11/3/2022 0 Comments Power to the people tattooIn sub-Saharan Africa, there is a unique practice of tattooing known as skin scarification. Regardless, there is still some history of tattoos throughout North Africa, perhaps as a subculture and perhaps born out of rebellion. Tattoos are seen as akin to spraying graffiti on the body, which is a gift from Allah. North Africa has largely seen tattooing as taboo due to its Islamic influences throughout history. From an Egyptian mummy found with a tattoo dating to near 2000 BCE to an example found in Libya, Africa offers a rich history of tattoos. While the Egyptian tattoos are believed to have symbolized things like fertility and worship of the gods, they have other meanings in other parts of Africa. Tattoos in AfricaĪfrica has one of the oldest histories with tattoos anywhere in the world. Fortunately, it was repealed in the 1960s, and Maori tattoos have since made a comeback.Īs a last interesting note, the word “tattoo” comes from a Tahitian word “tattau,” meaning to strike or tap. This act served, tragically, to threaten Maori culture as a whole. The New Zealand government banned Maori tattoos in 1907 with the Tohunga Suppression Act, which intended to replace traditional Maori practices with modern medicinal practices. To refuse to be tattooed was the rebellious act. The fascinating fact here is that, while tattoos are often seen as rebellious in western culture, in Maori culture they were expected. Due to the rudimentary and painful nature of the tattooing process, a person would often be rendered bedridden for many days while the swelling reduced and the tattoo wounds healed. Tattoos made warriors more attractive to women and more fearsome to opponents. A sacred ritual, it took place as part of a religious practice. The practice of tattooing started at puberty. Similarly, anyone without status would likely have no tattoos. If a Maori was highly ranked, it was certain that the person would be tattooed. Because the Maori considered the head to be body’s most sacred part, they focused heavily on facial tattoos. Originally thought to have reached the Maori via east Polynesia, tattooing became an integral part of their culture. The Maori people of New Zealand have a rich history of tattoos. Rich in symbolism, Japanese tradition and storytelling, they include staples such as the koi fish, dragon, phoenix, snake and others. Even today, though fewer yakuza members get tattoos so as to be able to go unnoticed in society, the process is still seen as a rite of passage.Ĭasting the group’s obvious unsavory nature aside for a moment, their tattoos are remarkable. The full-body tattoo was a creation of the yakuza and continues to be popular to this day. The yakuza’s tattoo culture formed as a protest against bokkei. This policy of branding endured for over 200 years. This would make it difficult for them to gain acceptance again in society. Traditional Japanese tattooing is known as irezumi. The complexity of the Japanese relationship with tattoos begins in the 1600s, when the government enacted a policy that all criminals must be tattooed - an act known as bokkei. Anyone who has visited the island nation has likely seen the “no tattoos allowed” signs at public bathing facilities, saunas, gyms and more.Īs it turns out, a large part of Japan’s aversion to tattoos is thanks to the yakuza, or the Japanese mafia. Japan has had a complicated history with tattoos. Here is how tattoos are viewed in different parts of the globe. Tattoo culture around the world holds plenty of surprises for those who have grown up with the American interpretation. They may also represent a religious ritual. They may be the only means of being viewed as beautiful. They can be a rite of passage, ensuring societal acceptance. While we in America have a complicated history with them, in many cultures they are seen as a symbol of purity. What is truly incredible is how different cultures view tattoos around the world. Just like pierced ears and hair, certain tattoos can still cause alarm, but they are far less likely to inspire a startled gasp than they once were. Tattoos are now seen as a form of expression that is as valid as pierced ears or hairstyle. It is no surprise to see them on our bosses or our school teachers. Now, tattoos adorn the skin of around 40% of all Americans between the ages of 26 and 40. If you had any aspirations of an upper-class lifestyle, a visible tattoo would have served as a potential barrier to entry. They had to be concealed from potential bosses. Those of us born in the 1980s or before have likely noticed this - tattoos were once a taboo here in America. In recent years, society has undergone a remarkable transformation regarding our views on tattoos.
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