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History and Origins of Tattoos
Best Tattoo Sites Home >>> Tattoo Information >>>Meaning behind Tattoos
A tattoo is a mark made by inserting pigment into the skin for decorative or other reasons. Tattoos are a type of body modification.
Tattooing has been practiced worldwide for tens of thousands of years in various forms and using various instruments. Tattooing was widespread among Polynesian peoples, and among certain tribal groups in the Philippines, Borneo, Africa, Japan, Cambodia, New Zealand and China.
It is commonly believed that the original root word of "tattoo" comes from the Samoan word tatau, meaning to mark or strike twice.
Tattoos are also referred to as tats, ink, skin art, or work. Tattoo designs that are mass-produced and sold to tattoo artists are known as flash. You'll usually see flash sheets on tattoo parlor walls or in tattoo books for customers to browse through. Usually you'll be able to view samples of the various artists works and also use flash books to pick out your art.