Curious to learn more about the history of tattoos? Here are some resources for you! What is now beginning to be considered a fine art, started as something else entirely.
Sections
4
Books
Articles
Documentaries
Resources
Books
Check out these books on tattoo history
A great read! I'd be very interested in the archaeological findings! I'll be adding this one to my list.
Ancient Ink: The Archaeology of Tattooing
Give this a read and let me know what you think. Love that this was written by a PhD, it's got to be well researched then, right?
Bad boys and tough tattoos
A feminist take on the history of tattooing. Very interested to learn more, added to my "to read" list!
Covered in Ink: Tattoos and Women's Politics
A staple in tattoo literature collections. A lot of great info and amazing imagery.
Customizing the Body: Art & Culture of Tattoos
This is on my personal list to read for sure! Who's read this one?! Would love to hear a book review. I've heard great things so far.
Tattooed
Another incredible piece of literature. And the cover art is gorgeous. A great addition to the collection for sure.
The Japanese Tattoo
A beautiful book. Makes for a great coffee table read. Love to see everyone's stories and journeys that allowed this book to come together.
Painted People: Humanity in 21 Tattoos
The perfect coffee table book, and it's so pretty! A classic flash book from the one and only Ed Hardy.
Ed Hardy: Deeper than Skin: Art of the New Tattoo
Articles
Here's are some resources from all over about the history of tattoos
Very credible source. I mean, come on, the Smithsonian?! Packed with so much great information.
The Worldwide History of Tattoos - Smithsonian Magazine
Read up on this to learn more. A really great article that gives a brief on it all. I great place to kick off your journey for knowledge.
Skin Stories . History of Tattoo | PBS
Documentaries
Give these a watch for even more information
A 2013 documentary. Great way to dive into the history of tattooing. I definitely prefer something with a visual element.
Tattoo Nation
A more recent documentary, 2019. Ft. Ed Hardy himself. A legend. If you only pick one of these films to watch, pick this one.
Tattoo Uprising
A powerful documentary about tattoos on Auschwitz's survivors. I need to watch this one.
Numbered
All the legends caught on film. If you take anything away, watch this. I mean, come on, it's Sailor Jerry!
Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry: The Life of Norman K. Collins
Resources
Tons of different resources to start your journey on learning about the history, culture, and more.
A great resource. A website dedicated to everything tattoo history.
tattoohistorian.com | A hub for learning about tattoo history
A great Ted talk with valuable information on the matter.
The history of tattoos - Addison Anderson - TED-Ed
