Howdy Sailor, Got Any Tattoos?

Got a tattoo? You might be emulating you favorite celeb, but likely none of you would be inked at all if not for sailors.

That's the premise behind a new exhibit tracing the history of tattoos in American culture: The prevalence of tattooing today stems directly from the ongoing custom started by merchant and naval seamen in the 18th century.

"It's an unbroken tradition, which is something that's not widely recognized," said Craig Bruns, curator of the exhibit "Skin & Bones: Tattoos in the Life of the American Sailor," opening on April 24th at the Independence Seaport Museum in Philly.

"If you have a tattoo, you really have a sailor to thank."

The exhibit does note that body art is an ancient custom practiced, as first noted by Charles Darwin, by cultures worldwide. However, tattooing became a part of American life because of the seafarers who brought home the practice after learning tattooing from their British counterparts, Bruns said.

Early American seamen typically were tattooed aboard ships with needles used for sail sewing, and "ink" of gunpowder mixed with urine. "Sailors of that period, knowing there was a real (health) risk to get a tattoo, still went ahead with it," Bruns said. "So it gives you an idea of how important it was to them."

The invention of the electric tattooing machine in 1891 made the practice safer and faster, allowing many former sailors to open commercial tattoo parlors, perfect their craft and build their reputations. Included in the exhibit is work of the late Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins, whose buxom babes, patriotic themes and other old-school designs are reproduced on a licensed clothing line and a brand of rum bearing his name.

But to sailors, tattooing goes way beyond adornment or mere fashion. For them, tattoos pledge devotion to their shipmates, recount their adventures, proclaim loyalty to the seafaring life, ward against danger and give thanks for safe travels.

Bruns said the well-known logo for Macy's is based on founder Rowland H. Macy's red star tattoo from his seafaring days. As the story goes, Macy was almost lost at sea until a star appeared in the fog and steered him to land.

That was the mid-1800s. Today the tradition continues through such people as 36-year-old Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Richard Sambenedetto Jr., whose pig- and rooster-tattooed feet, talismans to protect against drowning, adorn the catalog and posters for the "Skin & Bones" exhibit.

The exhibit includes a re-creation of an old-school tattoo parlor and a computer-generated tattoo artist who, through a video projection setup, appears to ink visitors' forearms as he describes the meaning of the imagery.

"My hope is that the exhibit will honor the history of tattooing and dispel some of the misunderstandings people have about the tattooing community, which has been so marginalized," Bruns said. "It's also a call for getting more of these materials documented before they're lost forever."

"Skin & Bones: Tattoos in the Life of the American Sailor" runs through Jan. 3rd.

Photos: Getty Images

Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Comments

[andor]

ooooh i love tattooed men!!

[Tattoo Artist]

The stars on the back is very striking. Great tattoo!

[Steve]

Tattoos are repulsive. When I see one on a guy, almost makes me go str8.

[Jerod]

When a guy says tatts are repulsive, its also a safe bet he has a nice set of pumps in his closet (metaphorically speaking). Hows that old saying go about one mans art?

[Joe]

i love tasteful tattoos on guys.

[Ray]

I like the tats I got back in 1988 - both biceps. But it's gotten to be "gay cliche". It's about to the point that people ASSUME you're gay if you have a tat and don't look like a Hell's Angel - especially that ring of barbed wire around the left (top) or right (bottom) bicep, like the one NBA player Christian Laettner had. I think he had it removed. I wonder why? :)

[Astro]

mos def, sexy! but remember that its for life, don't get something trendy (tribal), get something that means something to you

[Johnny M]

Far from repulsive, tattoos can be powerful statements of personality and desire. Hopefully, if you're going to put permanent ink on your body, it's going to be of an image or icon that means something very special to you. I have about a dozen tattoos I'd love to get, but I don't have the money for them.

But do you know what's more repulsive than tattoos? Close-minded guys who think that every gay man has to conform to their personal view of what appearances are acceptable.

