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Old school tattoos

Nowadays, it is almost impossible to surprise anyone with bright drawings permanently imprinted on the body. It is difficult even to imagine that the art of tattooing is already 5 thousand years old.

You can imagine how surprised scientists were when they found tattooed mummies in the Egyptian pyramids at Giza. Now we can say with confidence that almost during the period of the primitive communal system, each nation could boast of its unique tattoo style.

In those days, wearable drawings served as a kind of identification marks. For example, having met a stranger, it was possible by his tattoos to determine which tribe he belongs to.

Unfortunately, with the spread of Christianity as a world religion, the art of tattooing was denigrated in every possible way, calling it "dirty". But with the beginning of the era of geographical discoveries, it was difficult to keep the people in the dark, since any journey in one way or another broadens the horizons and helps to join the culture of other peoples.

So, the art of tattooing owes its return to European culture to the English navigator and explorer James Cook. By the end of the XNUMXth century, tattoos were already firmly rooted in prim and devout Europe. It was at this time that the still popular old school tattoos were born.

The history of the emergence of the old school style

For the first time, European sailors saw tattoos on the bodies of the aborigines inhabiting the Polynesian islands. Their delight was so great that they wanted to learn from the islanders their knowledge of the art of tattooing.

Today, the tattoo style that is as close as possible to the technique of the aborigines of Oceania is called Polynesia. The father of the founder of the old school technique is the American navigator Norman Keith Collins (1911 - 1973), known all over the world under the nickname "Jerry the Sailor".

During his service, Sailor Jerry visited different parts of the world, but most of all he remembered the unusual tattoos of the inhabitants of Southeast Asia. Since then, the young man got the idea to open his own tattoo parlor.

After the naval service was ended, Norman rented a small space in Chinatown, Honolulu, where he began to receive clients who wanted to decorate their bodies with unusual designs. Having trained over the years of service on his comrades, Sailor Jerry gradually developed his own technique, which is now called the old school style.

The main theme of old school tattoos are everything related to the sea: anchors, swallows, roses, skulls, puffy mermaids, hearts pierced by arrows. In general, old school is a set of symbols and images that sailors of the XNUMXth-XNUMXth centuries wanted to capture on themselves. Old school tattoo sketches are rich in colors and black wide contours.

This is due to the fact that during the practice of Sailor Jerry, tattoo machines had not yet become widespread, since they were invented only in 1891. And if some "advanced" tattoo artist was lucky enough to own one of them, then, obviously, it was significantly different from modern copies.

That is why the works in the old school style were distinguished by their simplicity, because it was not difficult even for a novice master to fill such works. In addition, in those days, stencils were used with might and main, which greatly facilitated the work.

Today, when the equipment for tattooing has stepped far forward, which allows you to create real miracles, depicting objects on the body with photographic accuracy, as if they were alive, the works of old school tattoo masters are still very popular. Although this technique is considered "retro" by most, there are more than enough people who want to stuff bright flowers in old school and even an old school sleeve. This is due to the fact that, unlike realism, such works are inexpensive, but look bright, juicy, piquant.

Plots for old school tattoos

It is not surprising that at the time of Sailor Jerry, it was male old-school tattoos that were widespread, since even at the beginning of the twentieth century, women's tattoos were considered something shameful and indecent. But in our time, the opinion of society has radically changed on this score. Although there are "dinosaurs" who condemn women's tattoos, it is nevertheless pleasing that they are becoming less and less. Old school tattoo plots draw a lot from the nautical theme, which they owe to their founder father. However, today we have the right to deviate from the canons and order any sketch to the master. The main subjects for old school tattoos:

  • Anchors... Images of anchors can be varied. Often they are depicted entwined with ropes, ribbons with sailors' catch phrases, and chains. Usually, those who wanted to capture an anchor on their bodies associated it with an unshakable disposition, courage and fortitude, in a word, all the qualities that any self-respecting sailor should have.
  • Steering wheel inextricably linked with the theme of old school. Moreover, today this symbol can even be attributed to tattoos for girls in the style of old school. The steering wheel can symbolize the leadership, "captain" qualities of the owner of such a pattern, stamina and firmness.
  • Roses... Work with roses can beautify the bodies of both men and girls. Since ancient times, this beautiful flower has been associated with beauty, youth, rebirth. The ancient Romans associated the rose with the transience of life.
  • Pistol... The symbolism of this image is somewhat ambiguous. It seems like a pistol is a dangerous firearm. Nevertheless, the tattoo that girls often do for themselves (a pistol tucked behind a flirty garter) symbolizes playfulness rather than danger. And yet, some believe that the image of a pistol on a girl's body (even with other attributes - roses, a garter) suggests that she is nice to you for the time being: in moments of danger, she can show her teeth.
  • Skull... Some believe that the skull is exclusively pirate, and therefore gangster symbols. And therefore, it is not proper for decent people to wear it on their bodies. But the true meaning of a skull tattoo is somewhat different. It means that life is fleeting and it is worth trying to live it brightly.
  • Ship... The image of the ship will suit both guys and girls. This image belongs to the main theme of old school. The ship symbolizes dreaminess, lightness of nature, craving for adventure and travel.

The role of old school in modern tattoo art

Today, despite its somewhat outdated technique, the brainchild of the talented Sailor Jerry - the old school style - is thriving, with tens of thousands of fans around the world. Colorful images of mermaids, ships, skulls, roses, and steering wheels are applied to their bodies by both boys and girls. Fans of realism may wonder how you want to be hammered in retro style when there are much more advanced tattoo techniques. However, it is worth remembering: everything new is well forgotten old. You won't surprise anyone with realistic monsters tearing the skin, but a bright old-school sketch can attract the attention of many tattoo fans.

Photo tattoo in the style of old skul on the head

Photo of a tattoo in the style of an old school on a calf

Photo tattoo in the style of old skul on his hands

Photo tattoo in the style of old skul on the legs