A brief history and origin of tattoos

Where did it all begin?

Tattooing is an ancient art form that dates back thousands of years, across many cultures and there are varying different societal attitudes towards tattoos, that have evolved and changed over the years.

Although there is no way to know exactly when and where the first tattoo was performed, tattoos are prehistoric, and the first tattoo was never recorded.

The earliest known examples of figurative tattoos on human skin that have been found, date as far back as 5000 years ago, on two Egyptian mummies. The female mummy has four small ‘s’ shaped motifs on her shoulder and also a motif believed to represent batons used in ritualistic dances.

However, the oldest clear example of tattoos, dated around 3250 B.C., are those of Ötzi the European Tyrolean Iceman. He died and was buried beneath an Alpine glacier on the Austrian-Italian border. He had 61 tattoos on his body, including bracelet-like bands around his wrist, and other tattoos on his lower legs, back and torso.

Ötzi was not the first person that would have been tattooed. He was an ordinary man for his time, which suggests that people before him would have had similar tattoos.

Japanese culture and tattoos

In other cultures, such as in Japan, tattoos (better known as Irezumi in Japanese) can be traced back to 5000 B.C.E.

Japanese records show the art of tattooing dating back 10,000 years, as seen in statues and clay figurines adorned with tattoos. These ancient tattoos were primarily fertility markings, often placed on the stomach and thighs, or depictions of animals in the region - similar to cave paintings.

There is a whole rich history and symbolism behind Japanese tattoos culturally, originally being used for spiritual significance, until later used as punishment for criminals, which lead to negative connotations of tattoos in Japan.

Opinions of tattoos in Japan have evolved over time and they are becoming more accepted, however, there are still some areas, such as spas and gyms etc that still do not accept tattoos on show.

Hand poking (‘stick and poke’) versus the tattoo machine

These early tattoos, of course, would have been created by hand, using rudimental tools such as bone, sticks and thorns and natural pigments to mark the skin.

There is a huge heritage behind the tribal and indigenous communities tattooing culture, with a diverse history spanning across many civilisations.

The first tattoo machine is said to have been created by Thomas Alva Edison in 1877. Although, his machine was not originally designed for tattooing, but for duplicating documents and drawings by hand. His invention didn’t last long, as the typewriter was then invented.

However, it wasn’t long before his invention was brought back to life by Samuel O’Rielly in 1891. This was the foundations of the first rotary tattoo machines that we now know today. Shortly after, English tattoo artist Thomas Riley developed a tattoo tool using an electromagnet.

In later years, Alfred Charles South then created the ‘double-reel’ configuration based on Thomas’ design. However, his protoype was so heavy, it needed to be supported from the ceiling to bear its weight!

Thankfully, years later in 1920, Percy Waters designed several tattoo machine prototypes, some of which are still in use today.

Since then, modern technology has seen the rise of battery-powered machines and most recently, the ‘pen’ style machines - first developed by Cheyenne (a well-known tattoo brand). Battery-powered and pen style machines are a popular choice for artists, negating the need for a power supply and cables. They are more lightweight, have a lower vibration and they are easier to wrap and clean down after use.

Tattooing in recent years

The 1920s saw the rise in popularity of cosmetic tattoos, a trend that has made a big comeback in recent times. Permanent makeup (cosmetic tattoos or micro-pigmentation) is very popular today, as it enhances natural beauty and reduces the need to buy makeup - saving money and time by streamlining daily routines. People can now get their lips tinted, eyebrows microbladed and even permanent eyeliner.

Navy or ‘Sailor’ tattoos

Tattooing exploded when people took to the seas, and sailor tattoos became some of the most well-known designs, many of which revolve around superstition. Sailors would get tattoos believed to please the gods of the sea in return for safe passage.

Examples of sailor tattoos include:

• Swallows: Legends claim that a swallow will ensure a sailor's safe return, or alternatively, carry the sailor's soul to heaven.

• Nautical Stars: Associated with the US Navy, it was believed to keep a sailor on course and guide them.

• Ladies' Faces: These women, typically wives or girlfriends, were believed to bring good luck or symbolise desire. Another popular design was the gypsy lady head, which originated from Romany culture and represented a traveling lifestyle.

• The Anchor: In the Navy, an anchor tattoo symbolises stability, strength, and a sailor's connection to the sea. Traditionally earned by sailors who had successfully crossed the Atlantic Ocean, representing their experience and commitment to their naval duties. Over time, the anchor has also come to signify hope, resilience, and a safe return home.

Sailor Jerry

Sailor Jerry is one of the most iconic and well-known figures in the tattooing industry. He started out using the stick and poke method, then during the 1920’s he went on to use a tattoo machine. His art is associated with sailors during WWII. He joined the navy and was stationed in Hawaii, where he remained until the attack on Pearl Harbor. This is where he honed his craft.

Sailor Jerry also spent time with the Horis (a term for Japanese tattoo masters) with whom he swapped designs. His art is characterised by bold lines and primary colours and still remain a popular classic today.

Sailor Jerry is also known for creating the first known purple carbazole tattoo ink, and single use needles. A lot of his art is around today and you may recognise some of his iconic pieces.

Neo-trad is a style of tattoos with foundational influence taken from Sailor Jerry and American Traditional tattoos, as well as Japanese influences playing a part in the evolution of this style.

The 70s and 80s

As the popularity of tattoos grew, the 1970s and 1980s saw tattoos being used more as a form of self-expression, similar to today. Sleeves and more intricate designs became popular during this period. The rise of rock and roll brought about people getting tattoos of their favourite band members, as well as popular cartoon characters of the time, resulting in bright, colourful tattoos, seeing the emergence of New School tattoos.

The rise of Punk and anti-establishment movements pushed the limits of social acceptability, with bold facial tattoos and patriotic symbolism.

According to Underground Underdogs, it was the Punks who were some of the first to adorn their faces with tattoos, as a physical representation of social rejection.

Tattoos in the 90s

We’re all familiar with the tribal blackwork tattoos and Chinese symbolism that took the 90s by storm, with Polynesian and Native American influences finding their way into mainstream tattoos. As well as the well known barbed wire arm tattoo, which rose to fame thanks to Pamela Anderson.

As more celebrities embraced tattoos, new trends emerged, allowing fans to imitate their favourite stars. Who could forget Mark Owen’s iconic dolphin tattoo or David Beckham’s famous cloud design, which became a major tattoo trend!

21st century tattoos

All of this eventually led to the popular designs we see today, with an evolution from subcultural symbols to mainstream fashion statements, embraced by people from all walks of life.

With the rise of social media, celebrity influence, and artistic innovation, tattoos have become a powerful form of self-expression. Styles range from minimalist designs to intricate realism, and technology has advanced to include better ink quality and less painful removal options.

Cultural acceptance has also grown, with workplaces becoming more lenient toward visible tattoos. Whether for personal meaning, aesthetic appeal, or trend-following, tattoos continue to shape modern identity and style.

There are also still many people who hold a candle for the more traditional tattoo styles, without which the art form would not be where it is today.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this brief journey through the history of tattooing, which just scratches the surface on this fascinating subject, rich in history and culture. We look forward to seeing what the future of tattooing holds.