A tattoo is a design that is permanent that is placed on the body through the use of needles and ink. Tattooing of the body is widespread and ancient. The American Indian tattooed their face and body with ethnic arts that related to their temperament, beauty, and physical prowess. Tradition and Culture Inspires Body Art Tattoos Tattoo symbols are used by men to illustrate not only a tribal way of life but also ethnic art. In Japan, the art of tattooing uses symbols that are associated with the Japanese culture and tradition. These tattoo Japanese designs often display geishas, bonsai trees, cherry blossoms, samurais, and the ancient gods and goddesses. The Polynesians who were on the islands of Tahiti had their boys tattooed with messages of ethnicity in order to mark their rite of passage. The messages on body often included good wishes or biblical texts for the child. Later floral and geometric designs are hand hammered into the skin on the ankle and face. The Pazyryk people thought that tattoo designs of dashes and dots would prevent misfortunes. Likewise, a tattoo of a parrot on the shoulder of a Burmese man would bring good fortune. Other people in different cultures used ancient charms and scrolls, Celtic mazes and knots, and Aztec sayings to Russian phrases in order to make a bolder statement. Body Art for the Man Body adornment is basic and ancient to men. In olden days, male bodies were required to get tattoos. At that time, tattoos involved a high level of pain that was believed to be the perfect way to test male masculinity. There were some remarkable warriors of the Iron Age that were known as the Pazyryks. They had tattoos on their bodies with images of beasts to separate them from the others and to note their physical prowess. These tattoos included a mountain goat and two deer on the left are, and two monsters that resembled griffins on the chest. On the right leg, a fish is tattooed from the knee to the foot.  On the shin is four running rams that form a single design, while a monster is tattooed on the right foot. The pain that is associated with getting a tattoo serves to validate one’s masculinity. A body that is tattooed not only adds a visual appeal but also lends veracity to the image of the male. Tattoos Symbolize Male Inclusiveness Tattoos were also powerful symbols and charms of faith. A tattoo may convey values, status, and relations of the wearer. Some tattoo designs have a fine line, all black style text that is etched little interior shading and a heavy outline. This symbol conveys the importance of home, the heart, and one’s relations.

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