Tattooing

1 Pages 222 Words

Tattooing, method of decorating the skin by inserting colored substances under the surface. The skin is punctured with a sharp instrument, which now is usually an electric needle.

In many parts of the world tribal people use tattooing and scarification to indicate social rank and affiliation or as a sign of mourning. Scarification involves slashing the skin and introducing irritants into the wounds, which, when healed, leave pronounced scars. Tattooing was practiced by the Egyptians as early as 2000 bc. Color tattooing became highly developed among the Maoris of New Zealand and was once popular as a form of adornment in China, India, and Japan. Sailors introduced the practice into Europe during the Age of Exploration (16th century and 17th century). Throughout the 20th century in the United States, tattooing remained popular among sailors. By the 1990s the practice had gained popularity with many groups, including fashion models, counter-culture youth, gangs, and prison inmates.

Because of complaints by health authorities that contaminated tattooing needles spread infectious diseases, particularly hepatitis, the practice has been outlawed in some communities in the United States and restricted in other communities to persons over 18 years of age. Body paints and pictured adhesives, called skin transfers or decal tattoos, are easily removed and are much more common. Tattoos applied with a needle can be obliterated by a laser beam....