tattoos were commonly used as an identification method for criminals or enslaved people. Tattooing was often used as an art form to reflect people’s identities, especially sailors and soldiers.
The Origins of tattoos
tattoos have existed for millennia. At first, their purpose was healing-related; however, their popularity has expanded into decorative and punitive features. Ancient tattooing practices used by humans were designed to honor their gods and gain their blessing, marking prisoners or socially marginalized individuals so authorities could identify them quickly.
The Age of Sailors
Sailors were among the earliest groups to sport tattoos as a symbolic sign of family heritage or loyalty to their master. Their tattoos often symbolized these traits. So they became superstitious, using them to identify in case they became lost at sea, as well as good luck charms to guide them back home to port. Captain Cook brought back from his South Pacific journey a Polynesian called Ma’i, who was known for his tattoos – this caused an explosion of the art form among sailors as many started donning these designs on their bodies.
The Age of the Military
Military service is also physically demanding because soldiers must stay fit and maintain fitness throughout their training regimens. Tattoos may represent saints or religious beliefs, battles fought, and military units. Catholics frequently adorn themselves with tattoos depicting the Virgin of Guadalupe on their right hands as an act of devotion. At the same time, military veterans often wear tattoos to remember battles or commemorate soldiers.
The Age of the Elite
Tattooing may have existed since before human civilization emerged. Archaeological finds and historical records demonstrate its widespread practice across different cultures – from Egyptian mummies to tools used for tattooing purposes in prehistoric sites. tattoos could even be used to permanently identify criminals sentenced to long prison terms to make escape more difficult. At this time, sailors and circus performers experimented with tattooing as part of their performances to draw crowds in and make them more intriguing than their usual acts. Tattoos provided another dimension to these performances that kept audiences intrigued throughout.
