Traditional tattoos are easily distinguished by their bold black lines that are etched out across a wide-spreading eagle, or a rusted anchor, or perhaps a depiction of the sea. However, while these maybe some of the most common traditional tattoos, they aren’t the only ones. In the US, traditional tattoos are part of a movement and social phenomena, making it an important aspect of American culture.
Is Captain Cook and his Crew to Credit for Traditional Tattoos?
Sure, many sources credit Captain Cook and his crew with the spreading so-called traditional tattoos to the western world. However, according to Anna Felicity Friedman, a reputed tattoo historian, Captain Cook ad his crew isn’t to be credited with the spread of traditional tattoos.
According to Friedman, texts from the eighteen century show that many explorers, authors, and even scientists were very familiar with the practice of tattooing the skin. Charles Pierre Claret de Fleurieu, who was one of Cook’s contemporaries, wrote about the famous Marquesan tattooing technique he witnessed in 1791. He was very familiar with the European tattooing technique.
America’s involvement in many major wars dates back to the American Revolution in 1775. Many revolutionary soldiers had tattoos. Later Martin Hildebrandt opened a tattoo parlor in 1846 in New York City and revealed that prior to that, he had tattooed soldiers from both sides of the civil war.
Traditional Tattoos Today
Today traditional tattoos have been popularized by movies, novels, and by celebrities who proudly sport them on their skin. It is also one reason why there is a growing trend for Australians to get unique and often bolder traditional tattoos that go beyond the regular anchors, ships, and waves.
If you are searching for the best traditional tattoo artists, or want something that’s unique, it is important to find a specialist. Fortunately, Australia is home to Marc Pinto and his team that specializes in various types of traditional tattoos.