Ancient Tattoo Ink Versus Ancient Henna Art
Tattoos have been around in the world for many years. It is an old form of body art and has
continued to be practised in almost every single region of the world. The idea of having a
permanent mark on drawn onto your skin became a fashion trend and a mark of gaining a
certain kind of authority. Britain is best known for its popularity in creating elaborate tattoo
designs, using various advanced tattoo supplies and demonstrating a passion for indelible ink
art. However, another trend was set to be placed as an alternative to conventional ink tattoo
art.
Henna, otherwise known in the South East Asian regions Mendhi, is a tradition used for
temporary colouring of various designs on the skin - mainly on the hands and feet. Henna is
another form of body that has been in existence for centuries, using the mendhi plant leaf that
is grinded down and mixed into a paste. It differs from normal tattoo supplies, as it is a topical
application on the skin usually using a cone, sticks or paintbrush. The result is a temporary
orange to deep red dye on the skin. The dye lasts between a week and 6 weeks, depending on
how potent the product is - a far cry from indelible ink!
Tattoo supplies have changed over the course of history, with the first electronic tattoo needle
invented in America that consisted of multiple needles moving in circular motions in which the
tattooist can control the needle depth into the skin. Henna on the other hand is a topical
product and does not need special tools to leave behind traces of colour. However, both have
rarely caused long term problems or allergic reaction.
History
Tattoo ink body art is believed to have originated from the Eurasian region, since the Neolithic
period. An example of early tattoo art was found on Otzi the icemen, whose remains were
found in the Otzi Valley of the Alps dating back to the fourth millennium BC, exhibited 57
carbon tattoos consisting of mainly lines and dots, on his lower spine, knee and ankle. The
tattoo findings may have been because of ritualistic and culture practises of the period. These
days tattoo body art varies from culture to culture, some regions still practise this for religious
and cultural traditions.
The Egyptians were also known for using tattoo art during the construction of the pyramid.
When the Egyptians had expanded their empire, tattooing had spread across Greece, Persia,
Crete, and Arabia. By 2000AD, China had begun practising this art form. Henna art is believed
to be as old tattooing, however it is not known where the art derives from. However, it has
been speculated that it may have derived from India around the 12th century AD.
Tattooing had gained a negative reputation due to its earlier uses on prisoners, gangs,
criminals and sometimes symbols of death. The essence of tattooing has since lost its true
meaning of being an ancient form of body art, whereas henna has been widely known in the
West as Henna-tattoo. A term some would disagree as this too is an ancient cultural and
religious practise, that is prevalent in the most Asian wedding and religious ceremonies. The
culture of body has transformed into the perspective ofcosmetics, though tattoo will continue
to thrive in our Western culture as a form of branding art on the body.
For great ideas about Henna & Ink Tattoo Designs visit: http://tinyurl.com/psv35o