Evolution of Tattoos

The Evolution of Tattoos
Tattoos are not just an expansive art form associated with deviants.   Individuals from all walks of life regardless of age or creed are finding meaning in tattoos that are significant to them for a plethora of reasons.   At one point tattoos were mainly associated with gangs; however, they are now often worn by individuals wanting to express their own uniqueness.   Modern only in form and in the tools and designs used the concept of tattooing has existed throughout the centuries, with existence shown in Ancient Egypt as early as 2000 B.C.
Nubians developed the art of tattooing in ancient Egypt.   It was in Middle Kingdom where tattooing flourished and matured.   Many early tattoos were done for ritualistic reasons and predominantly on women during ceremonies.   Evidence of dot and line patterns having been tattooed on mummies was uncovered when they were exhumed from their sarcophaguses.   The majority of patterns found on mummies matched various patterns found in art work and etched on figurines from the same time period.   Figurines that have tattoos etched on them from ancient Egypt are often associated with the Egyptian Goddess Hathor.   According to Jinxi Boo “Evidence of tattoos in ancient Egypt were found on a well-preserved female mummy from Thebes known as Amunet.   She was a priestess of the goddess Hathor of Thebes (she symbolized the cosmic mother who gave life to all on earth) during the Dynasty XI and was excavated in 1891 by Eugene Grebaut” (1).
Egypt was not the only place where tattooing the body was popular.   Japanese and other Asian cultures were also known for their infamous body art.   Tattooing flourished during the Jomon, Yayoi and Kofun periods.   Dogu, which is the Japanese term for figurines, were discovered during archeological digs and many of them showed markings around the mouths which were believed to be tattoos.   Several controversial debates have been caused by these figurines, but evidence of Asian people from this...