

were well familiar with the practice of permanently marking the body with a substance embedded underneath the skin. She states, “A look at texts from before the mid-eighteenth century demonstrates that many authors, explorers, scientists, etc. While many sources will state that the findings of Captain Cook and his crew helped spread tattooing to the western world, tattoo historian Anna Felicity Friedman has researched the historical accuracy of this and supports another idea. Truly an important facet of American culture, we expound upon the history, designs and artists of this famed tattoo aesthetic. Part art movement, part social phenomena, the United States has created a style of ink that is all its own.

The Style and Iconography of Traditional Tattooingīold black lines that etch out the image of a wing spreading eagle, a rose encrusted anchor, or ship at sea.these are only some images that may come to mind when Traditional tattooing comes to mind.Valerie Vargas, Stewart Robson, Shaun Topper, Beau Brady, Katie Gray, Alex Zampirri, and so many more continue on the legacy of American traditional tattooing.


Although Captain Cook and his crew are often cited as the beginning of the Traditional tattoo trend, tattoo historian Anna Felicity Friedman notes that explorer Charles Pierre Claret de Fleurieu spoke about tattoos around Europe much before Cook’s voyage.Traditional Tattoos: The ultimate guide with the best examplesĮxplore the history, designs and artists within the Traditional tattooing style.
