It’s believed that the first tattoo dates back 5,000 years. It was found on two Egyptian mummies, whose people are thought to be the inventors of tattoos. The purpose of their practice was medical: just as carving the image of an animal would ward off its attacks, getting a tattoo could also serve to prevent disease.
So, the origin of the tattoo is located in Egypt, where from the beginning they were given an important symbolism. But we don’t only find evidence of this practice in ancient Egypt, but also in Japan, where people were tattooing themselves as far back as 1,000 BC.

This practice was associated with criminals and delinquents, who boasted of their achievements and their character with these marks. On the other hand, in ancient China, they were used as decoration and for aesthetic reasons.
When did Tattoos Became Popular?
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, there was a strong global mobilization of the Mara Salvatrucha, a group of Salvadoran youths with shaved heads, colorful tattoos on their faces and bodies. They would paint a legend that said: “My God, forgive me for my crazy life,” and small tears in their eyes that represented the number of murders they had committed. They had a physical construction of violence, informality, and delinquency.
“Since the mareros started marking their bodies, showing themselves off, there was a huge acceptance among young communities. From the late 1980s and early 1990s, they became very popular. Today, we have an enormous proliferation of tattoo artists; it’s a trend that appears on TV, in magazines, with artists and soccer players,” Castillo Berthier said.

For the sociologist, “we have that step in history, from the ritual part to the popular part where everyone can do it. Today, tattoos no longer have as much symbolic weight; they’re a fashion trend. The symbolic meaning was lost and it acquired a more direct sense of personality and taste; they generate new forms of identity, and it’s no longer seen as bad to have tattoos.”
The art historian Gutiérrez Castañeda argued that tattooing had a resurgence in the 1950s, when there was a “liberalization of the body” in the capitalist system, where each person could ask themselves about their being and their own meanings. “We find the possibility that the body is not completely regulated biopolitically, but there are margins where one can manufacture the body one desires,” he said.
The professor at ENES Morelia mentioned that today, tattooing appears as a personal mechanism of differentiation and re-signification of one’s own subjectivity.

The themes are diverse, and the constant demand is for figures of eagles, warriors, and lions. There are also references to ancient symbols, such as pre-Hispanic Greek and Oriental signs; as well as direct or encoded messages from popular culture, such as comic book characters or famous people.
It’s a search for identity; any element that reinforces or inspires your identity will be welcome and a way to say “I’m here, and this is how I want to be reflected and seen,” he emphasized.
According to Gutiérrez Castañeda, not only tattoos, but the entire configuration of the body, are ways in which the democratic culture of the present is constructed.
What do tattoos mean in today’s world?
Over the years, different social movements have cyclically brought forth and disappeared tattoos. And, in today’s world, the practice of getting permanent designs on the skin has made a strong comeback.
The generational shift has made the negative connotation associated with tattoos start to fade away, as today getting a tattoo on the skin is a form of self-expression, personal identity. Moreover, thanks to the boom in the tattoo world, different techniques and styles of tattoos have emerged, as well as an increase in the number of studies and training for professionals to practice the profession of tattoo artist with all the guarantees. In fact, you may be interested in this post on how to start tattooing.

A tattoo rooted in ancient customs is something worth studying and understanding. However, today the tattoo does not have the same objectives, today the tattoo is an industry that has become popularized by musicians, music groups, and the tattoo has reached a level of perfection that requires a great deal of knowledge. It’s not just anyone who can tattoo professionally without any risk to the person getting the tattoo and the tattoo artist.
About Author

- https://t.me/s/tattoogunmachine
- Hello everyone! My name is Jade Blunt, and I'm a passionate tattoo enthusiast. Let me share a bit about my life and my journey in the world of ink and skin.
Ever since I was a child, I've been drawn to art and creativity in all its forms. However, it was when I turned 18 that I discovered my true passion: tattoos. I remember my first tattoo, a small design on my wrist that marked the beginning of an adventure that would change my life forever.
As my love for tattoos grew, so did my desire to learn more about this fascinating art. I started researching, talking to talented tattoo artists, and immersing myself in the history and culture of tattoos. Every tattoo tells a story, and I wanted to be a part of that narrative.
Over time, I decided to share my passion with the world through my blog, "Tattoo Gun Machine." In this space, I strive to provide valuable information about tattoos, from tips for tattooed skin care to stories of innovative tattoo artists and inspiring designs. My goal is to educate and inspire those who share my love for tattoos, as well as to demystify some of the stigmas surrounding this art form.
My blog has become a corner of the web where the tattoo-loving community can connect, share ideas, and explore new trends. I've also had the privilege of interviewing some of the most talented tattoo artists in the world, who share their unique experiences and knowledge within my pages.
But my journey in the world of tattoos doesn't stop here. I'm always on the lookout for new inspiration and challenges. I dream of one day opening my own tattoo studio, where I can bring my own designs to life and continue contributing to this form of artistic expression.
So, if you share my passion for tattoos or are simply interested in learning more about this exciting world, I invite you to join me on my journey at "Tattoo Gun Machine." Together, we can explore the art, culture, and beauty of tattoos as we continue to ink our stories onto the canvas of life. I'll see you on my blog!
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