The art of body tattooing has existed for thousands of years. Even our ancestors know the concept of beautifying themselves by means of using color. They are even practical enough to come up with ways on how the color can stay on their skin. As a result, tattooing has been ingrained in every society and culture and is constantly practiced up to this day. It might be hard to envision our ancestors using a foot-pedal tattoo machine while working on the skin of their peers, so there may be different ways on how tattooing is done. This article describes the 4 most popular tattoo techniques that are done by different cultures to this day.

Western Tattoo Technique

The most popular among tattoo techniques is the western method. The machine used for tattooing was invented in England in the late 19th century. The machine operates this way: a metal needle is placed inside a metal tube which is then dipped in a cup filled with ink. This needle is then used to scratch the surface of the skin to inject the color into the dermis. To control the injecting motions of the needle, a foot pedal functions as a switch. Only one needle can be used by the artist at a time. However, since tattoos are expected to require different ink colors, a group of needles often accompanies the set of the tattoo machine.

Japanese Tattoo Technique

If the western or modern tattoo techniques involve the use of metal needles and foot-pedaled tattooing machines, the Japanese came up with a more traditional and efficient way of making tattoos. Using elaborate bamboo handles whose ends look like closely packed needles, a Japanese tattoo artist stretches the skin of his client using one hand while imprinting color onto the skin by stamping the elaborate handle with the other. Once in a while, the bamboo handle is dipped into black ink to keep the needles coated. Tattoo techniques of this kind can be said to be an energy-saver version of the modern method, as the method is the same but without the power-consuming machine.

Ancient Thai Tattoo Techniques

The tattoo techniques practiced by the Ancient Thais revolve around Buddhism, and people often get tattooed as a sign of their commitment to religion. The method of ancient Thai tattooing is somewhat similar to the western modern tattoo technique. A brass needle enclosed in a tube (which is filled with ink by dipping from an ink bowl once in a while) is used to pierce the skin of the person, thus introducing the color deep into the skin.

Pacific Tattoo Techniques

There are many tattoo techniques that can be observed in Pacific territories, although the most famous among them is the Samoan technique. A rake with a boned tip and striking stick are used. The method of application is by dipping the bone-end of the rake on the tattoo ink and then placing it on the skin surface. To pierce the skin, the tattoo artist will hit the rake with the striking stick. Patterns are formed as the rake is moved along the skin’s surface. There are usually a few assistants who help in pacific tattoo techniques to keep the skin taut while the artist works on the designs.