History of tribal tattoos in America
The history of tribal tattoos in America is rich and complex, reflecting the intersection of indigenous cultures, the global tattooing tradition, and modern tattoo revival. Here's an overview of the evolution of tribal tattoos in the U.S.:
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### **1. Indigenous Tribal Tattoo Traditions in America**
**Pre-Colonial Era:**
- Long before European colonization, many Native American tribes had tattooing traditions deeply intertwined with their spiritual, cultural, and social lives. These tattoos were often symbolic and held significant meanings related to identity, tribe, status, achievements, and spirituality.
- Tribes such as the **Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), Cree, Inuit, and Lakota Sioux** had established tattoo traditions. Tattoos were sometimes given to mark important life milestones, such as coming of age, battle victories, or hunting achievements.
- **Tattoo Methods**: Native American tribes typically used natural dyes from plant-based materials or soot and used sharp objects like bone or needles to pierce the skin, a method somewhat similar to modern stick-and-poke techniques.
**Examples of Tattoo Traditions:**
- The **Inuit** of the Arctic practiced tattooing, especially among women, where lines on the face, particularly on the chin and cheeks, symbolized beauty, strength, and readiness for marriage.
- The **Chinook** people of the Pacific Northwest practiced extensive tattooing, particularly among warriors, who would receive tattoos after notable battles or victories.
### **2. Decline and Suppression of Indigenous Tattooing (Colonial Era to the 20th Century)**
- With the arrival of European colonizers, Native American tattoo practices faced suppression. European settlers saw indigenous tattooing as "barbaric" or "savage," which, along with forced assimilation, led to a decline in these traditions.
- **Missionaries** and colonial governments sought to stamp out many indigenous practices, including tattooing, as part of broader efforts to Christianize and "civilize" Native populations.
However, while indigenous tattooing practices declined, they were never completely lost. Some tribes managed to keep these practices alive through oral histories and cultural preservation, though they were largely pushed underground until later revitalization.
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### **3. The Global Influence and the "Tribal" Tattoo Revival in America (Late 20th Century)**
**The 1970s and 1980s:**
- The rise of the "tribal tattoo" movement in the 1970s and 1980s brought new life to tribal-inspired designs in America. This movement, however, was influenced not only by Native American traditions but also by the tattooing practices of **Polynesian, Maori, Samoan, and Bornean** cultures.
- Artists like **Leo Zulueta** and the **Filipino tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy** played a pivotal role in popularizing bold black ink tattoo styles, which many people referred to as "tribal tattoos." Zulueta, in particular, was influenced by Polynesian and Filipino tattoo traditions and was key in pushing the style to the forefront of tattoo culture.
**What is a "Tribal Tattoo" in Modern America?**
- The term "tribal" came to describe a tattoo style characterized by large, bold black lines and abstract, geometric shapes often inspired by Polynesian and Micronesian tattoos. These designs don’t always correspond to a specific tribe or tradition, but rather pay homage to traditional tattoo art, often mixing elements from various tribal cultures globally.
**Controversy Around the Term "Tribal":**
- The mass popularity of "tribal tattoos" in America during the 1990s and early 2000s also sparked conversations about cultural appropriation. Some critics pointed out that many designs were stripped of their original cultural meanings and were used primarily for aesthetic purposes.
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### **4. Revitalization of Indigenous American Tattooing (Late 20th Century to Present)**
**Cultural Reclamation and Revival:**
- In the 21st century, many Native American tribes have begun to reclaim and revitalize their tattooing traditions, often as part of a broader movement toward cultural revitalization. Indigenous tattoo artists have researched and revived ancient tattoo practices, ensuring that these designs are more than just body art, but symbols of identity, heritage, and resilience.
- **Artists Leading the Revival**: Artists like **Lance Tahmahkera** (Comanche), **Nahaan** (Tlingit), and **Julia Keefe** (Nez Perce) are reviving these practices by researching traditional symbols and techniques and incorporating them into modern tattooing.
**Modern Indigenous Tattoo Styles:**
- These tattoos often use traditional designs—such as geometric patterns, animals, or symbols connected to specific tribal stories or rituals—and apply them using both modern and ancient tattooing techniques.
**Tattooing as a Form of Resilience:**
- For many indigenous communities, the return to tattooing is a way to reclaim cultural identity and fight against centuries of colonial suppression. Tattoos are used to honor ancestors, represent personal and spiritual journeys, and pass on cultural knowledge to younger generations.
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### **5. Tribal Tattooing in Contemporary American Culture**
- Today, the legacy of tribal tattooing in America is multi-faceted. While some non-indigenous Americans continue to wear "tribal tattoos" as an aesthetic choice, a growing respect for the original meanings and practices behind these designs is becoming more common.
- **Ethical Considerations**: Many tattoo artists now emphasize the importance of understanding the cultural significance behind tribal tattoos. They encourage clients to research the background and meaning of the designs, especially if they come from a tradition different from their own.
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### **Key Takeaways:**
1. **Indigenous Tribal Tattoos**: Native American tribes practiced tattooing for spiritual, cultural, and social reasons long before European colonization.
2. **Decline During Colonization**: Colonial suppression led to the decline of traditional tattooing practices, though some tribes preserved them through cultural transmission.
3. **The 20th-Century Revival**: The late 20th-century "tribal tattoo" movement borrowed heavily from Polynesian, Maori, and other Pacific Island traditions, leading to widespread popularity in America.
4. **Cultural Reclamation**: Many Native American tribes are now reviving their own tattooing traditions, reclaiming their heritage and using tattoos as a form of cultural resistance and pride.
5. **Modern Ethical Tattooing**: Today, there’s a growing emphasis on respecting the cultural significance behind tribal tattoos, with many artists advocating for responsible and informed tattooing.
Tribal tattoos in America thus reflect both ancient traditions and modern interpretations, blending indigenous identity with the broader global tattoo community.