“…Scars of self-harm, tattooing and body piercing are often associated with diagnosis of personality disorders or substance misuse.”

You can’t judge a book by its cover. Or can you? The practice of cosmetic alteration of the body, as ancient a human practice though it may be, has gone through peaks and troughs of popularity in the modern world. A trend of the wealthy and highborn can turn to the mark of a criminal quicker than you’d think.

The practice of tattooing was re-introduced to Europe (tattooing had been done there for millennia before but the art had been lost) by British sailors sent to explore the South Pacific islands for the Crown. The images scratched onto the flesh of the natives there inspired the seamen to mark themselves, sparking something of am early tattoo craze in the West. By the mid to late 1800s, the ink lifestyle was linked to adventure, exploration and bravery.

Lady Randolph Churchill was marked with a snake around her wrist, and King Frederick the 9th of Denmark was quite heavily tattooed even by today’s standards. The practice spread to the States where it first took root again with sailors. The advent of the electric tattooing gun led to tattoo shops opening all over the eastern and western seaboards of America.

Automation and proliferation brought the cost of tattoos down considerably, which worked both for and against the art. While it was easier for those interested in the medium to find a tattoo artist, the stigma of tattooing being a practice of the seedy was starting to take hold. In circuses and freak shows all over the nation heavily inked people were being put on display for paying customers. Those voyeurs who had been sufficiently impressed could then spend 3 dollars and take home a tattoo of their own courtesy of the circus’ resident scratch artist.

After the Second World War the reputation of the tattooist and the tattooed went down considerably. Legal efforts on behalf of politicians had relegated tattooing strictly to designated, often seamy areas of port cities due to fears (sometimes justifiably held) of the spread of disease. To be tattooed now had a decided stink of marginality in an era of conformity. The art would stay a pass time of sailors, criminals and prostitutes for 2 decades almost exclusively.

Piercing as a human practice is likely as old as tattooing, though it never enjoyed as much social acceptance. For thousands of years, native peoples all over the world pierced various areas of their bodies for purposes of adornment and rites of passage. In Europe, it was a practice again mainly of sailors, rings put through the ears to signify a passing of the equator or to sharpen eyesight for high-seas watches. For women, piercing of the ears for jewelry had been practiced for centuries.

It was not until the 1960s when the ideas of Fakir Mustafar, born Roland Loomis, began to ignite interest in extreme body art and piercing again, first in the U.S. and then worldwide. Fascinated by the Muslim and Hindu holy men (called “Fakirs” from which he took his name) who would pierce their bodies with hooks and sharpened steel to no ill effect, Fakir began to formulate the notion of the “New Primitive.” It was Fakir Mustafar’s argument that life in the West had become intolerably sheltered and that our protection from pain, from trial, was robbing us from valuable self-knowledge. Adopting the trial piercing of various tribes from all over the world Mustafar planted the seed for interest in body modifications the effects of which are still being felt in the movement today.

“…For example, the desire to be tattooed, pierced, to dress in shocking clothing, at its basis it has obviously unpleasant emotions…”

The 1960s represented a paradigm shift time for many things, no less tattooing and piercing. The civil rights movement, anti-war protests and women’s liberation movement all collaborated in closing the door on post World War Two style conservative values. On the West Coast of America, the flower children found a fascination and unlikely partnership briefly with the outlaw motorcycle clubs that had formed and grew there after the 1940s. The rebel imagery of the bikers was adopted by the avante garde of the youth movement, actors like Peter Fonda and singers like Janis Joplin who in turn opened the doors for middle class kids everywhere to get their own marks.

The resurgence of interest brought much needed new blood to the art, people from the field of fine arts put down their texts and picked up tattoo guns, women all over the world for the first time began to view a career as a tattoo artist as viable, a development which lead to styles of design more flattering to women instead of clumsy sailor flash. The spirit of rebellion so pervasive of the time breathed new life into rebel arts.

