Archaeologica.org

http://www.smithsonianmagazine.com/issu ... tattoo.php

Humans have marked their bodies with tattoos for thousands of years. These permanent designs—sometimes plain, sometimes elaborate, always personal—have served as amulets, status symbols, declarations of love, signs of religious beliefs, adornments and even forms of punishment. Joann Fletcher, research fellow in the department of archaeology at the University of York in Britain, describes the history of tattoos and their cultural significance to people around the world, from the famous " Iceman," a 5,200-year-old frozen mummy, to today’s Maori.

Interesting topic - thanks Michelle.

Tattoos are very interesting. Even today they are used to identify groups of people.

There are military tattoos like the Airborne insignia, or the Trident for the Navy SEALS.

Popeye's Anchor signifies a sailor who has crossed the Atlantic. A sailing ship is a sign of a Pacific crossing. A turtle, or Shell back, signifies a crossing of the equator.

They can identify groups from White Aryans, I.E. the double lighting bolt, and spiderwebs, or Mexican gang members I.E the XIII and XIV of the Nortenos and Surenos.

A teardrop on one eye signifies you have killed someone, and on the other that you have lost a loved one.

Even a tiny dot on the hand can signify someone who smokes pot, but that little dot on my hand was an accident with a drafting pin, honest!

How in the world is someone supposed to know all this 'Cuda. Well,anyway, I guess you shouldn't date a girl with a teardrop under each eye?

Beagle wrote:How in the world is someone supposed to know all this 'Cuda. Well,anyway, I guess you shouldn't date a girl with a teardrop under each eye?

Or "Property of Hell's Angels" on her ass!

what do 3 bats and a cloud on the upper right arm signify Cuda

Well, after all, I do live in California....

A girl with a tear drop under each eye might, or might not, put me off. I dated a stripper from Las Vegas who had a "bio-hazard" symbol tattooed just below her abdomen....

I would definitely avoid a girl who had "Property of Hell's Angels" tattooed on her butt. I have seen such tattoos....I live about 50 miles from the national Hell's Angels headquarters. The original chapter started in Oakland. Funny story: Last time I went to a Hell's Angel's party, they had hired security guards! I guess those guys are getting older these days...

Sorry Marduk, I am not familiar with that tattoo

Just another bit of local NORCAL knowledge... When driving down a California highway you see red and white balloons tied to a mile marker sign, it means there is a Hell's Angels party close by.

I dated a stripper from Las Vegas who had a "bio-hazard" symbol tattooed just below her abdomen....

cooooooooooool
don't suppose you still got her number

Yeah, but she sells real estate now....

People even use their tattoos as avatars!

Sam - so do you have a tat of that sea turtle on you?

Mind you I didn't ask where.

Beagle wrote:Sam - so do you have a tat of that sea turtle on you?

Mind you I didn't ask where.

Upper left shoulder-it's green/black with red eyes.

In true internet style I right clicked/stole the design.

it's green/black with red eyes.

I'm not a tatoo guy, but that sounds real cool Sam.

I think that is Polynesian, but in maritime circles the turtle, or shellback, signifies someone who has crossed the equator. A green, or emerald, shell back has crossed it twice, or more.

I have crossed the equator, but did not undergo the initiation ceremony, which often include eating grapes from a fat man's naval.

Barracuda wrote:I think that is Polynesian, but in maritime circles the turtle, or shellback, signifies someone who has crossed the equator. A green, or emerald, shell back has crossed it twice, or more.

Yes it's a Polynesian design and Yes I've crossed the equator twice-or 4 times depending how you look at it.

If my luck holds I'm off to Polynesia next month-time will tell.