President Theodore Roosevelt and Winston Churchill's mother had something in common. They both wore tattoos. While Jennie Churchill's tattoo was allegedly covered for the sake of reputation, and Teddy Roosevelt's was simply in a location which was not readily visible, this caused quite a stir amongst most of their...Author: Mark Hargreaves
President Theodore Roosevelt and Winston Churchill's mother had something in common. They both wore tattoos. While Jennie Churchill's tattoo was allegedly covered for the sake of reputation, and Teddy Roosevelt's was simply in a location which was not readily visible, this caused quite a stir amongst most of their day as well as modern-day history buffs.
President Roosevelt's daughter Alice had a tattoo also in a concealed location. Neither Mrs Churchill nor President Roosevelt's artwork lent itself to gaining a sense of respectability amongst the average citizens. Even whilst such notable figures possessed tattoos, they were still found to be socially unacceptable
Ancient Tattoos
The Ice Man - Otzi
Going as far back as any studies go on the question, it is claimed that the "Ice Man" who lived some 3300 B.C., had some manner of tattoos. Upon discovering the remains, researchers could do little rather than guess that this primitive kind of tattoo was for the purpose of warding off evil spirits, or that it may be some type of rite-of-passage award.
Ice Man Tattoos
Merged on his spine and behind one knee and on one ankle, the Ice Man had roughly fifty-seven tattoos. It is impossible to do further than speculate as to the actual rationalization for them, it most certainly shows that tattoos aren't unique to current eras nor to the individuals in the present-day world. As the Ice Man was the oldest mummified human remains found in Europe, modern day tattoo fans have history on their side - there's nothing whatever new about tattoos.
In the past, tattoos were connected to an altogether varying nature than during the in recent decades. There was nothing notorious or rebellious about them at all. It used to be that tattoos were reserved for those of high social standing, and were not available to average individuals. Tattoos were only available to and a sign of those who were wealthy, important, and mostly in some high position. Sweden's King Oscar had tattoos; also England's King George IV. In that period tattoos were considered a status symbol.
In other time-periods, tattoos also served specialized purposes. Going the furthest back in American history, assorted Native American tribes utilized tattoos; it was primarily for the goal of showing their position to one's individual tribe. For the Polynesians, tattooing was a mode of relating family history; each individual had his own distinct tattoos to show the story of his family. Some of the earliest explorers on the American continent are said to carry gotten this background from the Polynesians' forms of tattoos.
Two of the oldest Egyptian mummies were discovered to have even had tattoos. These tattoos, which are only found on female mummies, consist of patterns of lines, dots and dashes. As the women themselves were connected to ritualistic practices, it is assumed that the tattoos they had were in some way representative of that fact. It is only speculation on the parts of the researchers, due to their knowledge of the lifestyles of that period in time.
Although Oriental symbols are undeniably trendy for tattoos in America, it is not widely known that both the Japanese and Chinese cultures have held a strong opposition to the occupation of tattooing all through history. With both societal and religious viewpoints agreeing that tattooing is something which ought to not be done, it is still widely held to be a means of contaminating one's body. For the ancient Chinese, tattooing was used as a punishment for criminal practice, putting such visible marks on an individual to forever brand him as a felon.
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Tattoo designs from around the world along with articles on the history and techniques of tattooing. More informative articles on tattoos and tattooing are available here