As 1960s idealism gave way to 1970s crass selfishness, the tone of tattooing and piercing turned darker but by no means suffered a setback. Instead of flowers and eagles, rebellious youth now returned to body art’s rowdy past for inspiration; skulls, knives and dice. The punk rock movement took Fakir Mustafars rejection of bourgeois conformity to the next level, piercing eyebrows, lips and noses not with native bones but with cold stainless steel safety pins. The art of the margins was again being used, at once as a flag of rejection and so the rejected might feel safe in each others company. The 1970s made the tattoo and piercing culture we see today more than possible but inevitable.

Today, when tattooing and piercing are at their height, the question still must be asked: why?

Pornography and sites like the Suicide Girls have taken the inherently sensual art of tattooing and made it intensely sexy. Hollywood movie stars, by necessity of profession, people who stick to the norms of society, walk Rodeo Drive with pierced nipples and expensive ink. In the psychological field still tattooing and piercing both are firmly believed to be the products of “inner turmoil and distress” a sort of external sign of inner damnation.

With so many people either inked or pierced, are we a society then of the emotionally wounded? Or is this another wave of fashion which will pass and leave tattooing and piercing to the people on the margins of society to whom they always belonged?

Sources
Quote 1: British Psychiatric Journal 1998, Kelwyn Williams
Quote 2: Psychology of Mode, part of article entitled Psychology, dreams, reflexes
Works referenced:
Written on the body: the tattoo in European and American history
Marks of civilization: artistic transformations of the human body

In honor of the bizarre history of the tattoo industry, we discovered the most amazing tattoo and piercing stunts ever completed by human beings as listed (or soon to be listed) in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Record: Most Tattoos in 24 Hours

This new category in the Guinness Book of World Records is set to appear in the 2009 edition. A number of tattoo artists from all over America have already attempted to make it to the book list. Some of them have already set record-breaking feats, even surpassing the 500-tattoos-in-24-hour mark.

In order for a tattoo to be counted in this particular category, the tattoo artist needs to make sure the tats have a dimension of at least 1.25 x 3 inches, a minimum of two colors, and every tattoo must be recorded for Guinness Book eligibility.

Some notable tattoo artists who attempted to create a world record for the category Most Tattoos in 24 Hours include:

Derek Kastning, a tattoo artist from Tyler, Texas who works for Rat-aTac-Tat Tattoos set a new record of 726 tattoos in 24 hours in October 2008.

John ‘Joker’ McManus, a tattoo artist from West Monroe, broke the record set by Kastning by making 775 star tattoos in 24 hours on November 2, 2008. He also broke the 8-hour record of 240 by completing 331.

However, McManus’s celebration was short-lived as Hollis Cantrell from Phoenix, Arizona broke the former record with Cantrell’s 801 ‘AZ’ tattoos in 24 hours in November 2008. Apparently, Cantrell is the man to beat this year. Will another tattoo artist take the challenge and ink a much higher feat?

Record: Most Tattooed Person

This word record was once held by a controversial dude named Tom Leppard who is more popularly known as the Leopard Man. Apparently getting the inspiration from his last name, Tom covered his entire body with leopard-like spots.

Leppards’ impressive tattoo covering was surpassed by an Aussie tattoo enthusiast, Lucky Diamond Rich, who literally covered his entire body with ink. Yes, he is a certified tattoo freak, covering every inch of his skin with tattoo. I don’t think anybody could beat a 100% tattooed man in this category. This is the ultimate level and anyone trying to do the same would just be a poor copycat.

Lucky underwent over 1,000 hours of tattoo sessions by hundreds of tattoo artists. He once tried to collect colorful designs from around the world and tattooed them over his entire body. Not satisfied with the already extraordinary feat, Lucky decided to have a 100% covering of black ink that included his eyelids, skin between the toes, down into the ears, and even his gums. Still not contended with the whole thing, Lucky decided to cover the black ink with white designs, and colored designs on top of the white.

Record: Longest Tattoo Session

At 43 hours and 50 minutes, Stephen Grady and Melanie Grieveson of Australia are holding the world record for the longest tattoo session. Grady and Melanie are from Twin Cities Tattooing studio, and both broke the record by 1.5 hours.

Grieveson entered the book records not only as a record breaker but also the first woman to ever attempt the feat.

