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3200 BCE
Ötzi the Iceman
Ötzi the Iceman is a mummy discovered in a glacier on September 19th, 1991. Ötzi has 60+ tattooed lines scattered about his body. Ötzi shows us that tattoos have been around for 5,300 years or more. It is currently unknown exactly what Ötzi's tattoos mean but there are theories that they're religious symbols, signs of early acupuncture, or healing rituals. -
301
Irezumi (Japanese word for inserting ink)
Irezumi was first recorded in Japan as early as the 5th century. According to neighboring locations, these early irezumi were used to display social class and to assist superstitious sailors in protecting themselves from monsters in the depths. -
The Outlawing of Tattoos in Japan (1720-1948)
In early 1799 the Japanese government attempted to outlaw the Ainu people, an indigenous native to northern Japan, from tattooing. When western powers arrived around 1871 they passed a stronger ordince that was eventually fully lifted in 1948. During this period tattooing became a form of punishment, the placement and subject of the tattoo correlating to the crime and it's location. For example murders are tattooed on the head while thieves are marked on the arm. -
Polynesian Tattoos are Discovered by Westerners.
Captain James Cook, was a well-known explorer and navigator best known for mapping the west coast of Australia. His voyages to the Tahitian islands took place from 1768-1771. During this voyage he was introduced to "tatau", the Polynesian word for mark. He then brought this back to his home country where the name was changed to its now-known form tattoo. -
The First American Tattoo Artist
Martin Hildebrandt was the first American tattoo artist and man to open a permanent tattoo shop in New York City in 1846. It is said that Martin was the one who taught Samuel O'Reilly, the one who invented the motorized tattoo machine, how to tattoo. -
First Electric Tattoo Machine
Samuel O'Reilly invented the first electric tattoo machine in 1891. (Patton #464,801) This machine was inspired by Thomas Edison's printing pen and revolutionized tattooing, making it what it is today. -
Charlie Wagner and His Legal Trouble
Charlie Wagner was a very well-known tattoo artist during his time. He was most known for his improvements to the tattoo machine and the diseases he accidentally spread by not properly sterilizing his needles. Wagner was, however, fined for his disease spreading causing him to focus more on improving the machine itself. -
Tattoo Related Health Scares
During this time blood and wound-based infections weren't the most well understood. This led to the mass spread of hepatitis and HIV. This caused the tattooing industry to become very strict about sterilization and preventing infections. These health scares led to a ban on tattooing in New York. -
Ed Hardy
Don Ed Hardy is a very impactful tattoo artist who revolutionized the American traditional tattoo style. His early tattoo years were filled with bikers and yakuza members, giving him a wonderful mix of Japanese traditional and American traditional work. This helped both these styles reach where they are today. -
The First Tattoo Convention
The first convention was held at a hotel in Denver, Colorado. This event was run almost exclusively by navy sailors intending to bring tattoo artists and enthusiasts into one location to share techniques and artworks. There were also competitions held for plenty of different categories. Conventions like this are still held today and look relatively the same. -
Alliance of Professional Tattoo Health
The APTH was established following the health scare in New York. The APTH is a voluntary nonprofit organization of tattoo artists dedicated to informing, enforcing, and advancing current tattoo health and safety knowledge. -
New York Legalizes Tattooing
Due to the number of people falling ill due to blood-borne diseases after getting tattoos, New York placed a ban on it. However, over fifty tattoo shops continued to operate. This ban was lifted in 1997, during this time the APTH was established to educate tattoo artists and people receiving those tattoos. -
Tattooed Barbie is Released
In 1999 Mattel released a line of tattooed Barbie's that would appear or disappear with water. These brought tattoos to the attention of the younger generations making temporary tattoos even more popular than they were. This doll also began the process of normalizing tattoos in society. -
9/11 Memorials Increase Tattoos Popularity
Following the tragedy that was 9/11 many folks turned to tattooing as a sort of memorial. People who survived, first responders, and the families of those who lost someone many of whom would have never considered getting tattoos. This further expanded the popularity of tattoos and spread it across the country. -
Tattooing Competition Tv Show
Ink Masters is a popular television show hosted by Dave Nivaro, Chris Nunez, and Oliver Peck. This show displayed the artistry of tattooing and its diversity. This show later changed hosts to past winners.