Tuesday, November 6, 2007

The History of Body Art and Modification

The existence of body art, AKA tattoos, is not one that has come to the fore in recent times. Quite to the contrary the actual existence of the process of tattooing and body art, though various in its' origins, can be traced back for several millenniums. The word itself has many supposed origins, the most credible ones being that of the Chinese term, "Ta" which translates into "To strike something" and, more likely, that of the word "Tatau" which means "to Mark."

The oldest definite example of body art came to surface recently upon a mountaintop between Italy and Austria, as in late 1991 the frozen remains of a five thousand year old male was found. This Bronze Age corpse was marked from the waist down with almost 60 tattoos. However, this particular region could not lay claim on the only evidence of ancient body art.

In 1948 in a region between China and Russia a Russian Archaeologist by the name of Sergei Rudenko located the tattoo covered mummified remains of several bodies during a dig in the Altai Mountains of Siberia. These remains dated back to 24000 years ago.

In the latter 1800's Egypt, not to ever be left out of the archaeological race, reported the findings of a group of archaeologists. The one mummy of notoriety was that of Amunet, an Egyptian priestess. This corpse dated back between the times of 1994 BC and 2160 BC. The priestess had tattoo designs covering her body.

The list goes on and on as we research one dynasty after another, country after country. To actually be able to put a particular date on the creation of the practice of body art is completely and utterly impossible. There is evidence of this practice found in the history of America, South America, Samoa, Japan, Polynesia, and even Hawaii. The list is endless.

History also records several different purposes for body art, beyond the label of art. Some societies used it for medical purposes, some spiritual, and some as a statement of hierarchy. Today, particularly in the United States, it is an art form. Nevertheless, we can always take great pleasure in looking back on the various purposes and examples of this art and revel in the rich history that is to be found therein. Even those that utilized the Tattoo for more than merely an art form will go down in history as works of art themselves.

From needles, ink and tattoo machines to body piercing jewelry and equipment, we can provide you with all the info as well as current industry news and new products. Beginning with tattoo supplies, it's important to research the types of equipment that are out there and the pros and cons to using each type. Tattoo guns, needles, tubes, tattoo starter kits, machines, and inks are all key to starting a studio, shop, parlor or business. The guns and machines are usually hand crafted or homemade. As for the inks, it is crucial to carry a wide variety of colors so you as the artists can create rich and unique designs. More information: Tattoo aftercare.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland

The History And Meaning Behind Biker And Military Tattoos

Throughout the history of tattoos, there have been a number of types that have become renewed. However, to fully understand the regenerated genre of tattooing, it is imperative to any tattoo artist to fully understand the roots of his/her career.

Biker tattoos have been often thought of prison, gangs, and the "big bad" biker mentality. Though in reality only one percent of bikers are in "biker gangs". Many wives tales about the nomadic bikers who have represented the negative side of bikers.

Bikers have been known to get bad press, the one percent you hear about and their turf wars, conflicts with the law and criminal activity. However, most are simply biker enthusiast, and are generally the people you see riding around on the streets these days. Most biker lifestyles are about the freedom of the open road.

Everyone will look on bikers in a different manner, however the general perception is often the wrong one. Biker tattoos are usually a depiction of the biker gangs. Skulls, dice, Norse gods, and mythical creatures are often times one of the more popular for bikers. Though, many like the old school sailor tattoos, pin ups are a frequent sighting.

Much like Biker tattoos, military tattoos have long been a tradition in our history. Millions of men and women who have served in the armed forces done tattoos as a constant reminder that they belonged to a particular unit. Tattoos not only are a badge of their loyalty to their unit, but to their country. Some even get tattoos to honor close friends lost in combat.

Tattoos are most common in the navy, and the army in close second. The marines and the air force are also commemorated through tattoos, however not quite as often. The most common tattoos in the military range from Unit patches, military awards, eagles, US flag, dog tags, pilot wings, fighter planes, war veteran tattoos, anchors, pin ups, and sailor Jerry tattoos.

Although common, the military has since placed more stringent rules and regulations on tattoos. So, most men and women of the military must wait until the completion of their service to get their new ink.

From needles, ink and tattoo machines to body piercing jewelry and equipment, we can provide you with all the info as well as current industy news and new products. Beginning with tattoo kits, it's important to research the types of equipment that are out there and the pros and cons to using each type. Tattoo equipment sterilization, needles, tubes, tattoo starter kits, machines, and inks are all key to starting a studio, shop, parlor or business. The guns and machines are usually hand crafted or homemade. As for the inks, it is crucial to carry a wide variety of colors so you as the artists can create rich and unique designs. More information: Body piercing pictures.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland

Laser Hair Removal And Its Effect On Tattoos

Can you get laser hair removal, without effecting a tattoo? After being asked this question numerous times by friends, and family I sought to search out the answer. I asked a few laser hair technicians, and tattoo artist alike but none seemed to have the answer. If you are a technician, or tattoo artist I would suggest educating yourself on the effects of laser hair removal.

After rigorous research, I have found many cases of people who have had laser hair removal preformed. Most cases were caused by a slip up of the technicians preforming the laser hair removal "slipping", or being careless. The results were often the same, a puss-filled blister covering the area that had been crossed by the laser. In some cases, infection was almost immediate , and had to be treated in the emergency room?

They have reported, that after the painful blister had healed, the tattoo was either considerably faded or disfigured. There are many problems that can arise from this, infection being the main concern. It can also cause significant scarring.

So, my only suggestion would to seek laser hair removal prior to getting your tattoos. If you do, indeed end up with scarring from your treatment you will need to check with your artist. Most artists will not tattoo over fresh scars, and depending on your own body's healing it may take years for the scar to flatten enough before it is able to accept pigment.

If you are still considering getting laser hair removal around your tattoo, protecting yourself with knowledge is the key. Read the fine print in any contract you are requested to sign, if it includes anything to the nature of "not responsible for damaged tattoos" I would then search for another company. If laser hair removal goes wrong, it can not only damage your tattoo but cost you time, and possible thousands of dollars to repair.

Though, there is one option that you do have. Though it can be expensive, and tedious Electrolysis is the only proven hair removal method that will not have an adverse effect on your tattoo.

From needles, ink and tattoo machines to body piercing jewelry and equipment, we can provide you with all the info as well as current industy news and new products. Beginning with tattoo kits, it's important to research the types of equipment that are out there and the pros and cons to using each type. Tattoo equipment sterilization, needles, tubes, tattoo starter kits, machines, and inks are all key to starting a studio, shop, parlor or business. The guns and machines are usually hand crafted or homemade. As for the inks, it is crucial to carry a wide variety of colors so you as the artists can create rich and unique designs. More information: Body piercing pictures.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland