Tattoo art History, how-to and health risks

They come in several designs, colours and sizes. They take on different meanings. And they are the most enduring of all body adornments. They are tattoos. The development and use of tattoos in various regionsThe history of tattoo goes hand-in-hand with the human civilization. The earliest proof of body tattoo surfaced in 1991, when the remains of "Otzi" the Iceman were discovered. Scientists found out through X-ray that Otzi's tattoo areas were afflicted with bone degeneration. Because of this, they concluded that tattoos were then used for therapeutically purposes.Aside from serving as a form of medical treatment, tattoos also symbolized social status. In ancient Rome, tattoos were viewed as labels for criminals. But this perception eventually changed after the Roman soldiers saw their opponents wearing body inks, and were encouraged to having their own.Christian warriors also placed marks on their bodies so they could be awarded a decent burial. Meanwhile, on southern and central pacific islands, tattoos are worn for varying reasons. In Tahiti, girls have their buttocks tattooed to signify sexual maturity. In the Philippines, tribe members wear tattoos to emphasize accomplishments. Women, on the other hand, used tattoos for beautification.Tattoos were also used in the early traditions of the Europeans such as the exchange of tattooed Maori warriors' heads for guns. In Japan, tattoos have been present since around 5th century. Those belonging to the lower class worn tatoos from their neck down to their elbows and knees, to protest against prohibiting them to wear elaborately-designed kimonos, which was then exclusive for the elite. The government, deeming the act as rebellious, constructed laws to ban tattoos. As a result, wearing of tattoos became underground.The invention of tattoo machinesThe year 1891 saw a big leap in the tattoo-making history. Samuel O'Reilly created the first tattooing machine inspired by the tattoo machine that Thomas Edison invented earlier, which failed penetrating the market.Tattoo machines are controlled by foot pedals, and ran by electric motor. Needles are used to puncture the epidermis down to the dermis, at an average speed of 3,000 holes per minute. These hollows are afterward filled with indelible ink. Tatoo-making procedureTattoo artists begin the tattooing process by sterilizing equipment such as the needle bar and tube, through the use of an autoclave device.The simplest autoclave units are called stovetop, which look like pressure-cookers. Autoclaves are able to sanitize objects with steam that is generated by high pressure. The design is first drawn on the skin, and afterward outlined through the use of single-tipped needles. Next, the artist cleans the tattoo area, followed by the shading step, where different kinds of needles are injected to the skin to create solid lines and thicker pigments. The artist again cleans the tattoo area and ensures even placement of colours. The process wraps up with the covering of tattoo with bandages. Beware of the several risksWith the use of needles, tattoo makes a person susceptible to acquiring diseases that are easily transmitted such as HIV. Complications such as skin allergies may also arise.Aside from the health risks, there are other dangers that tattoos pose. First on the list is regret. For instance, you have got yourself a tattoo bearing the name of your partner, but a year later, found yourselves partings ways after a bad break-up. Or, knowing employers did not hire you because of your supersized tattoos in the arms.If that is the case, are you keeping the tattoo? Probably not.And there goes the other problem, for tattoo removal costs a lot more than having one. So before you head to the tattoo parlour, think carefully. When in doubt, better not push through. That would be safer, anyway.