How to Tattoo
The word "tattoo" comes from the Tahitian word / Tatu, who have the
meanings: signifies something. Tattoo or tattoos (English: tattoo) is a
mark made by inserting pigment into the skin. In technical terms, rajah
is micro-pigment implantation. Rajah can be made on human or animal
skin. Rajah in humans is a form of body modification, temporary tattoo
of animals commonly used as identification.
Rajah is a practice that is found almost everywhere with the function in
accordance with local custom. Rajah formerly often used by the isolated
tribes in an area of the world as the tagging region, degree, rank,
even signify a person's health. Rajah is widely used by man in
Polynesia, the Philippines, Borneo, Africa, North America, South
America, Mesoamerica, Europe, Japan, Cambodia, and China.
Although in some circles is considered taboo tattoo, tattoo art remains a popular thing in the world.
According to the Big Indonesian Dictionary, a tattoo means picture (painting) in part (member) of the body.
When tattooing body art / tattoos start there?
Dayak man show tattoo on his chest and stomach. Photo from the collection Tropenmuseum Amsterdam.
Existence of body tattooing in the world culture is very old exists and
can be found in every corner of the world. According to history, it
turns out tattoo body has been made since 3000 years BC (before Christ).
Tattoos are found for the first time on a mummy found in Egypt. And
supposedly it was thought that makes the tattoo and then spread to the
tribes in the world, including one Indian tribe in the United States and
Polynesia in Asia, and then expand to all the tribes of the world one
of the Dayak tribe in Borneo.
Tattoos made as a symbol or marker, can give a sense of pride for the
owner and a symbol of courage from the owner of the tattoo. Since the
first time the tattoo is made also has such a purpose. Believed tattoos
as a symbol of good fortune, social status, beauty, maturity, and
self-esteem.
Tattooing Techniques
There are various ways in making tattoos. Some use animal bones as
needles like that can be found on the Eskimos, the Dayaks orange tree
thorns, and some are using copper heat to print images like the dragon
in the skin that can be found in China. Instead of being ill in the
process of making tattoos. Actually, the pain must be experienced when
making a tattoo on the body, but due to the high value of the tattoo,
and self-esteem were obtained, then the pain is not considered a
problem.
There are different types and different forms of tattoo, depending on
what is believed by the tribes concerned, and in every region generally
have different perceptions about the tattoos, although in principle
similar.
Tattoos in Several Regions
In Borneo (Kalimantan), native women there assume that the tattoo is a symbol that shows special skills.
In China, during the Ming Dynasty (about 350 years ago), women of the
Drung tribe make tattoo on her face and her ass for as a sign for good
offspring.
In Indian, body painting / body painting and carving leather, made to
beautify (as aesthetic purposes) and indicate social status.
Mentawai tribe tattoo looked as a sacred thing, and serves as a symbol of nature's balance.
