The History of Tattoos in the USA Research Paper

The History of Tattoos in the USA - Research Paper Example â€Å"In the Jesuit Relations of 1663, it was reported that an Iroquois chief known to the French as "Nero" bore on this thighs 60 tattooed characters, each of which symbolized an enemy killed with his own hand†. Captain James Cook made a voyage to Tahitia in 1769 where he noticed that the local people were skilled in making their skins. The indigenous people printed symbols on their bodies and tattooing was established as a field of art. The American sailors in the early nineteenth century played a fundamental role in the evolvement of tattooing in the USA. In the ancient America, tattoos were associated with the sailors that used to learn the art of tattooing from their seagoing brethren of the British origin. Sailors in the past used to have faith in the power of tattoos. Sailors would carve their skin to display patterns that they believed had the power to protect them on their sea voyages, â€Å"pay homage to sailing traditions and the fraternity of seafarers, memorializ e loved ones, and showcase mementos of significant experiences and exotic locales† (â€Å"Skin and bones†). Pricking was the term used for the log of the seamen. People began to open their shops near the ports of the ships in order to provide the sailors with access to the tattoos. The designs of tattoos were inspired by the sea-life. There were tattoos of mermaids, anchors and numerous other objects like crosses and hearts. Sailor Jerry Collins is placed amongst the pioneers of the traditional tattooing practice in the USA. He wanted to bring a revolution in the Western style. According to him, the indigenous