Tatoo Collection

Maori leader, New Zealand, 1800s
Tawhiao, Maori king, with tatooed face in a robe of feathers, New Zealand, 1890s. Hand-colored halftone reproduction of a 19th-century photograph

1827 Nukahiva Marquesas tattooed couple
Early Lithographic print by Carl Brodtmann from Dr. Shinz, " Naturgeschichte und Abbilldungen des Menschen der verschiedenen" 1827, with hand colouring

Chukchi family, c1810 (engraving)
2086322 Chukchi family, c1810 (engraving) by Gallina, Gallo (1796-1874); (add.info.: Coll. Part. Geography. Russia. A Chukchi family. Woman breastfeeding. Engraving by G)

Legs and Patterns
Jay Kishiyama

Varvara
Franky De Meyer

Matutaera chieftain of the Maori, Waikato tribes, New Zealand Auckland (engraving)
5315216 Matutaera chieftain of the Maori, Waikato tribes, New Zealand Auckland (engraving) by Unknown Artist, (19th century); (add.info.: From History and origins of tattooing); SeM Studio/UIG

Earth day
Franky De Meyer

Maaeata and Caledonian men of the pre-Roman era. 1821 (engraving)
7234682 Maaeata and Caledonian men of the pre-Roman era. 1821 (engraving) by Smith, Charles Hamilton (1776-1859) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Maaeata and Caledonian men)

Japanese runner (engraving)
7148374 Japanese runner (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Japanese runner. Illustration from Pekin, Yeddo, San Francisco, Voyage Autour du Monde)

Marquesan Islander (engraving)
7182183 Marquesan Islander (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Marquesan Islander)

A Marked Man (engraving)
7177674 A Marked Man (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Marked Man. Illustration for The Comic Annual by Thomas Hood)

Patagonian, Brazil, Objiboway (colour litho)
3657054 Patagonian, Brazil, Objiboway (colour litho) by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Patagonian, Brazil, Objiboway)

Le Tatouage a la Nouvelle-Zelande (engraving)
3645318 Le Tatouage a la Nouvelle-Zelande (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Le Tatouage a la Nouvelle-Zelande)

Tattooed and bare-breasted young woman dancing a hula while seated on the ground
6339140 Tattooed and bare-breasted young woman dancing a hula while seated on the ground by Arago, Jacques Etienne Victor (1790-1855) (after); (add.info)

Illustration for The Costume of the Original Inhabitants of the British Islands (coloured engraving)
821949 Illustration for The Costume of the Original Inhabitants of the British Islands (coloured engraving) by English School

Ethiopian girl
Joxe Inazio Kuesta Garmendia

Puppetbarber-Harry
Fabi Art

Tight In Blood
Alexandre Brouzes

everybody hurts
Hari Sulistiawan

Luftwaffe - Dornier Do 28D-2 Skyservant 58 plus 62
Luftwaffe - Dornier Do 28D-2 Skyservant 58+62 of JBG36 (JagdBomberGeschwader) at RAF Greenham Common for the 1973 International Air Tatoo Date: 1973

Woman with tatooed face, Mrauk U, Myanmar, Burma

Book of the Moghul. Ms. 8300. 17th c. Tatoo. Hindu art. Miniature Painting. ITALY. Venice. Biblioteca nazionale marciana (St. Marks Library)

1827 New Ireland native sprit costume PNG
Early 1827/1840 Lithographic print by Honegger from Dr. Shinz, " Naturgeschichte und Abbilldungen des Menschen der verschiedenen", with hand colouring

1827 New Guinea tribal Warriors
Early Lithographic print by Honegger drawn by Fuchs, from Dr. Shinz, " Naturgeschichte und Abbilldungen des Menschen der verschiedenen" 1827/1840, with hand colouring

1827 Nukahiva Marquesas tattooed warrior
Early Lithographic print by Carl Brodtmann from " Dr. Shinz, Naturgeschichte und Abbilldungen des Menschen der verschiedenen" 1827, with later hand colouring

1811 Nukahiva Marquesas tattooed warriors
Copperplate print ca 1811 from the seventh volume of F.J. Bertuchs " Bilderbuch Fuer Kinder" with contemporary hand colouring. Two Marquesas warriors with traditional tribal tattoos

1827 Nukahiva Marquesas tattooed man
Early Lithographic print by Carl Brodtmann from " Dr. Shinz, Naturgeschichte und Abbilldungen des Menschen der verschiedenen" 1827, with later hand colouring

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Tattoo: A Timeless Art of Identity and Expression From the ancient Maori leader in New Zealand during the 1800s to the Marquesas tattooed couple in Nukahiva, tattoos have been an integral part of human history. They tell stories, symbolize cultures, and mark identities across time and continents. In 1827, Varvara captured hearts with her beautifully adorned face in Mrauk U, Myanmar (Burma). Her intricate facial tattoos spoke volumes about her heritage and traditions. Similarly, a woman from Waikato tribes named Matutaera proudly displayed her tattooed face as a sign of chieftaincy among the Maori people. The art of tattooing transcends borders; it has left its indelible mark on various civilizations throughout history. Engravings from 1821 depict Maaeata and Caledonian men showcasing their pre-Roman era tattoos. Even a Japanese runner etched his story onto his skin through mesmerizing ink patterns. Engravings further reveal how Marquesan Islanders embraced body art as an essential aspect of their cultural identity. The captivating images portray individuals who wore their stories on their bodies with pride. Not limited to specific regions or races, tattoos have made their way into diverse communities worldwide. From Patagonian natives in Brazil to Objiboway tribesmen in North America - each group used tattoos as a means to express themselves within their respective societies. Race Noire, Papou, Negre de Guinee - chromolithographs that showcase African tribal members - demonstrate how different cultures utilized body art for personal expression while simultaneously preserving ancestral customs. Through these glimpses into historical moments captured by engravings and lithographs alike, we witness humanity's deep-rooted connection with this timeless form of self-expression. Tattoos are not merely decorative but serve as powerful symbols that connect us to our past while allowing us to embrace our individuality.