The art of tattooing is associated with man’s desire to mark, define or distinguish himself. The existence of tattoo can be traced thousands of years down the time line. This art was as popular amongst our ancestors as between us today and is most likely to continue for centuries yet to come.

The styles and reasons for tattoo have varied from individual to individual and from society to society. They have been marks of pride as well as shame for the bearer depending upon the society to which he belonged. 

The concept of tattoo was alive even before the birth of Christ at that time they were reserved for religious figures in the community and were suppose to signify importance and power. As per archaelogical evidence tattooing is believed to have originated in Egypt around 6000 years ago. The only tattoo done at that time was on
women’s leg in order to protect women from the dangers of child birth. Many egyptian mummies have been uncovered and found to have tattoo on their body which were associated with goddess Hathor. 

Later tattooing had spread from Egypt to other parts of europe and finally to the rest of the world through trade and travellers. Since then tattooing has been practiced by many cultures in various forms for reasons such as spirituality, protection, strength and discrimination.

In Japan, tattooing is being done since 400 BC for ornamental and narrative purposes. Tattooing gained momentum during the Jomon, Yayoi and Kofun periods. During the Jomon period tattooing was restricted to the area around the mouth as ornamental decorations.

In the Yayoi period, 300 B.C - 300 A.D the chinese and japanese men tattooed their faces and bodies for protection against large serpents, evil forces and spirits. The size and shape varied according to the social status of the bearer. During the Kofun period 300 - 600 A.D. tattooing was done in order to punish the criminals and identify them.

 While in most of the cultures only men were allowed to get tattooed, the polynesians allowed both men and women. Some cultures practiced tattooing for medicinal purposes also. The primitive tattoo pigment was prepared from a certain type of berry known to have some curative and healing effects for different ailments, thus it was believed to be a permanent medicine.

 In other parts of the world tattoo was mainly confined to the elitist culture. Royalties like King George V, Grand Duke Alexis of Russia and King Harold bore tattoos on thier arms. During the world war II tattoos were bore by the sailors and soldiers to specify the names of their units and their divisions. They were done for identification purpose and signified ones —loyalty towards his country.

 The first ever working electric tattoo machine was invented by Samuel O’Reilly and he called it as an “electric pen”. This device was based on the blueprint given much earlier by Thomas Edison in 1876. An ink reservoir was the only addition made by O’Reilly to the Edisons version. The present day tattoo machine was first patented by Charlie Wagner and was known as a “Dual Coil Reciprocating Engraver”. Charlie Wagner later with Lew Alberts started a supply business and promoted tattoo flash art.

 Since then tattoo have flourished well in every society and is no longer a social taboo. It is now well known as a fashion statement for all and is no more restricted to the elite class.