Tattoos have been part of various cultures for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egyptians, and served important social purposes in places like Pacific Islands. While tattoos were once used to signify status, today they are more commonly seen as a form of self-expression or way to remember loved ones. Some view tattoos as a form of self-mutilation due to their permanent nature, but many find tattoos to be an alluring form of art that connects traditional customs to modern society.

1. Title: Tattoos: a form of self- expression or self-mutilation?
By: Krithi Nathan
www.lookstrek.com

2. TATTOOS: A FORM OF SELF- EXPRESSION OR SELF-
MUTILATION?
 Tattoos have been imbibed in various cultures since
the dawn of civilization, representing global
diversity.
 Researchers have observed tattoos from Egyptian
mummies dating back to 5000 B.C, showing how
important these skin designs were in ancient
societies.
 However, in popular culture today, the role of
tattoos is mainly reduced to aesthetic interests or a
physical way to keep memories alive.
 But how did this transformation happen?

3.  In Pacific Island tribes, tattoos often portrayed rank
in society; chiefs sported rich designs while the
common folk barely had minimal art.
 Grand tattoo rituals were held as a rite of passage
for boys entering puberty as they represented
social responsibility and strength.
 Artistry was done meticulously by hand, using
combs made from boar teeth dipped into dye
extracted from nuts.

5.  The spread of the art form to the West can be
attributed to European colonization during the “Age
of Exploration”, which allowed them to begin
implementing tattoos into their own cultures.
 Tattooing was performed as an exotic beauty
practice among women but also as a form of
punishment, as one was disfiguring God’s creation.

6.  The 1970s was a time of “Tattoo Renewal” and they
became a mainstream form of design, common
among all classes, mainly in urban populations,
until today.
 Many find it an alluring way to express life events or
to appreciate loved ones.
 Tattoo application has changed drastically also, as
tattoo artists now work in sterilized parlor
environments.

7.  Some argue tattoos are an aggressive form of
artwork.
 And its permanent nature convince people to refuse
getting one-but the painless temporary tattoo is
pretty popular too.

9.  Throughout history, the significance of the tattoo in
societal glory has transformed into a reminiscent
fashion accessory.
 Growing more popular especially among the youth,
tattoos serve as an anthropological link between
the traditional and modern world.

10.  Some argue tattoos are an aggressive form of
artwork.
 And its permanent nature convince people to refuse
getting one-but the painless temporary tattoo is
pretty popular too.