History of women & tattoos

A Short Overview

                                                  Blues singer Janis Joplin

                                                     Janis Joplin's wristlit

Through the centuries, in western culture, tattoos were seen as having that of a ‘taboo’ nature, due to western religious practices, and were seen as a sign of an uncivilized and barbaric nature. The Hippie movement in the 1960’s changed this view somewhat but it was still only appropriate for men to adorn their bodies as women were objectified through male aesthetic by which a woman either played the role of the wife or whore and did not have control over their own bodies or identity. During the 1970’s Women Liberation and Gay Liberation celebrated their control over their own bodies and in turn used forms of body art to express their identity. One of the first women celebrities that expressed her through this art form was blues singer Janise Joplin, who had a wristlet and a small heart tattooed on her left breast by the tattoo artist Lyle Tuttle.

Tattoos of the day

Interview with Mandy Bronner

1. What is your current occupation?

Business owner and fashion designer for Miss Happ clothing & accessories

2. What is the reason for you deciding to get a tattoo or tattoos?

I have always wanted a tattoo - from way back in my school days!

3. Tell me about your tattoo/s and the symbolic or personal meaning behind them?

I have quite a few now, it's hard to count as they are beginning to all join up! I started with a little black butterfly at the base of my neck which my artists calls (to this day) a little black job! The day I had it done I also got a little blue flower on my hip - always a person of extreme's I had to do 2 in one day - even for my first time!

My second one was a phoenix at the bottom of my back down my right side stretches from my bra strap to my bum. It's in full colour and is more an oriental style. 

Then I had a stunning old school rose with an anchor in the middle which sits on my shoulder - it's a fairly big size. I love old school tattoos, the look and the history behind them so it was perfect for me.

Next I was going through a bit of a victorian fascination and wanted a portrait of some sort, so we decided to work from a photo of my Gran taken in the 1940's – she was beautiful and such a lady! She has pretty pearls wrapped around her head and is surrounded by roses and vines and a moth. It's still one of my favourites. She sits on my other shoulder and takes up the whole shoulder to my phoenix. We eventually joined the two pieces with roses so that it becomes one.

Then it was my birthday and as a prezzie my artist added a cute traditional horse shoe to the blue flower on my hip – very old school and very sweet. I needed lots of luck that year so it was perfect for me at that time!

Then following on with the more victorian look I decided to have a cameo style portrait on the inside of my right forearm, but wanted a more Spanish Senorita feel with curly hair and a scarf in her hair. I also had the word "patience" put in a banner below her – something I do not have, but need more of!!

Then I travelled overseas and came back with the most amazing 1950's pin up swing dress with pretty island pinup girls, hibiscus and frangipani's all over it. I am a Durban-by-the-sea girl originally and just loved this! I grew up with a frangipani tree outside my bedroom window! I showed the dress to my artist for inspiration and my next tattoo was born. I have a pinup girl in a swim suit sitting in a large orangey red hibiscus on my thigh which I adore!

After this I decided it was time to show off all this amazing art from an artist I love and take the plunge…I started work on my sleeve. First Milo did the most amazing WW2 fly girl with a proper leather flying cap and goggles – you can even see the folds and worn look of her hat! Underneath her is a B25 bomber – it's actually the Miss Happ bomber – the plane that my clothing brand is named after. We wanted to stick to the more 40's theme, although the style is more new school than old school – the subject matter is pure old school though! Underneath the bombs are super cool bombs in black and white. I can say this is my best piece – the art is amazing!!

Then we carried on with this and added some more flowers in a more Japanese style – the Miss Happ bomber had flown in the Doolittle raid against tokyo in retallition to the bombing of Pearl harbour, so we had to add a Japanese Zero fighter plane – if you look carefully you will even be able to see the pilot..and he's yellow because he's Japanese!! He's about 7mm tiny!

And…down the arm we carried on working on the outside of my forarm and this time we moved into the 1950's with a stunning blue 1957 Chevy. I am a chevy girl at heart – and always have been! From when I used to go to car shows with my dad as a kid it was always the Chevy's I loved. She's super cool and has the best back/tail fins too!

I had a strange open space by my elbow so we decided to do an oldschool sailor in his uniform!  My most recent one – as of yesterday is a photo-real 1950's Zombie lady on my right thigh– very pretty, and very green! Her skirts become a deep maroon rose. She's almost done – we are just need to add sunrays behind her so that it's a similar shape to the Hibiscus pinup on my left leg.

