Tattoos & The Art of Body Piercing

Tattoo is a decorative or symbolic design or art marked over the body. Tattoo is usually placed permanently under the skin. Here, it is important to note that there are both permanent as well as temporary tattoos (like the henna tattoo or mehendi tattoos). The word tattoo traces its origin to the Tahitian tatu or tatau which means mark or strike. Tattoo is one of those art forms which are very popular all over the world. In some countries tattoo art has been in fashion for thousands of years whereas in some other tattoo is a new art adaptation.

Tattoo art form is hugely popular throughout the world in general and the US and Europe in particular. The craze of tattoo is so great that celebrities from all walks of life have been sporting fancy tattoos over their bodies. The tattoo mania spans across sports stars, rock stars and film stars. All these celebrities take pride in flaunting their tattoos. It is interesting to note that tattoo is used not only for fashion but also for other purposes like identifying criminals and political prisoners, race horses and other animals.

With passage of time tattoo art form has also changed. Tattoo artists have skillfully adapted themselves to the latest changes. It is no surprise that the method of tattooing has also undergone changes. In ancient and medieval period people in different parts employed different tattooing methods. The modern method of tattooing employs an electric needle. Puncture form of tattooing was perfected by the Maoris of New Zealand and the Japanese. It was introduced into Europe by sailors.

Some of the most popular modern day tattoos are tribal tattoos, cross tattoos, butterfly tattoos, dragon tattoo, mehendi tattoos, star tattoo, flash tattoos, henna tattoos and religious tattoos.