Body Modifications

Part of my investigation into different subcultures I am looking at body modifications. Why people do it and what it represents.

Tattoos (The word tattoo comes from the Tahitian "tatu" which means "to mark something." )

Tattoos are used for various reasons such as to show symbols of religious and spiritual devotion, war, military, prison ,bikers, love, tribal or to show that they are part of a gang etc...

The earliest tattoos have been found in Egypt and is widely used in many cultures today.

Iceman's Tattooed Hand

The discovery of the iceman mummy in 1991 showed evidence of early tattoos and dates back to 5,300 years ago. This is the oldest known tattooed body and has around 57 tattoos. It is thought that the tattoos may have been to treat symptoms of diseases and may indicate an early type of acupuncture.

Tribal Modifications

 

Tribes use body modification as a way of identifying groups of tribes, clans and families.  piecings and other modifications can be to represent marraige adulthood cultural identity or beauty.

 
In America during world war one and two tattoos were used as symbols of patriotism and nationalism, group identity, memorial dedications to home, girlfriends, wives and family and the wars themselves.

The tattoos were black, blue or red and were mainly seen on arms, back, chest and calves. the tattoos were of American flags and eagles, military insignia, ships and tanks, anchors and seamen, “girlie tattoos” (nude or semi-nude women), names of girlfriends, wives and “mom” (the “vow tattoo”), swords, daggers, guns, animals, roses, flowers, hearts and various sea and air themes (DeMello 2000:64-65).

Whether the intention of tattoos is to represent being part of a social group or gang, to rebel, peer influences or self expression. Tattoos and body modifications are becoming increasingly part of fashionable art. 

This is a photograph I took I was looking at peoples styles, piercings and tattoos. I used a 50mm lens because i wanted to create a shallow depth of field and a bokeh effect.