Tattoos and their cultural relevance For as long as people have existed, there have been methods of distinguishing between them. Over the years we have discovered ways in which to express our beliefs, our ideals and our passions. Tattooing has been one of the cutting edge methods of expressing our humanity or, in some cases, our lack of it. For so many, they have taken on many different representations, each with the same level of meaning. The importance found in the symbolism of tattoos and their cultural relevance has consistently been a trend found throughout history, religion and art. The ancient practice of body art commonly known today as tattooing originates from the Tahitian word "tatau", meaning, touch the mark in the body. Although the word was only coined in 1769, when Captain James Cook landed in Tahiti, tattoos can be seen as early as five thousand years ago. In 1991 scientists came across the frozen remains of a man they named Otzi. Otzi was found with a series of small lines marked on his lower back, ankles, knees and feet. The rubbing of powdered charcoal on several vertical wounds left its marks. After extensive testing of Otzi's remains, scientists had discovered that he suffered from bone degeneration where the marks were present. This led them to believe that his tattoos were used as a method of treating pain, rather than for their aesthetic appeal. The uses of tattooing held by the Japanese differed beyond ancient healing practices. The Japanese had been practicing tattooing since the 5th century BC, although its popularity didn't take off until the 17th century. Unlike Otzi, the Japanese tattooed themselves for physical beautification and to brand criminals. In the 17th century...... half of the paper...... power to express and classify them. Through their evolution we keep tradition alive. Just as our influence as humans marks this land, so through the marks on our bodies we tell our story. Thanks to them we are timeless.Penn Museum. (2007). Body modification. Ancient and Modern. Retrieved May 11, 208 from http://www.museum.upenn.edu/new/exhibits/online_exhibits/body_modification/bodmodtattoo.shtmlGreen Terisa, (2000-2007). Body modification: modern primitives. TattooSymbol.com. Retrieved June 11, 2008, from http://www.tattoosymbol.com/bodymod/body-modification-2.htmlPBS.org. (2003). Skin stories. Role of tattoo. Retrieved May 13, 2008, from http://www.pbs.org/skinstories/culture/role2.html#mokoLevins Hoag, (1996-2007). THE CHANGE OF THE CULTURAL STATUS. www.tattooartist.com. Retrieved June 11, 2008, from http://www.tattooartist.com/history.html