals, we want to be seen for the unique people we are. Tattoos can be the ultimate form of self-expression!

And I’m just gonna say it. They are hella sexy.

Tattooing is an ever-lasting art form, that is likely to be around as long as we are. So go on! Express yourself! Get that tattoo you’ve been dreaming of.

Express Yourself!