History of Tattoos

Tattoos were around as early as 5,500 years ago! Tattoos have been used as signs of status, a test of manhood, for religious & magical purposes and for decoration, but regardless of 'Why' it is clear that people from all cultures have been having tattoos for centuries!

Western tattooing became popular after it was adopted by the military sailors and soldiers who bore their allegiances to their country and their women with body art. They bore names of their units, ships and divisions proudly. Tattoo shops were located on docks and near military bases and tattooing flourished.

The introduction of the electric tattoo gun caused the prices to drop and tattooing to be accessible to everyone. This led the tattoo to be associated with lower classes, including circus people who often displayed extravagant facial designs and full body tattoos.

Another transformation in tattooing history came with the Hippie movement. Before and during these times, people were having peace signs, ying yangs and other symbols tattooed. Flower power was permanently placed as body art and proudly displayed. After the Hippie movement many of the tattooed held prominent jobs within the common society. No longer were tattoos for the deviants. Today, tattooing has reached a new popularity. No longer just for the elite and no longer associated only with the deviants of society, tattooing has reached its own level of individuality, as unique as the tattoo artist and the tattooed.

Techniques (of course we only do it the Western way!)

Western Tattoo

In the most common application method, a tattoo machine is used. Originally patented in England in the late 1800s, this device has changed little in the history of Western tattooing. A solid needle is moved via motor up and down in a metal tube that is dipped into a cup of ink to provide the staining material. A foot pedal controls the on and off actions. A strong hand and forearm are required to balance the top-heavy machine during long working hours.

Japanese Tattoo

The Japanese developed a technique for tattooing that was primarily hand based until recently. Tattoo tools were made with elaborate bamboo handles to which bunches of needles were lashes, creating a hand powered version much like a Western machine at the working end. Black ink is still ground by hand from sumi by the freshest apprentices in many Japanese tattoo shops. The tattooist stretches the skin with one hand, supporting a brush dipped in ink through the spread fingers. The active hand swipes the tip of the tattoo tool through the brush, then bracing the tool against the stretching hand, manually punctures the skin. Masters of this technique are said to have incredible depth control to their work and be able to produce unique and subtle shadings.

Samoa Tattoo

Another Pacific culture, the Samoans, also use wooden hand tools to tattoo. Tattooing was widely and openly practiced by these people, and the methods are part of large group rituals. Multiple assistants manually stretch the skin taut. The tattooist wields two tools, one a bone tipped rake and the other the striking stick. The rake is dipped in ink, then struck with the other stick to puncture the skin. The unique method allows for elaborate geometric designs of fine lines as well as large areas filled in solidly.

Ancient Thai Tattoo

The traditional Thai tattoo tool is an interesting hand tool that has almost the same action as a Western machine. The ancient tattoo tradition is tied closely to Buddhism, and many designs are religious in origin, worn and tattooed by monks. The tool is a long brass tube, with a sliding pointed rod that runs down the inside. After being dipped in ink, one hand steadies the end against the client's skin and the other provides the piercing action, like a very slow sewing machine. This tattoo styles produces designs composed more openly of lines of dots rather than a solid line.

Aftercare

• Remove dressing when you get home
• Wash in warm soapy water, rinse off soap and pat dry with a clean towel. DO NOT RUB
• Do NOT let anybody else use the towel
• Do NOT pick the scab which will form on your tattoo. Let it fall off by itself
• Do NOT go swimming or sunbathing until the scab has fallen off
• Do NOT apply any cream, Vaseline etc. only Savlon antiseptic cream (available at Stef's)
• Keep tattoo clean at all time until fully healed
• CONTACT US if you have any questions