Record: Most Body Piercings

If you think your proud local body-piercing buddy who’s gotten a Prince Albert, and a number of other jewelries planted on his body, is the king of body piercings, think again. Robert Jesus Rubio from United States of America is holding the world record for the most number of body piercings on a human being with 900 surgical needles inserted into his body. These 18-gauge surgical needles are 1.2 cm long - inserted on May 29, 2008.

Record: Most Pierced Woman

Elaine Davidson may not land on the list of Most Powerful Women in History or in any list with Oprah or Hilary, but she currently holds the world record for most piercings on a woman. Elaine has a record of 720 piercings; 192 on her face and 462 on her body. She has been holding the record since May 2000.

Record: Most Body Piercings in One Session

So you think getting one piercing is tough enough? But for Kam Ma, from UK, getting one piercing in one session is child’s play. A real man gets 1015 piercings at once. That’s exactly what Kam Ma did on March 4, 2006 at the Sunderland Body Art with Charlie Wilson. Both performed the feat in 7 hours and 55 minutes.

Learn more about the crazy body art and tattoo lifestyle here.

It is a commitment that subjects the tattooee to more judgment and possible controversy than any other tattoo choice. Wearing your religion on your skin takes resounding faith, unshakeable conviction, and yes, balls. But it is refreshing and in fact admirable in these days of the prolific slut-stamp and lifeless tribal sleeve to see folks stepping out of the ink herd and choosing to physically profess their religious devotion … loud and clear.

Luckily for religious tattoo enthusiasts of today, the artistry of time-honored religious imagery has made leaps and bounds from our forefathers chiseling petroglyphs onto stone. Expressive, beautiful and subjective, check out the incredible artwork that makes up the top 30 religious tattoos.

Jesus: The central figure of Christianity, Jesus, aka Jesus of Nazareth, Jehovah, the Messiah, the Christ, Savior of man, the Son of God, was a prophet and teacher born in Bethlehem and crucified to bestow eternal salvation among mankind.

Mary: Mary is the mother of Jesus Christ, and is also referred to as the Virgin Mary, the Blessed Virgin, the Holy Virgin, the Holy Mother and the Mother of God. Mary is especially honored in Roman Catholicism and is considered the most elevated of the saints.

Cross: The cross is one of the most recognized symbols in the world. It is the primary religious symbol of Christianity and represents the crucifixion of Jesus.

Rosary: Traditional in Roman Catholicism, the rosary is a set of beads that provides a physical method of keeping track of the number of prayers said, as the fingers can move along the beads as prayers are recited.

Angels: In Christianity, Judaism and Islam, angels are believed to be messengers from God who are sent to guard over subjects (hence, Guardian Angel) and carry out the tasks of the Divine. Superior or higher-ranking angels are known as archangels; famous archangels include Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel.

Crucifix: A crucifix is a cross with an accompanying image of Jesus’ crucified body. It is a principal symbol of Christianity and Catholicism.

The Last Supper: In Christian Gospel, the Last Supper (aka the Lord’s Supper) was the last meal Jesus of Nazareth shared with his Twelve Apostles and disciples before his death.

Praying Hands: The held-together, praying hands image is a traditional gesture in Christianity and Catholicism. This photo is from RankMyTattoos.com user Rod Fam. Rank this tattoo here.

Krishna: While many Hindu groups recognize Krishna as the incarnation of Vishnu, some consider Krishna to be the Supreme God. Krishna is the speaker of the Bhagavad-Gita, and is often depicted as a baby or as a youthful prince playing a flute. Krishna is believed to personify the loving relationship between God and humans.

Sacred Heart: A traditional symbol in Roman Catholicism, the Sacred Heart represents Jesus’ physical heart. The Sacred Heart is usually depicted as a flaming heart surrounded by a crown of thorns and bleeding. The crown of thorns alludes to Jesus’ death, while the fire represents his love for mankind.

Scripture: Although “scripture” is generally defined as the sacred writings of religious texts, it has been traditionally associated with the writings of the Bible.

Triquetra: The Triquetra is used by Christianity as a symbol of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), but is also used in Neo-Pagan religions.

Star of David: The Star of David is a six-pointed star emblem, commonly associated with Jewish culture and Judaism. It is named after King David of ancient Israel and is also present on the state flag of Israel.

