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Posted on September 2, 2008 by Roger Smith | Posted under Arts and Entertainment
Tattoo Art and its Origins
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Tattoo Art and the Egyptians The Egyptians had an enormous influence on our art and culture over the millennia and for a long period of time it was believed that tattoo art actually originated with them. Evidence has been uncovered that tattoos were part of the Egyptian culture. Many tattoos can be still be seen on the various figurines, tomb scenes and even mummified bodies. It might come as a shock that tattoo art during the Egyptian empire was for women only. Men simply did not wear tattoos during this time. In fact, for a long time, researchers theorized that those women that wore tattoos were part of the lower classes and even included strippers and prostitutes. However, new research actually dismisses this theory. After careful research it is now believed with a high degree of certainty that those women that had tattoo art were not prostitutes or from the lower classes, in fact, tattoo art was expressively for women in the higher classes. The tattoos during ancient Egypt were usually dots in a web like formation around the thighs, stomach and breasts. Researchers now believe that these tattoos served as protection for pregnant mothers and not a sort of Scarlet letter. It wasn't until 1991 that a discovery in Europe turned the theory of Ancient Egyptians originating tattoo art on its head. Incredible as it may seem, tattoo art is an extremely old art form- perhaps dating back over 5,000 years. For those interested in the origins of this art form they consider to be fresh and new today, Smithsonian Magazine has an extremely interesting article on the subject. To learn what scientists believe to be the origin of tattoos today, please visit our main website to read it. About The Author: http://www.smithsonianmag.com Smithsonian magazine is a monthly magazine created for modern, well-rounded individuals with diverse interests. It chronicles the arts, history, sciences and popular culture of the times. Each month, expect articles from the Smithsonian Institution's award-winning, monthly general interest magazine, plus exclusive Web articles, videos, blogs, photographs and more. |
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