A Brief History Tattoos

Body Modification from Ancient to Modern

Tattoos and body modifications have been practiced by humans in some form or another for thousands of years and have literally spread to all the corners of the earth from ancient Egypt to New Zealand, North America to Australia, Ireland to the Pacific Islands, Mexico to Japan and nearly all countries in between. There appears to be a resurgence of interest in stretching the limitations of the body by means of tattoos and other forms of body modifications.

Without a doubt having visible body art can alter an individuals social interactions as well as altering appearance or in some cases displaying ancestral and tribal connections. Body modification not only permanently alters the body but for some can be a reaction to the consumerist/mass produced material culture. They can be aesthetically and visually striking such as the artistry of Japanese Irezumi Yet for many years tattoos were stigmatized and perceived by most people to be the exclusive realm of sailors, whores and criminals.

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To many people tattoos express a part of their identity that remains with them until they die or have them removed and are almost are a spiritual practice. They are like a work in progress and evolve as the person grows. They can tell a story of the past or present identity and can also be a permanent reminder of experiences and memories. Recent surveys suggest that at least 10 percent of people in the United States has some form of body modification which is testament not only to its popularity but perhaps the need of many people to begin identifying with their bodies again after having been denied for so long.

What we are seeing is a tattoo renaissance which has taken its inspiration from places such as Borneo, Polynesia, Thailand and Japan and raised the practice in the West to greater artistic heights. No longer are people content with walking into a studio and choosing some standard 'flash' design off the wall with little regard to its placement of their bodies. They want their body art to mean something personal to them as well as lasting the test of time.

Modern artists no longer see the human body as a blank sheet of paper to place dull lifeless designs in a haphazard way but are beginning to treat it as a three-dimensional object in which each tattoo is placed in harmony with the body and existing tattoos. Alongside that serious aficionados are integrating separate elements into a visual whole with designs that respect the complete body thus pushing the limits even further.

From tribal warriors to hot tattoo girls we uncover some of hottest tattoos from some of the more colorful guys 'n' dolls we come across. Check out interviews from well known people and not so well known people as they give us the lowdown on what they mean to them. We are constantly looking for experiences and pictures from visitors so send us your tattoo pictures.

Each month we will flash the hottest tattoos in Kinky Ink ezine. Subscribe to this incredible FREE ezine to see the latest pictures from visitors as well as fresh interviews from some of the movers 'n' shakers in the field. Hook up to Kinky Ink below for the hottest tattoo designs of the month and lots of other cool stuff besides!

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