Pentacle: Neo-pagans, especially Wiccans, use the pentacle as a symbol of faith, similar to the Christian cross or the Jewish Star of David. As a representation of the elements, the pentacle is an amulet used in magical evocation, summoning the spirits of the four directions (with the spirit as five) at the beginning of Wiccan ritual.

Triple Moon Goddess: In Pagan and Wiccan tradition, the Triple Moon Goddess represents the three stages of life: Maiden, Mother and Crone, as well as the three phases of the moon.

Baphomet: The Baphomet was first depicted by nineteenth century occultist Elipas Levi as a symbol of harmony, redemption, and union with the Divine. A simplified version of the symbol (the Sabbatic goat) was adopted as the emblem of Anton Lavey’s Church of Satan in 1966. These two figures are now both synonymous with Satanism.

Pentagram: Traditionally a symbol of a 5-pointed star, an inverted pentagram with two points up, often inscribed in a double circle with a depiction of a goat head in the middle, is referred to as the Sigil of Baphomet among Satanists. It is used as a sign of rebellion or religious identification; the three downward points symbolizing the rejection of the holy Trinity.

The Devil: The Devil, aka Satan, Lucifer, the Beast, the Antichrist, Beelzebub, etc., is a fallen angel in Christian and Catholic tradition who rebelled against God and was cast down into the pit of Hell. The Devil is usually depicted with horns and a serpent’s tongue.

666: The Bible’s Book of Revelation asserts 666 to be “the number of a beast.” In modern culture, 666 has become one of the most widely recognized symbols for the Antichrist, and a symbol for Satanists.

Upside down cross: The reversed cross is traditionally the symbol of St. Peter’s refusal to be crucified in the manner of Christ, preferring to be hung upside down, as a gesture of humility. In modern times, the reversed cross is most commonly associated with Satanism and a rejection of the Christian doctrine.

Brahma: Brahma is regarded as the creator of the universe in Hinduism, and was believed to be self-born in the lotus flower which grew from the navel of Vishnu. Brahma is traditionally depicted with four heads, four faces and four arms, representing the four directions.

Shiva: Shiva, the God of destruction, is the supreme God in the Shaiva tradition of Hinduism. He is generally represented as immersed in deep meditation, and has a third eye. Shiva is often depicted as blue, referring to when he drank poison churned up from the earth’s ocean.

Vishnu: Vishnu is regarded as a major God in Hinduism, and is believed to be the preserver of the universe.

Ganesh: Ganesh is one of the best-known and most worshipped deities in Hinduism. Ganesh’s elephant head makes him easy to identify, and his reverence extends to Buddhists and beyond India. He is regarded as the Remover of Obstacles and Lord of intellect and wisdom.

Buddha: Siddhartha Gautama (563 BC-483 BC, approximately) was an Indian spiritual teacher and the founder of Buddhism. He is generally recognized by Buddhists as the Supreme Buddha.

Kuan Yin: In Buddhist culture, Kuan Yin is known as the Bodhisattva of Compassion. It is generally accepted that Kuan Yin originated as the SanskritAvalokiteśvara, which is her male form.

Yin and Yang: Although found throughout Chinese culture, the Yin and Yang symbols are often associated with Taoism, as they represent the dynamic force of the Tao - two energies constantly interacting with each another: the sun and the moon, femininity and masculinity, birth and death, etc.

Rastafari: Rastafarianism isa religious-cultural movement that began in the 1930’s in Jamaica as a reaction to the European colonialism and slavery of Africans. Central themes of the religion attempt to explain the future of the African race by looking to Ethiopia for an African King.

Atheist: Atheism is defined as the disbelief that deities exist and/or the lack of belief in gods.

Darwinian Fish: Charles Robert Darwin (1809 -1882) was an English naturalist who taught that all species of life have evolved over time from common ancestors through the process he termed natural selection. His theory of natural selection came to be known as the primary explanation of evolution in the 1930’s, and now forms the basis of modern evolutionary theory.

Good vs. Evil Duality: These images represent religious duality.

Jesus/Satan:

Mary/Evil Mary:

Angel/Devil tattoo from RankMyTattoo user DeadGirl666. Rank this tattoo.

