Think before you ink ­ it's for ever

By Patrick Kukard

WHEN BOTANIST Sir Joseph Banks returned to England in 1771, he walked down the gangplank not only with specimens of new plants and animals, but a permanent reminder of his three-year voyage to the Pacific Ocean -- a tattoo.

This more than likely made him the first modern westerner to have one.

He never had a name for his new adornment. The word "tattoo" was coined by the skipper of the Endeavour, Captain James Cook, and is derived from similar sounding Polynesian words to describe the practice.

The earliest tattoo dates back to 3300 BC. The "iceman" who was found a few years ago in a glacier had lines, a cross and stripes tattooed on different parts of his body.

Early Egyptian mummies were also found to have tattoos. The ink was made from animal fat and soot and a sharp instrument was used to draw the diagram.

The invention of the electric tattoo machine in 1891 by Samuel O'Reilly and his tattoo parlour signalled the start of tattoos as we know them.

Worn mainly by sailors, this new form of expression soon spread all over the world. Soldiers in World War 1 and 2 had tattoos to show what regiment or corps they belonged to.

This idea soon made its way into the prisons where inmates would tattoo themselves to show what crimes they had committed. This new type of tattoo was called the "jailhouse" or "black and grey" because these were the only two colours available to the inmates.

The turning point for body art was the tattoo convention which started in the mid-1970s.

Until then no tattoo artist would share ideas, techniques or equipment.

Fine art discovered tattooing in the 80s and artists started tattooing as a form of self-expression. This helped legitimise tattooing as an art form and enhanced its creativity. Tattooists exchanged ideas and pushed technology to the limits and launched the body-art revolution.

Almost in keeping with our rainbow nation tag, South Africa -- and East London -- seems to have moved along with these colourful times.

Paul, who has been tattooing for 23 years, says he has done a wide range of tattoos: from a full-colour dainty butterfly on an ankle, a fire-breathing dragon across a large chest, the name of an actor, partner's name or even the name of a car. Eighty percent of his clients are women.

"All types of people come in here -- from the gutter to the pulpit," he remarks as his electric body embroiderer whirs away on the forearm of Zinny Aucamp, who is having an old tattoo covered.

Davide di Raffaelle, another tattoo artist who moved to East London from Italy seven years ago, says: "East London is reserved, so most of the tattoos are tasteful -- not like Johannesburg, where many depict death and evil."

If you're thinking of having a tattoo done, it is important to choose an artist who sterilises the equipment. There are any number of bacteria, viruses, fungi and spirochetal organisms which could make their way into the skin if conditions aren't germ-free.

Remember the design chosen is permanent, so make sure it is one which will share your highs and lows, grow old with you and ultimately follow you to the grave.

If you only have a small tattoo, you can expect a slight burning sensation for the first few minutes as the needle penetrates your skin

Once the final drop of ink has stained your skin you must look after the tattoo like a newly acquired pet.

Keep it covered for at least two hours. Then wash it with soapy water to remove excess ink and blood. Gently pat the tattoo dry and keep it open for about an hour. Apply disinfectant cream twice daily for the first week.

Swimming or long baths are not recommended for at least seven days.

Sun exposure is also out of the question for the first month.

If it itches, don't scratch it. Light tapping will relieve the irritation.

And once the scab is off you can proudly exhibit your new adornment.

The times they are a-changing. Traditionally associated with bikers, gangsters, sailors and jailbirds, tattoos are becoming increasingly fashionable. More and more people are turning their bodies into a canvas. Why? Daily Dispatch chief photographer PATRICK KUKARD looks for some answers.