[Steve]

Johnny, I did not state, implicitly, or explicitly, that gay men should conform to my personal view of what appearances are acceptable. I simply stated that, for me, tattoos are repulsive. You, in typical gay self-righteous manner (with your, no doubt, hidden political agenda of forcing "difference" on to every facet of gay identity) assumed something that wasn't there. You are another gay fascist forcing a gay identity on to those who want to have no part of such big-brotherism.

[Scott M]

I don't want anyone putting THEIR artwork on MY skin. If you like someone's artwork, hang it on your wall, if you get tired of it, change it. I like MEN just the way God created them. If I wanted to wake up next to artwork, I'd go to bed with the Mona Lisa or Whistlers Mother.

[Zach]

You know what, I think Tattoos are are not appealing at all. Guys with great bodies are getting themselves stamped for life. I think now it has become the gay stamp. I am a psychologist and I have come to believe that a lot of gay men suffer from depression, and to make themselves feel better about themselves they go and damage their bodies. I think that if you are comfortable with yourself then attracting attention is not your number one priority. Look at all the gay men on here who do not have them. That really should tell you something about how comfortable they are in their own skin.

[Rain City Blues]

Scott, your argument only holds water if you believe god created anybody. I don't.

Tattoos in and of themselves are fine-so long as you get ones you're prepared to wear for the rest of your life. The ones that turn me off are the ones that are done sloppily or are cliché. Because they are so permanent, getting a fashionable tattoo or one that is so common that everyone is getting one like that these days looks cheesy to me, because 1) you're not making a highly individual statement when you're just following a crowd and 2) it will make you look like a throwback years later.

It also has to be done well, because if you get something sloppy done permanently to your body, that implies (to me) that you have a low self-esteem. You know that tattoo is something people are going to associate with you forever, so why get something that looks bad? I appreciate frugality, but when it comes to things that you're stuck with forever, don't go for the discount package. It's not some disposable thing you can just toss and replace. Think of it as an item of clothing you can never take off-do you want to wear some cheap sweatsuit for the rest of your life, or would you rather wear a nice silk suit that displays class and charm?

Facial tattoos look awful, as do ones on the neck. To me, they say, "I can't feel anything other than anger" . Maybe that appeals to some people, but it turns me off fast.

[Zach]

AND by the way, I am gay and I am not attracted to any guys with tattoos. That God I never bothered with peer pressure.

[Mike]

I recently made the decision to get a tattoo I have wanted for 15 years. I do not regret the decision, and I am happy to have finally fulfilled a goal I have placed for myself since I was 15. It is an expression of a part of myself, and as for it being repulsive, all I have to say is that I love it and so does my boyfriend...'nuff said.

[Bobby]

I'm not a fan, but I have occasionally seen some that look ok. However, many look like the wearer of the tattoo gave some ink to a drunk buddy and said "draw on me". If there is company that comes up with a sure-fire and effective way to remove tattoos, I may invest heavily.

[G]

I know Donald Trump hates tattoos and the corporate world doesn't always like them as professional image goes.

I used to associate tatoos with bad grade and thugs who rebelled.

Because it's more mainstream i find it more sexy.

The barbed wire on the arm is HOT

[Latin_Hunter]

I have a fetish for a man with a couple good tattoos. Not into one covered too much. I still enjoy seeing skin. :)

[acer]

I'm personally not a tattoo fan. I suppose it's a generational thing. When I was young, people with tattoos were: 1) merchant marines; 2) ex-cons who did hard time (not the county jail -- the state pen); or 3) a man with a parrot on his shoulder and an eye patch. Certainly, I will be the first to admit that styles and perceptions have changed dramatically since then.

I suppose my big reservation about them is the permanence. Styles have changed dramatically since my youth, and I expect at the rate trends accelerate, they will change even more radically by the time you tattooed people are my age. Have you considered what will happen when and if tattoos are out of fashion and odd again? I'm all for self-expression in personal appearance, but your tastes will most definitely change with time. I would recommend you think about it before you make an indelible move. If you're contemplating one and not sure, consider that wonderful design in a removeable form and live with it before permanently marking your integumentary organ.