Whether denying the existence of God(s), altering the perception of God(s), or embracing God(s), religious tattoos encapsulate a personal and cultural honor that no other artwork can match. Check out and rank more tattoo photos here.

Perhaps the premier studio in Dublin, tattoo flash is displayed on the walls giving inspiration to those who need it. Buried deep among the design books on the tables sits a bland, black folder marked “Old School.” Largely ignored, this folder contains the relics of yesteryears, pictures of leprechauns and flags, shamrocks and harps.

Years ago, these traditional Irish symbols enjoyed great popularity across Ireland, but recently their popularity has faded. Instead, Celtic tattoo designs have emerged as a mainstream representation of Irish heritage.

“Tribal designs are popular now,” says Mick, manager of Celestial Ring studio at St. Stephen’s Green, “And I’d classify Celtic as tribal. With the thick lines and definition… they look deadly.”

Temple Bar

This may be true, but it requires a great amount of attention to work a Celtic design. The geometric patterns, which are often stylized knots and braids, require a steady hand and attention to detail. In fact, the intricate overlap and intersection of Celtic designs are their most striking features. Even the ornamental outlines and borders often have mazes and infinite spirals worked into the small spaces.

When Paul Moore, a native of Inchicore, Dublin, walked into Zulu Tattoo looking for a Celtic cross, artist Paul Hayde immediately got the transfer ready. Having tattooed for almost a decade, Paul explained that very few Celtic designs are done freehand.

“You have to be precise,” he says. “Symmetry counts and detail is important.”

Having survived thousands of years in manuscripts and on monuments, perhaps one of the modern appeals of these patterns is their longevity. Still instantly recognizable as Celtic, there has been no stereotype or caricature of the designs.

“I’ve got a Trinity Knot on my shoulder,” says Carl, an artist with Classic Ink in Temple Bar, says of the lone design to grace his bicep, “that’s all. Nothing else needed.”

Mick agrees that the longevity of the designs is key, particularly when considering them for a permanent tattoo. “They’ve been around for thousands of years,” he explains, “They aren’t going anywhere.”

And unlike modern Irish symbols, Celtic designs have no association with contemporary nations.

“I’d actually caution someone against that kind of thing,” Mick admits when asked about leprechauns and flags. “You never know where you’re going to be… things like flags can be controversial.”

It seems that much of Young Ireland agrees. Susan, a thirty-something Cork native, says she would never get an Irish symbol like a shamrock.

“I’d be afraid it would be too nationalistic,” she explains. Her friend Alan, a twenty-something from Navan, feels the same way, adding “I don’t need it to say I’m Irish.”

As opposition to the symbols rose along with modern Ireland, Celtic designs date back thousands of years and draw on several different heritages. With the Romans introduction of Christianity to Ireland in the 3rd century ensuing the Early Christian Period, Celtic crosses emerged.

By the 7th century, monks were using intricate knot-work patterns to illustratemanuscripts like the Book of Durrow, and later the Book of Kells. With the Viking invasion of Ireland 8th century, yet more imagery took root in Ireland. During the Middle Ages, manuscripts of Celtic mythology brought shape-shifting animals, gods, heroes and figures of the Otherworld into the collective Celtic conscience.

Celtic designs seem to strike just the right mix of personal identification and cultural heritage. Tara Martin, an artist at Zulu Tattoo, custom designed a pattern based on a Celtic torc for her neck, explaining “It’s because I’m Irish. I wanted something patriotic, but not ‘in your face.’”

By creating her own design, she was able to achieve just the right balance.

“Everything goes around, everything old will be new again” says Paddy, a pensioner from Drumcondra, Dublin whose arms are covered in Irish symbols. “When I got these I was showing who I was, as an Irishman. Young ones today, they don’t need that. So shamrocks are out. I’m glad to see the Celtic crosses are back in,” he says with a twinkle in his eye, unbuttoning his shirt to show off the beauty on his chest.

From the Book of Kells to the walls of Zulu, Celtic crosses and designs have survived and are once again flourishing. Like Paddy, it seems that many Irish are taking them to heart as a timeless celebration of their heritage.

Does your country have some fascinating tattoo traditions or practices? Let us know!