Tattooing  

Your necklace may break, the fau tree may burst, but my tattooing is indestructible .It is an everlasting gem that you will take into your grave. (Verse from a traditional tattoo artist’s song.) 

This ancient art form has a history of more than 5000years .The word tattoo is derived from the Polynesian word “tatao” which means, “to tap”, although researchers believe that tattoo is a Tahitian word “tatu”, which means ‘to mark something.’ This traditional art form suffered a decline during the spread of Christianity in Europe where it was considered ‘unholy’ fitted for outcasts, drunkards and convicts and tattoo gained popularity only several years of its existence. It is practised worldwide and right from movie stars, models to rock artists and sports personalities- all sport a tattoo. Tattoo is now more of a fashion statement than just a simple mark. A poll conducted online between July 14 and 20, 2003 (Harris 2003) revealed that 16% of all adults in the United States have at least one tattoo. 36% of Americans between the age group of 25 to 29 years wear tattoos. Such is its popularity.

Agrees Martin Roberts professional tattoo artist from Rebel Rebel, “The immense popularity of tattoos is evident from the heavy footfall that the shop experiences every week.” People between the age group of 18 and 35 throng this shop. Martin also cherishes the memory of tattooing his oldest client, a 79-year-old woman. Gary Jones, another seasoned tattoo artist of fifteen years from Moko Tattoo Studio, unanimously agrees with Roberts, “A decade back, tattooing was less popular catering to a different section of society but things have definitely changed.” Jo Edwards, a PhD. Student, feels proud of her tattoo, a tribal motif, “The tattoo on my right arm successfully hides a scar from a childhood accident.” Ray Charles a 31, year old architect has got an anchor motif done only last week and still remembers the two-hour session, “I was apprehensive in the beginning but my artist really made me feel at ease.”

According to Martin, a few years back one would have to make one’s own needle, and sterilise them after each use, but now one can readily buy disposable needles that are pre-sterilised and saves the hassles of taking all the pain of meticulously cleaning needles to avoid infection. Also a lot of advancement has been made in tattoo pigments and an overall refinement of the equipments. Gary reiterates that maintaining studio hygiene is of utmost importance. A responsible and a reputable tattoo artist will always follow the ‘universal precautionary measures’ of washing his hands before starting a tattoo and will always use fresh ink and sterilised needles for each session.

As for tattoo designs, the old school designs like daggers anchors, scrolls are making a comeback, although more than 80% of the people frequenting tattoo parlours bring in their own designs, to maintain the exclusivity. Tattooing is definitely a lot safer than before because at Rebel Rebel and elsewhere one needs to sign a disclaimer stating that he/she is not suffering form any health complications and also the use of sterilised disposable needles has made tattooing a much safer option.