 

4. Do you think in 40 years time you would still love your ink?

Absolutly. This is me. I am comfortable with who I am and where I am at this point in my life. I think that when we get to our 80's there are going to be a bunch of super cool tattooed grannies and granpa's!! I look at the tattoos on my arms and legs every day and love them!

5. Do you think tattoos have become more of a trend than it being something with meaning or a way of expression?

I think tattoos go through phases and different trends. In the 90's everybody was getting tribal now it's taken a turn to back old school..Everything goes full circle I guess. I think it's become more acceptable too. Far more people in the work place, on tv and in the movies are wearing amazing tattoos. It's not so taboo anymore

Popular tattoos in South Africa

These are some currently popular tattoos in South Africa with their common meanings 

The Swallow/ birds in flight

The swallow tattoo is historically used to represent nautical beliefs and actions and more recently symbolises love, hope, and the remembrance of a loved one. In another form, a tattoo of a caged bird that is being released symbolises freedom.

The Anchor

“The anchor is reliable, stable, safe, and unchanging (http://www.tattoos.net/articles/tattoo-meanings/anchor-tattoo-designs/).” The anchor tattoo was traditionally a symbol related to sailors that symbolised strength and protection while on ocean voyages. The anchor is also seen as a ancient Christian symbol to many as it represents a hidden cross. Like the true functions of an anchor, to the early Christians the anchor symbolised strength, steadfastness, devotion, reliability and loyalty- something that a Christian was to their religion.

A more direct representation of the anchor tattoo would be one that symbolises someone being stuck or caught at a point in their life where they feel they are unable to prosper. On the other hand, it could be seen as a symbol of stability to someone who just got out of an unstable situation.

In more modern times, the ‘retro’ anchor tattoo which is of a more ‘old school’ style (more vibrant colours, designs, and positions on the body) than the traditional tattoo has become very popular and is especially popular amongst the rockabilly subculture. Contrary to the belief of the deeper purpose of tattoos, these retro tattoos are often just created for the mere purpose of the ‘cool factor’ of tattoos and not the original purpose which was to distinguish sailors who travelled the ocean from other civilians. However, they may still hold a personal meaning to the individual who wears them.

That which is a growing phenomenon in today’s society – gay pride – is indeed also associated with the anchor tattoo. Although it might be a very vague representation, to gay individuals, the anchor represents, once again, stability in their lives. In these situations, these individuals might have gone through very tough times and troubled waters and so the anchor represents the fact that they have anchored themselves in a sturdy point in their lives where they feel they have overcome all the adversity they have faced. It’s a symbol of strength and security.

Typographical

 

Typography tattoos, or lettering tattoos, is a very popular form of tattoo art, especially in the South African market. These types of tattoos are meant to be read and therefore they usually hold a deep meaning to the individual – usually someone who has a strong love for literature and the history that it holds. The words can come from books, quotes, poems and/or lyrics that relate to personal emotions of a person.

In a more religious aspect of these tattoos, the lettering can be from a verse in the bible. These are also words that carry profound meaning.

Sacred Hearts

The sacred heart tattoo is devoted to Jesus Christ. Historically, until present time, the sacred heart tattoo symbolises love and compassion. The story of the sacred heart dates back to the 17th century in France when Jesus appeared to nun Margaret Mary who completely devoted herself to the Heart of Christ. With this she held all the love and sympathy for all people just like Christ had loved his children.

To many cultures the sacred heart held different meanings and today, the heart is not only a favourite amongst Christians, but also among people who feel a connection to the meaning of love. A heart with a sword or a dagger through it can represent suffering or sorrow, whereas a heart with a crown or angel wings can represent glory and the power and love of Christ.

This sacred heart tattoo is a popular choice among our country, due to the fact that, not only are we a ‘rainbow nation’ but many of our population comprises of Christianity and this results in people who take part in the growing trend of tattoos, having sacred hearts imprinted on their body to display their love for Jesus Christ.

 

Tattoo Parlor Editorials

The W Korea May 2012 Photo shoot Stars an Inked Milou van Groesen by photographer Gianluca Fontana 

 

Who ever said that fashion and tattooing don't mix.  In the W Korea May 2012 editorial the two art forms are in synergy with each other, as yin and yang.  A perfect example of cross inspiration in different design areas. 

