One of the oldest traditions practiced by men since time immemorial is the art of beautifying one’s body by means of artificial markings that are called tattoos. In fact, the two main types of tattoos from age-old traditions continue to exist today. Temporary tattoos used by the Incas and American Indians are our modern-day henna tattoos. The permanent ink tattoos, on the other hand, have been used by many Asian cultures for thousands of years.
However, despite the similarity, we can say that the resemblance of tattoos then and now ends there. We are accustomed to the modern way of how to get tattooed. However, during those times, there were other ways on how people can get tattooed. This article explores the most popular ways on how people get tattooed from centuries past to modern-day traditionalists who like doing it the ancient way.
Western Tattoo Method
The western method on how to get tattooed originated in England where it was invented in the late 1800s. A metal needle with a metal tube that wraps around it suctions ink between the needle and the metal tube. When the needle punctures the skin, the ink suctioned by the needle’s vacuum drips onto the newly punctured skin, thus introducing the ink color into the dermis. A foot pedal is used to control the speed of the needle when puncturing the skin. Since one needle is used for every color, you can expect a tattoo artist practicing the western tattoo method to use a complete set of disposable and non-recyclable metal needles.
Buddhist Method
The Buddhist method is the most common form of method used by the old Thais to get tattooed. This ancient Asian tattoo technique is the nearest to the western tattoo method based on how the person will get tattooed. A brass tube with a needle inside is filled with ink and is constantly pierced onto the person’s skin. However, the Buddhist method of getting tattooed is not a privilege enjoyed by many, since this is only offered to Buddhist monks and devout Buddhist followers.
The Nippon Method
The Nippon, or Japanese method of tattooing, is a very traditional and naturalist method of drawing tattoos onto a person’s skin. The Japanese method on how to get tattooed involves the use of bamboo handles with one end severely beaten so the fibers would separate and form a sharp brush-end. The person who will get tattooed will get his skin stretched by the tattoo assistants while the tattoo artist repeatedly works on the tattoo design by stamping the brush end dipped in black tattoo dye onto the person’s skin. The small needles will puncture the skin of the person getting tattooed, thus introducing the natural ink dyes to the inner layer of the skin. This process is also considered an art and is a form of entertainment watched by local villagers.
Samoan Tattoo Method
The most common form of tattoo practice used in the Pacific islands is the Samoan method. The local artisan uses a rake with a sharp edge and a striking stick. Assistants help stretch the skin of the person who will get tattooed. Then, the artisan begins the painful tattoo process by dipping the rake in a bowl of ink then pointing the sharp edge on the skin where the tattoo will be created. The ink will be introduced to the skin by hitting the rake with the striking stick, thus puncturing the skin. This tattoo method is also a means to measure a man’s courage when faced with difficulty and pain.