[wolfy204]

I'm okay with a few tats - depending on how big they are - but after a certain point I find it to be unattractive.

[Jermaine B.]

I love tattoos, but yeah sometimes too much does bother me. But yeah I have a thing for guys with tats. I had no idea that gays are known for tats too, I always thought it was a str8 thing or a way of proving masculinity.

[DR, TOM]

TATTOOS ARE A WHITE TRASH AFFECTATION THAT HAVE NO PLACE IN POLITE SOCIETY.. I WILL NOT HIRE ANYONE WITH ONE THAT IS VISIBLE AS I DO NOT WANT OR NEED BAD JUDGEMENT INMY STAFF OR HAVE THIS ELEMENT OF BODY MUTILLATION SHADOWING MY BUSINESS AND SERIOUSLY OBJECT TO THIS ARTICLE GLAMORIZING THIS DISHGUSTING HABIT...

[look]

Why the f*ck is the headline assuming that the answer is yes?Tattoos are tasteful negligibly rarely; usually they're hideous. But I'm glad they've become a fad because they're an easy way to peg an undesirable and eliminate him.

[Robert L]

I will say this, I have one tattoo and it is meant to sort of remind me of what I have gone through and some struggles, the dragon and sword. I will say this, if a person gets one just to have it, it is stupid, if you get it for a deep and because you do want one great.
Zach as a fellow psychologist, it means nothing to bring attention to themselves. Think of how many people dress, it is self expression, and it is wrong of you to state that you are a psychologist and feel that way. That is how you feel, say it but dont add that you are a psychologist... your opinion and not that of the Psychological community. just make sure you are clear.
Tattoos mean different things for all of us, and for many we want them.

[Danny]

I love my ink. It was careful chosen and special for me. I dont need someone else to approve...

[tj]

Oh, I "thank" many a Navy man any chance I get. }:)~

[Mark]

Tattoos often turn me off from a man. I'm usually shaking my head thinking "why did he ruin such a hot hunk of man?" However, it is his choice. I feel tattoos are actually indicative of a much greater thing than fad, but I'll keep that opinion to myself for now. I can only deal with piercings above the waistline and with very few tattoos on another guy. That's a lot of men seemingly disqualified, but personality matters more than a bit of ink or the lack thereof.

[Tim]

Some of the hottest sex i had was one night with a guy who had tats all over his body. I was turned off at first then found him to be a really sweet caring man who was interested in me. One of the few time I had a multi-cummer fuck me for over an hour. It was hott, wish it would happen again.

[Tony]

I have 5 tattoos and I have no regertes getting them. People who think tattoos having a bad image are closed mined. Why are people stressing on tattoos when there are bigger issues like our rights as people. Tattoos are a form of self expressions like music. Get over your selfs and get into the 21st century.

[Tony]

and by they way, tattoos are not a gay thing. I have had people tell me they were surprised I had tattoos because I was gay.

[Matthew]

Wow. People are more ignorant and hateful than I imagined. Also, most of the people on here purporting to be experts of one sort or another are in fact idiots.

[Jefery]

