Philosophy of Tattoos

Tattooing is an ancient practice with profound religious and cultural significance. While western tattooing centers on three main traditions &; Polynesian, Japanese and Euro-American &; it has been recorded more or less everywhere. Beginning with the birth of the tattoo, John Miller explores this unique expression of personal, cultural and national identity, the tension between tattoo&;s status as a fashion item and its roots in subculture, and the relevance of magic &; a crucial part of tattooing&;s origins &; in contemporary society. As the inherent shock factor of tattoos decreases, tattoos are becoming more extensive, public and challenging in response, prompting an upsurge in avant-garde tattoo projects and &;extreme&; tattooing. The Philosophy of Tattoos investigates the innate human desire to mark the skin, and what tattooing might tell us about that obsessively asked question: what does it mean to be human?