How Tattoos Perfectly Express Our True Selves

There are many reasons for getting a tattoo. Some people wish to commemorate a notable event in their lives, remember a loved one, and express a specific emotion like love, anger, or passion. Some people choose tattoos simply because it’s a meaningful way of covering themselves in beautiful artwork. 

Whatever your reason is for loving tattoos, you’re not alone. People have been “inking up” for centuries, and this article will explore where these early ideas came from, how they developed, and their place in the world today. 

Read on as we delve into the world of tattoos, its history, and why so many people are passionate about this unique form of self-expression.

A brief look at the history of tattoos.

When we think of people with tattoos, we may envisage someone modern and on-trend, keeping up with the fashions within their social circles. From song lyrics and band logos to images of loved ones and symbols indicating one’s political beliefs, tattoos can say many things. But the idea of covering one’s skin with ink to express something important is hardly a new idea. 

Where it started.

People across the world have been tattooing themselves and each other since at least the Neolithic times, but the first known examples of tattoos come from 5000 B.C. The earliest written record of tattoos in Japan came from the History of the Chinese Dynasties and dates back to around 300 A.D.

Ancient Egypt.

In Egypt, tattooing was originally a predominantly female practice, and many people believed that tattoos functioned as an amulet throughout pregnancy and during birth. This belief is supported by the patterns found around the abdomen, thighs, and breasts, with specific net-like dotted patterns covering the most vulnerable part of the body. These patterns were thought to be protective, the same way bead nets were draped across mummified bodies to keep everything intact and protect them. 

Native Americans.

Looking a little closer to home, many native American tribes, such as the Cree and Sioux people, have a long and fascinating history of body modification and tattooing. Sharp bone chisels were the main tool used, cutting intricate designs into the skin. The artist would then use a soot-based pigment, tapping it into the open wounds, which would eventually heal with the design set into the skin.

Maori.

New Zealand Maori tattooing is often a rite of passage, with the face embellished with elaborate tattoos known as ‘moko,’ which indicated high status. For many, tattoos have long served as a physical timeline, marking their entry into adulthood, their marriage or union with a partner, the birth of a child, and the remembrance of a passed loved one.

For a while in history, tattoos were used to denote a criminal history, but that trend has long since passed as people realized the true beauty of creative tattoos.  

Why are people so drawn to the idea of tattoos? 

Tattoos have been a form of self-expression for a long time, and with good reason. The art of tattooing is entirely unique because no two people have the exact same combinations of tattoos done by the same artists on the same places in their bodies. Tattoos make us stand out from the crowd in a way that no other body modification can. They can serve as a marker of important events in our lives, challenges we overcame, achievements we’re proud of, and reminders that we’re continuously growing and ready to evolve into better versions of ourselves. 

While tattoos are often used to help people stand out, many people also use tattoos to identify themselves as part of a tribe or sect (though we rarely think of them in this context). As creatures with a pack mentality, even the most introverted of us wish to belong to some kind of familiar group, whether that’s a chosen family (think of all the people who get matching tattoos), religious group, or even a group of fans of the same type of music, TV show, or film. Tattoos tick both boxes of something that defines an individual and something that identifies them as a proud member of a group. 

Many people receive tattoos based on a film or book that changed their outlook or influenced their way of thinking. The Chinese novel Suikoden showed heroic battle scenes performed by warriors covered in tattoos. Novels like this became so popular that people started requesting similar tattoos, which evolved into what’s now known as irezumi or Japanese tattooing. This evolved art form had an incredible impact and many woodblock artists later swapped their woodblock printing tools for tattoo tools to facilitate the demand for such body art. 

Many people report a feeling of transformation after receiving a tattoo; it may affirm a belief, commemorate something important, or even serve as a marker for something life-changing like spiritual beliefs, gender, or sexuality. 

Whatever your reasoning for getting a tattoo, it is a deliberate way of making a clear statement without physically saying a word. This can be particularly powerful for those who are often quiet or not given the opportunity (or even allowed) to be their true selves around others. 

Even if your tattoo doesn’t mean anything particular, it’s still a way of adorning yourself with something unique, and that in itself is a powerful statement. It shows pride in yourself and a certainty that you’ll feel this way or believe in whatever you believe in forever.

While a tattoo is designed to be aesthetically beautiful, it also represents our right to express ourselves, and skin serves as the perfect canvas to tell our stories.

Inking Memories at Alchemist Valley.

At Alchemist's Valley, we’re internationally known for fine line and micro-realism tattoos. We’re proud of our unique and refined artistic style and our unparalleled customer service. We believe that every tattoo is a story written for the person who receives it and we’re passionate about providing our customers with unrepeatable body artwork.

We also know the value of offering cruelty-free service so we exclusively use 100% certified vegan materials and products from start to finish. 

We have studios in Hamburg and Madrid so if you already know what kind of tattoo you’d like, you can book an appointment with us here. If you’re still choosing your style and design, you can head over to our Instagram page for some inspiration!