I have 4 tattoos on my body, and none of them were inked on me without severe consideration. My first is my family Coat of Arms. I am the only surviving male of my blood-line and I wanted it on my arm as a way of honoring my fore-fathers and my father, who passed away due to cancer earlier this month. I have yet to look at it in the mirror and think "that was stupid of me..."
The phoenix on my back was, in fact, a piece done originally in henna that I had done at a Rennaisance Festival. Like most other gay men I had trouble accepting who and what I was when I was younger and had this piece permanently inked as an expression of rising above what society thought of me. It also has a way of reminding me (each time I see it in the mirror) that, no matter the trial, I WILL rise from it stronger and ready to begin again.
The astrological sign of Capricorn on my stomach speaks for itself. Again, I had it inked for personal reasons after much deliberation. I really feel no need to explain it to anybody.
Finally, I had the Pride Flag tattoed on my lower back to further show my pride in who, and what, I am.
I have had several piercings, but wear only two anymore. My tongue piercing (although the hole is still there) was a stupid mistake I made in an attempt to rebel against my parents. The lip piercing I got was also stupid, and I kept it in for a total of three months. I still have to grow a goatee just to hide the scar and it is something I will never recommend to anyone else.
I still wear my ear piercing and my nipple piercing. Both of these I got for pleasure, and have yet to think twice about my decision to get them. I just love it when they get played with; it is my biggest turn-on.
I am FIRMLY against anyone walking into a parlor and picking a piece of "flash" just because they think it is "cool" to get one. I will NEVER have any modification done that isn't thought out for at least a year and I feel that the people that get a piece of art-work put on their body without first thinking of the ramifications are just plain bland. We see too much of this sort of thing anymore.
Each and every tattoo and piercing I still sport has a meaning to ME. I could give a sh!t less what other people think of them. When I put on a t-shirt all but my ear piercing is covered. If I cannot get a job based on that little hole in my ear then I do not want to work for the employer. In this day and age (especially when we, as a gay community, are fighting such a dedicated battle for personal expression and rights) I simply cannot abide discrimination for personal expression (except when taken to extremes, such as tongue-splitting or implants resembling horns) in a country so based on freedoms. Think before you get any type of modification done to the body, how it will fit into your professional life-style, and remember that such things cannot be un-done.
And if a man finds my "badges" repulsive then he needs to keep stepping. I change for no one. Isn't that what we have been fighting for?

[ChaseUnderwood]

Tattoos make people look low-class and trashy. They also often coincide with low intelligence. If I were with a man and discovered tattoos on him, I'd leave.

[Kevin]

wow, i am shocked to see how mayn gay men are judgmental towards other men that have tattoos. i constantly think when i read people's opinions, and that is in fact what they are, how can a homosexual be such an idiotic bigot? and chaseunderwood, you have to be joking, tattoos coincide with low intelligence? haha i hope that was a joke, otherwise you made you made the name chase coincide with low intelligence also, oh wait that doesn't make any sense but, neither do you so i guess it's ok, YOU might understand it though...

[jonathan]

I think tattoos in moderation and tasteful are alot better than piercing. Piercings to me are a turn off.For the people who claim it shows ignornace or you think it makes people trashy, I know several CEO's of major companies that have tattoos, living in mansions and drive better cars than most so I guess it didnt make them ignorant.

[splerk]

1 or 2 simple tasteful tattoos are hot enough for me.
Nothing to huge though.
But to go overboard is not my thing & I don't even have one pump in my closet.
That isn't my thing either.
I don't have tattoos, only because I haven't found one or can think of one that I really like well enough to do so.
I did fall for someone with a dragon with dragon fly wings that I did consider for myself, but it was on someone else for originality.

[Tommy]

I think in order to judge a tattoo, it really just depends how the finished product looks. At first I had no interest in them at all, but I've realized I've tended to be drawn to guys with tattoos without knowing it. It's all really a matter of how it looks, I mean, I'm pretty sure no one likes an ugly tattoo, but if it works on a guy, it's great.

[Alan]

I'm fine with a guy having the occassional tattoo, here or there, especially if the imagery is important to them on some level. But as the saying goes: "Everything in moderation." While I have no major issue with tattoos, I find myself instantly turned off by guys who completely cover themselves in body art, to the point where you can barely make out their original skin tone. I particularly dislike those full-sleeve tattoos and those tats that cover a guy's chest or stomach. I just personally find that tacky. If guys want that, I won't judge, but its just not my cup of T&A

[W]

Absolutely NOT! Many a handsome man, well built are covered with ink - and for me it just destroys the look. I personal think its like someone who cuts themselves or burns themselves - all those massive colored tatoos state to me that they have low self esteem. i see a man with a stong build more intriguing then one tatoo'd

[joeganthony]

I think when you people judge a person just because they have a tatto on them is foolishness. I know pastors that have tattoos. If it means your a ex con or a member of a street gang to you then you people need to get into the real world. Please dont judge a person because of a tattoo. judge them for who theier actions in life not the ink on their skin. Please have a higher IQ about this topic.And like i said before, I have freinds that are Pastors, Policemen (and women), Doctors , lawyers, and every aspect of job levels out there and they have TATTOO's.DONT JUDGE!!

