Canyon Lake, TX Tattoo Artist

The History of Tattoos

A tattoo is a form of body modification where a permanent or semi-permanent design is created by inserting pigment, dyes, and inks into the dermis layer of the skin. Originating from the Polynesian word ‘tatau’, which literally means ‘to write’, tattoos have a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. In various cultural contexts, tattoos have been used as rites of passage, marks of status, symbols of religious and spiritual devotion, adornments, as well as forms of punishment. In the USA, tattoos first gained popularity among sailors and soldiers in the 19th century. However, by the late 20th century, they had started to become increasingly mainstream, with 21% of US adults reportedly having at least one tattoo by 2012. The practice of tattooing in the USA represents a fusion of numerous global traditions and practices. Presently, tattoos have pervaded mainstream culture in the USA, and they have seen a resurgence in popularity among a broad spectrum of the population. On one hand, they are used as a tool for self-expression, identity, and personal storytelling. On the other hand, they also function as a form of social signaling and group affiliation. Moreover, in the contemporary trend, tattoos have also become a sort of fashion trend, featured in several fashion magazines and worn by many celebrities, thereby changing the perception of tattoos from taboo to being socially acceptable. Despite the shifts in the perception of tattoos over time, they remain not just mere decorations on the skin, but narratives of individuality and identity etched into the skin.