Nautical tattoos

Researches show that tattooing is one of the oldest body adornment practices. It is hard to determine exactly when this art form originated. Archaeological studies reveal it could have been about 40,000 years ago. From the very beginning tattoos were done to distinguish the person who had them from others. They could mark such person’s high status and rank, as in the case of someone who had killed an enemy, had taken their head and was thus eligible for a tattoo. On the other hand, tattoos served as marks of slaves or convicts as well.

The history of modern tattooing and the name itself go back to the times of great geographical discoveries in 1.

the 18th century and are associated with sailing. The word tattoo originates from Polynesian tatau, meaning painting. It was first used by the famous British sailor and explorer, Captain James Cook, who is said to be the father of the modern tattoo art. In the book A Voyage Towards the South Pole and Round the World, reporting on his voyage around the world, Captain Cook described, among other things, painted bodies of the people living on the South Sea islands. Drawings from the voyage depicting tattooed Polynesians can be seen in the British Museum in London.

Although the sailor stereotype has changed considerably since the 18th century and tattoos have become a part of our lives for good, maritime motifs are still one of the main trends in the body painting art. Nautical tattoos have evolved over the years. They have become marks of status, achievements, talismans helping tattoo bearers face hardships of sea wanderings as well as expressions of longing for what a stable life on land offered. Let’s see what some of the most interesting nautical tattoos mean.

1. Fully Rigged Ship: Any sailor who sailed around Cape Horn (known also as a graveyard for ships) and survived was certainly very experienced and lucky. No wonder, he got a lot of job offers. Additionally, to mark his heroic deed, he could have this very motif tattooed on his body;

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4 2. Swallow: It was tattooed to represent 5,000 nautical miles travelled (about 9,260 kilometres). When a sailor travelled 10,000 nautical miles, that is nearly half of the equator length (40,075 kilometres), he could have the second swallow tattooed; 3. Pig and Rooster: They were usually tattooed on the feet. In times when animals were kept in wooden crates on board, they were the only ones to survive from a shipwreck. And thus originated sailors’ belief in their magic power. Such tattoos were believed to protect their bearers from drowning when a ship capsized;

3. 5 4. Shellback Turtle: It was reserved for those who crossed the equator; 5. Anchor: It proved a sailor’s successful crossing and returning from the Atlantic Ocean. It also represented the Merchant Marine; 6. Nautical Star: It was to help a sailor return home safely 7. HOLD FAST: These words served as a reminder to the tattoo bearer to hold onto the lines fast in bad weather, even if he risked his life.

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