Tattoos have been around for thousands of years and have evolved from their traditional roots to become a modern art form. From Polynesian tribal designs to classic sailor-style tattoos, there are countless styles to choose from. Whether you want to express your individuality or pay homage to tradition, tattoo designs offer endless possibilities.

Most people end up searching for tattoo ideas amidst a maze of colors and sizes. But tattoos weren’t invented by rock stars or bikers – they’ve been around for as long as human history. For thousands of years, people have used tattoos to mark their bodies. That’s right – thousands of years. Many of the tattoos you see today come from different cultures or tribes. That’s the beauty of tattoos – they can hold a wide range of meanings for different people.

The Origin of the Word

The Polynesian languages (such as Tahitian, Samoan, and Marquesan) use the word “tatau” to refer to body art, and these languages have influenced the creation of tattoos. It’s not surprising that Polynesian tattoos continue to be popular today, although their symbolism has evolved. In the past, they were used to signify one’s status within a hierarchy, sexual maturity, or rank in society.

Tattoos in America

Although there are probably many tattoo shops in every town and city, New York City is credited with the creation of modern tattoos. Martin Hildebrandt, a German immigrant who worked in the US Navy, opened the first tattoo parlor in New York. While serving in the Navy, he learned the art of tattooing from another sailor. With the rapid expansion of sea exploration and tattooing, sailors helped to spread the art of tattooing to all corners of the globe. This is the origin of the classic sailor-style tattoo.
This post was written by J Michael Taylor. J Michael Taylor is an artist and owner of Black Amethyst Tattoo Gallery. Looking for Tattoo shops in St Petersburg Florida? Black Amethyst has you covered! They provide an art-first approach to custom tattooing in a gallery setting.