The ability to express ourselves creatively is one of our greatest gifts as humans. Different artforms have been used since the dawn of mankind. It’s what sets us apart from other species inhabiting this planet. Now whether we choose to use our inspiration to design US no deposit bonus slot games, or sketch some ideas to get inked, the fact still remains, it takes a great deal of creativity and artistic flair to do either.
Of course, there’s something quite unique and telling about tattoos. This is probably why they’ve been in existence since 5000 BCE. Undoubtedly, it has shaped many cultures around the world, and millions of people choose to use this form of self-expressive art because it carries with it a great deal of significance and sentimentality. So, how has this artistic craft inspired sailors, you might ask? Well, let’s find out…
The Oldest Tattoo In The World
The history of tattooing spans many centuries before the birth of Christ. Evidence of tattoos dates back to 5,300 BC when the mummified remains of a Neolithic hunter were found in a glacier on the Austria-Italy border. The hunter’s body showed stylized signs at the joints, although some argue that this was a form of medical treatment for relieving osteoarthritis. Still, this is the oldest tattoo that has been recorded. Later on, traces of tattoos were found in Japan or Egypt (dating back to 5,000 BC and 2,000 BC respectively). These tattoos were often religious or spiritual in nature, symbolizing devotion to a higher power.
The Origins Of The Word “Tattoo”
The English word “tattoo” is thought to have originated from the Polynesian word “tatau” introduced to the language by James Cook, in the late 18th century following his voyage to Polynesia. The word “tatau” is popular in many Pacific Island cultures to describe the practice of tattooing. The word itself is derived from the Polynesian expression “Ta-tatua” which literally means “to strike”.
The root “Ta” refers to the process of “drawing” or “marking” on the skin, while “Atua” translates to “spirit” or “divine essence”. This seems to suggest that tattooing was not simply a physical practice but had spiritual and cultural significance too for many Polynesian communities.
The Historical Link Between Tattoos And Sailors
Sailors had a significant impact on tattooing in Western culture during the 18th century. Cook’s voyages introduced sailors to tattooing, which was a longstanding tradition among the native Tahitians. By the 19th century, tattoos were more of a tradition among sailors, with some even working as amateur tattoo artists while at sea.
The 1920s all through the 1950s marked a rapid development in the technique, equipment, and safety, with wartime being a busy season for tattoo artists, especially during World War II. Nautical drawings were often used and passed from artist to artist, while other tattoos included names of dear ones, symbols of protection, and images of home.
There are several reasons why sailors got tattoos. One of them was superstition, as sailors believed that tattoos could protect them from natural elements, such as the sea, which was simultaneously regarded as fearsome and alluring. Another possible reason why sailors wanted to get inked is to commemorate and communicate what they had experienced throughout their journeys. It is also said that the number of tattoos a sailor had, was equivalent to the number of ports they had visited. Moreover, tattoos served as a way to identify sailors in case of drowning, with tattoos often including the names of hometowns and family members, just in case something bad happened during their travels.
Common Tattoo Symbols Explained
- Anchor – represents security, stability, and hope
- Celtic Sailor’s Knot – symbolizes love and loyalty between a sailor and their significant other
- Crosses on feet – believed to protect the sailor from sharks
- Dragon – indicates a sailor who has served in China or sailed to a Chinese port
- Fully rigged ship – signifies survival in rough waters
- Hula Girls or Palm Tree – used to show a sailor had been to Hawaii
- Mermaids – represent the seductive and dangerous nature of the sea
- Nautical star – designed to resemble a compass rose, symbolizing the sailor’s ability to find their way back home
- Rope on the wrist – commonly worn by deckhands to showcase their skills
- Rose with dagger – symbolizes the courage to fight anything, even the most beautiful things
- Swallow with dagger – signifies the loss of a comrade
- Swallows – represent a safe voyage home
Author’s Bio:
Content Specialist Arabella Visser appreciates the great effort that goes into every kind of tattoo sketched and inked. In fact, she feels that being a skilled tattooist is much like being a good writer—having a genuine passion, great eye for detail and a whole lot of creativity are all essential for both lines of work. She has quite a few tats herself, and incidentally, a couple of them are nautical themed ones too!
