Tattoo Culture & History
The history, social impact, and cultural significance of tattoos across the world.
Batok: The History of Filipino Tattooing and Apo Whang-Od
Hand-tapped with a thorn and charcoal, batok is one of the world's oldest living tattoo traditions. The history of Filipino tattooing, what Kalinga designs meant, and the story of 106-year-old Vogue cover star Apo Whang-Od.
Sailor Tattoo Meanings: Swallows, Anchors, Nautical Stars and Hold Fast
Swallows for miles sailed, a ship for rounding Cape Horn, HOLD FAST for deckhands. The traditional meanings of classic sailor tattoos, and how Sailor Jerry made them the foundation of American traditional.
Tattoo History Timeline: 5,000 Years of Ink, From Ötzi to Today
From Ötzi the Iceman's 61 tattoos and the oldest figurative tattoos in Egypt to Polynesia, Japan and the first electric tattoo machine in 1891. The history of tattoos as a timeline.
Tattoos as Symbols of Healing for Sex Trafficking Survivors
Traffickers sometimes brand victims with forced tattoos. How survivors, tattoo artists and charities like Survivor's Ink and Project iRISE are covering and removing those marks, and where to get help in the UK, US and Canada.
1 in 4 Tattooed Adults Regret Their Ink: Here's What They Regret Most
Pew Research found 24% of tattooed Americans regret at least one piece. We break down exactly which tattoos get regretted, why artists refuse certain placements, and how to make sure you land in the 76%.
Tattoo Anthropology: How Scholars Study Culture
There's something genuinely magical about the way tattoos connect us to human history and culture. As someone who's spent years immersed in tattoo culture, I've always wondered about the deeper stories behind our ink.
Adam Krueger Teaching Tattooing at RISD Design School
When you think about where serious artists learn their craft, you might picture a traditional studio space, maybe a design school classroom.
Japanese Tattoo Yakuza: History and Modern Culture
When most people think about Japanese tattoos and yakuza, their minds immediately jump to images of organized crime, danger, and the traditional full-body irezumi designs that have captivated the world for centuries.
How World War II Changed Tattoo Culture Forever
When you think about the history of tattoos in America, World War II stands out as a pivotal moment that completely transformed how society viewed body art.
Auschwitz Tattoos: The History of the Numbers and the Descendants Who Carry Them
Auschwitz was the only Nazi camp that systematically tattooed its prisoners. The history of those numbers, how they were made, and why some descendants of survivors now carry them on their own skin.
Seattle Tattoo Expo Immerse Yourself in Ink, Art, and Culture this Weekend
Prepare for a weekend of ink, art, and vibrant culture as the Seattle Tattoo Expo unfolds at the iconic Seattle Center. Drawing tattoo enthusiasts and artists from around the country, this three-day event promises a unique blend of creativity, live entertainment, and the o
Yashikaa Annand's Latest Tattoo Pays Tribute to Bigg Boss Tamil Journey
Yashikaa Annand, the former contestant of Bigg Boss Tamil, has once again grabbed the spotlight, not just for her on-screen charisma but for a striking addition to her body art collection: a unique 'Bigg Boss eyes' tattoo gracing her neck.