Tattoo Design Both Ancient and Modern
July 16, 2008
The art tattoo has come into popular culture in many forms. Ancient ritualized markings denoting caste levels, honor to various gods and goddesses as well as accomplishments have found themselves at the end of a tattoo machine for the modern human canvas as a way to show personal expression and individuality in a world of corporate conformity.
A great surprise though, Is the tattoo design most often found on Yakuza members is that of beautiful scenes with elaborate details. The method used though is less than beautiful. Yakuza members, as a way to test their resolve and strength, do not get tattooed with a tattoo machine. It is a hand held instrument that is not without pain. The images are not just a back tattoo either. From collar to ankle they span the entire body.
Tattoo’s signifying power or lack of is not the sole property of China or Japan. In Russia a tattoo design can be a calling card of that person’s life choices. If the person is a murderer, his or her tattoos will show this to the world and everyone will know. If a person is an informant or has lied about a deed, he or she may be forcefully tattooed to show their mistakes to the world.
For many the art tattoo represents a wilder side to their personality. Perhaps a bit of rebellion against the expected norms of a more staid and traditional society that looks upon a tattoo with wariness as the stigma associated with the art tattoo is not as widely spread to the more conservative. There are other individuals who use the tattoo as a means of remembrance for fallen family and friends or as a spiritual guide for their lives.
A note of caution concerning henna is the use of a product labeled as “black henna” or an indigo. Natural henna does not come in dark shades. The dark colors are actually made by combining henna with a chemical. There can be very harsh side effects such as skin blistering. As with any product, even a natural one such as henna, there can be allergic reactions.
Tattoos have been and will continue to be a means of expression. From the dragon tattoo to the star tattoo, it is a way for people to communicate with the outside world without saying a word. The tattoo design that is chosen is entirely, well at least most of the time, up to the person who wants to mark their body. It is their way of letting the world knows what they stand for, love or hate.
A henna tattoo can be incredibly beautiful if applied properly. Much like the mainstream tattooing, a henna artist must pay attention to each stroke to ensure its proper place. The upside is that it will wear off. The downside is that it will wear off as well no matter how much the person loves the tattoo design. With proper care the henna artwork can last for weeks and can always be reapplied.
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