 

 

 Reference:

 

2012, Tattoo Parlor Editorials, http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/w-korea-may-2012#!/photos/150665/4. ,28 April 2012

Tattoos of the day

A few questions with Camilla Rose

1.       What is your current occupation?

I'm a stylist and fashion designer. I recently started a Vintage and second hand clothing label.

2.       What is the reason for you deciding to get a tattoo or tattoos?

 I have ALWAYS loved tattoos- I feel like they are an expression of your inner self on your outer body so I have always wanted one.

3.       Tell me about your tattoo/s and the symbolic or personal meaning behind them?

I got my first one on my wrist that says "Mary". Mary is my grandmother who was EXTREMELY important to me and really made me who I am today. She was more like my mother than my gran. She passed away in 2007 so I got this tattoo to remind me of her and all this wisdom she passed onto me. My Second tattoo, my rib piece, I thought about getting  for over a year and researched it and different artists. My name is Camilla Rose so I decided fairly soon on that I wanted a rose but I just wasn't sure in what style or form.  Overtime if I saw someone with a flower tattoo of any kind that I liked I asked them who the artist was and all the best ones seem to come from the same person -Tyler Murphy from Sins of style. I went to see him with the components that I wanted in my tattoo -like I wanted four roses to represent each on of my siblings and I wanted it to be very delicate and girly. Tyler being the amazing artist he is listened and came up with the design that I have on my ribs.  It  is unfinished as It still needs colour. :)

4.       Do you think in 40 years time you would still love your ink?

 I chose something that is important to me ( family). I really don't see how this can't be important to me in 40 years time too? Its beautiful and I love it. I  don't think I will ever  be able to dislike such a beautiful piece of art.

5.       Do you think tattoos have become more of a trend than it being something with meaning or a way of expression?

 Yes. Oh so many times I have heard "because it looks cool" as a response from people when asked about the meaning of their tattoo. My tattoo is under my clothing it is for me and it is personal unless I choose to show you, one would never know about it. And that's the way I like it.

Meanings of globally common tattoos

The Swallow

Historically, of British origin, the swallow tattoo was used by sailors to communicate the number of miles they had experienced at sea. These tattoos were usually located on the chest, neck, or hands and the more swallows a sailor had, the more experienced they were and also the more admired for their endurance during what was a very difficult and dangerous journey. Legend had it that if a sailor had drowned, it would carry their soul to heaven. The swallow also symbolises the love, care and affection a sailor had towards their loved ones, and how their loyalty relied on them returning to them, safe and sound.

The Rose

The rose has held the same meaning throughout history – love. Originally, the ancient Greeks had believed that a rose was white, and only did it turn red when the goddess of love, Aphrodite, pricked herself on the thorns and bled all over the petals.

Like the swallow tattoo, the rose tattoo was a popular marking on sailors, especially during the 1940s, as a way of remembering their wife or girlfriend that they had left behind. The most common meaning behind a rose is its representation of beauty and love.

The rose tattoo can also be connected to different emotions and therefore when it is shown in different colours it can symbolise various meanings, for example, red is for love, pink is for grace and elegance, yellow for jealousy, white for purity and black for death and darkness.

Tribal Tattoos 

Initially tribal tattoos were used to distinguish different tribes from one another and to communicate the status of particular members within the tribe. Many of these tribes also believed that these markings would ward off evil spirits with its magical properties. As time went on, the meanings of tribal tattoos changed and today they are simply used for their beautiful aesthetic appearance.

Dragon

As a mythical creature, the dragon is portrayed as a magical creature that possesses great power. On a woman, a dragon tattoo is said to symbolise the “woman as the creator”. On a man, it typically symbolises “raw power”- the guardians of all things sacred. The dragon can communicate a form of power of its wearer but it can also act as a warning to protect against any threat. In Eastern cultures, the dragon was seen and a noble and honourable creature, whereas in Western cultures they were seen more as evil and dark creatures.

Celtic Cross

Originating in Ireland, the Celtic cross takes many different forms and holds various decorative Celtic arts. Essentially, it came before religion but today, this cross is associated with Christianity.

Tattooed Illustrations

Tattooed women by illustrator liz Clements

References:

2012, Tattooed vixen visuals, http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liz-clements#!/photos/149028/1 , 4 March 2012