The earliest evidence of tattooing dates back to the ice age. While some cosmetic tattooing was done thousands of years ago, it really came into its own as an industry in the late 1970's. At that time, various tattoo artists around the country began offering permanent makeup also known as cosmetic tattooing and reconstructive pigmentation. In the l980's aestheticians, electrologists, nurses, and cosmetologists became interested in performing these procedures. Training programs were established throughout the country and the industry has grown rapidly since then.
The formal definition of a tattoo is a marking of the skin with punctures, which pigment is applied to. The word originates from the Tahitian word tattau [to mark]. In some ancient, eastern cultures, and third world countries a tattoo will consist of skin incisions into which irritants or toxins are rubbed to produce a permanent raised scar. Unfortunately I could not interview any subjects that had that type of tattoo. .
The modern or more western method of tattooing employs an electric needle, where the skin is punctured and desired ink is placed into the wound. Puncture tattooing reached its most elaborate and artistic development among the Maori of New Zealand and among the Japanese, who perfected the use of color. Sailors and tradesmen introduced it to European culture, which brought them back with them after exploring new territories.
In modern Western cultures, it has been alternately regarded as a vulgar practice and as a sign of high fashion. It has been used by modern states as an instrument of control, as in the identification of criminals and political prisoners. Also in horse training or cattle raising, a tattoo might be used also for identification purposes. In medicine, it may be used to remove birthmarks by injecting a pigment of the color of the natural skin. .
Tattooing has been banned in some areas for health reasons; unsafe practices, and unclean needles can transmit hepatitis or HIV.
