Spiritual and Religious Significance: Many indigenous and ancient cultures used tattoos for spiritual protection, religious rituals, or as symbols of their beliefs. In Polynesia, for example, tattoos were deeply tied to spiritual and cultural beliefs, often marking important life milestones and status.

Social Status and Identity: Tattoos often indicated a person’s place in society. In ancient Egypt, tattoos were found on mummified remains of priestesses, suggesting they served religious and societal roles. Similarly, tattoos in Maori culture served as a way to denote social status, tribe affiliation, and genealogy.

Warriors and Combatants: Many warrior cultures used tattoos as symbols of strength, bravery, or to mark their accomplishments in battle. In Japan, samurai often adorned their bodies with intricate tattoos representing courage and loyalty. Celtic warriors would use body art to intimidate their foes and symbolize protection.

Punishment and Branding: In some cultures, tattoos were used as punishment or as a way to identify criminals or slaves. In ancient Rome, criminals and slaves were often tattooed to make escape and social reintegration difficult.

Find the perfect Tattoo!

Healing and Medicine: Some traditional practices used tattoos for therapeutic purposes, such as treating arthritis or other ailments through ancient acupuncture methods with tattooing. Otzi the Iceman, a well-preserved mummy from around 3300 BCE found in the Alps, had tattoos believed to serve therapeutic purposes related to his health.

Cultural and Decorative Purposes: In cultures like the Berbers of North Africa and the indigenous peoples of North and South America, tattoos had decorative and cultural roles, symbolizing beauty, fertility, or cultural belonging.

Symbol of Rebellion and Counterculture: During certain periods, tattoos became symbols of rebellion and subcultures, such as in Western societies during the 20th century. They became popular among sailors, bikers, and later, the punk and counterculture movements, breaking societal norms.

Tattooing continues to evolve today, blending cultural, social, and individualistic expressions, yet it remains rooted in its diverse and complex historical origins.

<News About Tattoos and History Remarkably Marked! It is a personal thing       to make your body sing by adorning skin by design       permanently! An image of love,       a sign of loyalty, to stand out,       to credit family, to join the band,       or a secret, hidden spot – personal reasons abound       for getting a tat! Tattoos may honor memories       and bind the past, or just show our love of art. We each are special       and tattoos bring attention to that fact       spots of ink       well applied       let to heal and dry into our skin       make a statement       of who we are in public       or in intimacy. And if in some future time       you change your mind or feel regret,       a tattoo is no longer       you at all, a redesign or removal       is at your beck and call. ©2024 Carl Scott Harker, author of The Classic Fine Art of Cats It's Friday the 13th: Here's what to know about superstitions, tattoos and the day's origin USA TODAY - 3 days ago ... From ‘tramp stamp’ to high art: the oddly respectable history of tattoos The Times - 2 days ago ... ‘Gentlemen shared their tattoos over dinner’: how our taste for tattoos started with the rich The Guardian - 3 weeks ago ... What Maui’s tattoos in ‘Moana’ say about Polynesia’s tattoo culture National Geographic - 3 weeks ago ... Swallow Tattoos and Sailors Cruising World - 7 months ago ... 10 Coolest Tattoos In UFC History That Fans Instantly Recognize TheSportster - 3 weeks ago ... Ana Gasteyer on Broadway, Prepping and Packing Lunch, History of Tattoos, 'Girls Will Be Girls' | All Of It WNYC - 3 months ago ... News via Google. See more news matching 'tattoos history' The World Atlas of Tattoo Available on Amazon

An easel is highly valuable to an artist, serving as more than just a stand for their canvas. Here are some reasons why it is essential:

Available on Amazon

Ergonomic Support: An easel allows an artist to work at a comfortable height and angle, reducing strain on the back, neck, and shoulders. This positioning can lead to better posture and less fatigue during long sessions.

Improved Perspective: Painting or drawing on a vertical surface, rather than flat on a table, helps artists maintain accurate proportions and perspectives by allowing them to view their work from a distance and at various angles.

Stability and Versatility: A sturdy easel keeps the canvas secure while an artist works. Many easels are adjustable, accommodating different canvas sizes and orientations, which is especially helpful for different styles of painting.

Creative Focus: An easel creates a dedicated space for art, helping an artist mentally “enter” their creative zone. It acts as a focal point for artistic expression and can signal a serious approach to their craft.

Mobility and Display: Easels can often be moved and adjusted, allowing artists to shift their position for optimal lighting or inspiration. They can also be used to display completed works at exhibitions or in studios.

To put it bluntly, an easel supports both the practical and artistic needs of artists, becoming a key tool for their workflow and expression.

When it comes to painting or drawing, having a sturdy and reliable artist easel is a neccesity. Whether you are a professional artist or just starting out, having the right easel can make a big difference in your creative process. If you are in the market for a new artist easel, look no further than Amazon.com, where you can find a wide range of options to suit your needs. Here are the top 4 artist easels available on Amazon.com:

Pros:
1. Adjustable height and angle settings
2. Lightweight and portable
3. Sturdy tripod design

Cons:

4. Some users may find it difficult to adjust the angle settings

Link: Mont Marte Tripod Easel

The US Art Supply Malibu H-Frame Easel is a durable and reliable option for artists who work on larger canvases. This easel features an adjustable height and tilt mechanism, allowing you to position your work at the perfect angle. The sturdy H-frame design provides stability while you create your masterpieces. One unique feature of this easel is its built-in storage tray, perfect for holding brushes, paints, and other supplies.

Pros:
1. Adjustable height and tilt mechanism
2. Sturdy H-frame design
3. Built-in storage tray

Cons:

4. Some users may find it heavy and difficult to move

Link: US Art Supply Malibu H-Frame Easel

The T-Sign 66″ Reinforced Artist Easel Stand is a versatile option that can accommodate canvases of various sizes. This easel features an adjustable height mechanism with easy-to-use knobs for quick adjustments. The reinforced tripod design provides stability while you work on your art projects.

Pros:
1. Adjustable height mechanism with easy-to-use knobs
2. Reinforced tripod design

Cons:

3. Some users may find it challenging to assemble

Link: T-Sign 66″ Reinforced Artist Easel Stand

The MEEDEN Large Studio H-frame Studio Easel offers a spacious and sturdy option for artists who work on large-scale projects. This easel features an adjustable height mechanism with ratchet controls for precise positioning of your artwork. The solid beech wood construction provides durability while the wide base ensures stability during use. One unique feature of this easel is its ability to hold canvases up to 92 inches high.

Pros:
1. Adjustable height mechanism with ratchet controls
2. Solid beech wood construction
3. Wide base ensures stability

Cons:

4. May be too large and heavy for some users

Link: MEEDEN Large Studio H-Frame Studio Easel