The History of Tattoos

Paper Summary:

The paper relates that the art of tattoo has been practiced around the world for thousands of years, especially in the Polynesian islands. The paper then looks at tattooing today and discusses how, although they are more elaborate, colorful and creative than early tattoos, they serve the same purposes of art, spirituality and the mark of courage and overcoming pain. The paper concludes that while their popularity may wane again, it is clear these elaborate and colorful designs will never simply fade away.

From the Paper:

"While there were some ancient tribes in Europe who practiced tattooing, the practice really died out there, but it was always strong in Polynesia. Samoan tattoo artists have been living and working on the island for over 2000 years, and the art spread to other island nations, such as Hawaii and New Zealand, and then spread around the world when European explorers discovered the art. Asian cultures also practiced tattoo, so the practice has existed throughout the world, but never at the rate or popularity that it exists today."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Editors. "Skin Stories: History of Tattoo. PBS.org. 2003. 15 Dec. 2007.< http://www.pbs.org/skinstories/history/index.html>
• Keel, Tim. "Tattooed: Body Art Goes Mainstream." The Christian Century 15 May 2007: 18+.
• McGraw, Mike. "Hinrich Gets Tattoo to Honor Late Grandfather." Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL) 13 Oct. 2006: 5.

More papers on The History of Tattoos:

• Essay # 49831 : "A History of Tattoos"
• Term Paper # 96944 : "Tahitian Tattoos"
• Analytical Essay # 51252 : "Tattooing: Art Creation, Tradition, or Mutilation?"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: