Blackwork tattoos date back thousands of years, originating from ancient Polynesian tribes and only later becoming popular in Europe.
When it comes to tattoos, there are several styles, for all tastes. Normally, common sense “dictates” that women have a predilection for sweet and subtle tattoos, but this does not apply to everyone – much less to the majority. One example is the extraordinary number of women who love blackwork tattoos.
A timeless classic within the body dye universe, the blackwork tattoo is gaining a lot of space these days due to social media. Despite this, it is one of the oldest styles that exist, alongside the oriental and traditional styles.
But, do you know the history of this style? So take my hand and come and see. Let’s go!
History of blackwork tattoo
Firstly, blackwork tattoos date back thousands of years. In short, ancient Polynesian tribes were experts in all-black body art. This is because it was a way of communicating their identities, religious beliefs and ideas about war.
In those ancient times, they were composed of minimalist symbols and images, as well as stripes and geometric motifs. These characteristics remain today.
Since the 18th century, these Polynesian tattoos have proven popular in Western culture. In 1769, British explorer James Cook traveled to Tahiti, became enamored with the tribes’ tattoos, and introduced Europe’s working class to the phenomenon.
In short, blackwork tattoos became a rage at the time among sailors and coal miners. Consequently, the style prevailed throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, being favored by workers and lower-class individuals. Over time, the style became popular among all social classes.
Features of the blackworck tattoo
Certainly, the main characteristic of blackwork tattoos is the predominance of black ink. Furthermore, it encompasses several different formats and styles.
Therefore, the composition is marked by different lines of different shapes and strokes, from the thickest to the thinnest. Therefore, Blackwork can have detailed contours or often no definition of lines.
The designs can vary from the simplest and most unsophisticated, such as 2 lines or a super elaborate design, which uses shading techniques, realism and even makes use of the negative space of the body.
Inspirations
Anyway, now that you know the history and characteristics of this style of tattoo, it’s time to get in touch with some arts. In other words, do you want to be inspired? So I show you a series of arts:
Did you like this article about blackwork tattoos? Then you’ll also like this: First tattoo, what do you need to know? Tips and inspirations