[Sheldon]

People will judge you because of your taste in music, clothing or hairstyle. Why are people so shocked that they'll judge you because of body art? And if you say it's because ink is more permanent, then consider how many guys will either find you sexy or repulsive because of your ethnic or regional accent.

Each to his own taste. Not everyone is automatically going to be the object of affection of everyone else, whether it's because of something natural or an enhancement. And life goes on.

[Steve]

It's a matter of personal taste - personally I don't like them. Some guys seem to go way over the top and I find myself thing of Tattooed ladies from the fun fair.

I also suspect that it's a passing fashion trend. in a few years time they will pass outof fashion and those with tats will become a "guy" of the 2000's

[Benjamin]

trashy? ignorant? repulsive?!
ShamWOW. I'm shocked.
When will our community accept each other--> and our differences...?!
It's every persons right to do with their body as they please. Yes Yes,,, I know that also includes free speech--> but perhaps our LGBT community could work on a little more tolerance in and about itself.
Whether totally inked- or completely preppy--> all of you are beautiful people deserving of the best life has to offer.
And- to the gentlemen who labeled men with tattoo's as being white trash- I offer this in response.
"Open thy mouth and speak hate if you must--> but you can expect that and more in return.."

Be well=- and be kind. Muah.

[msuboi08]

Ugh. Tattoos are tacky, and a sign of low-class. Skin is beautiful, without gross ink on it. I would never date a man with tattoos, especially if they are visible. However, I would reconsider if he had them removed.

[bottombuster2]

One tatoo yeah ,,maybe if its tasteful. But when someone has to get garish and do the majority of their body its repulsive. I mean really,are you that shallow and insecure that you crave that much attention that you have to mess up your looks that much. No thanks, and I'm not impressed by them either....Jon

[Donald Harrison]

Yes love tattoos as long as you have one or little more I have five.....

[Nick Savenco]

Its a personal choice. Im tatted and pierced up, and I can tell you a) that it's for aesthetics and not self mutilation and b) tattoed people really don't give a shit what you think about their work for the most part, because 9/10 they got it don't for themselves, not you.
And for the record..While I agree that tats were popularised by sailors...the tradition is much older. African tribies have been doing it since god knows when, and the japanese still practise some ancient methods of tatooing.
To the therapist in here who stated that "body art is mutilation" i seriously hope you haver license to practise revoked before you hurt someone. take care guys!

[dr.tom]

benjamin says i am ignorant for saying tattoos are a white trash affectation...maybe he has never worked in a prison, where it seems the more tatts one has the higher level of security they are in...and with my education, i am quite qualified to make this judgement...its all a question of judgement,,good or bad...if one chooses to make the decision to spread feces over his body as self expression is that ok?....and all these tattooed individuals look like any other tattooed individual....poor ignorant non thinking fools

[Ha!]

In Those days Supposed Straight Sailors out at sea for months maybe a years needed a reason why they were starring at each other so no one would think they were gay. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT!!!! NOTHING I'M ADMIRING YOUR TATTOO (NAKED BODY) I know I'd get laid if I was at sea that long and I had some HOT Sailor to bunk next too everyday.

[Ha!]

A statement to remind you of your stuggles in life ... is this your reason? Thats why God gave you a brain to remember. Is this supposed reason a fad to drag on like the disco era or did you really just love it? Personally I don't care one way or the other. I like and dislike them. Its a love hate relationship. Its really HOT on some men but then you have some Douchebag thinking he's hot and get them done all over his body. Don't forget that as you grow old so does your skin. The TAT looks good now but as you get older you might hate it. The only reason why you should get a tat is because you have an undying love for it that you will never tire from its presence. If your taste changes as the comming winds do everyday I would advice against it but if you love it with every fiber of your being then get it done. Do something because you want it not because you saw it on someone else and you creamed your pants.

[Eric]

One word... SEXY!!!