Old School Tattoos

First Tattoos

Most people agree that the first type of tattoo that was inked on Europeans was done in Great Britain in the period between 500-1100 AD. During this point in history, many different tribes and nationalities used tattoos to show their clan affiliation. The Saxons, as well as the Norse and the Danes, all were known to tattoo their family crests on their bodies for identification, something which can still be seen today in some Celtic tattoos. Tattooing was officially banned by the Catholic church, through Pope Hadrian, in the year 787. This didn't stop the British, however, who continued their practice of tattooing familial identification until the Normans invaded in 1066 (they didn't like tattoos).

Sailor Tattoos

When most people think of old school tattoos, however, they're thinking of the types of tattoos that sailors got inked on their bodies. These tattoos are variable, depending on where the sailor originated, but most of them fall into these categories:

• The nautical star tattoo is perhaps the most famous sailing tattoo that is still being inked today. This five pointed star, with alternating swatches of a color (usually blue or red) and black, is extremely recognizable to most people.
• Other nautical images, such as the compass rose, ships, telescopes and sextants, are also seen.
• Other related tattoos include bird tattoos (especially swallows) and pin up girls in various poses and stages of undress.

Biker Tattoos

Biker tattoos developed out of the traditional tattoos of sailors, and they tended to be a bit more "fierce" than those that the sailors wore. Flames, skulls, daggers, guns and motorcycles themselves all have a place in biker tats. Many bikers also choose to get the logos of their favorite bike companies tattooed on their body, and they also go with the more traditional imagery of crosses, pin up girls and hearts and flowers.

Old School Tattoos Today

Today, many people choose to get one of the old school tattoos first worn by sailors, bikers and warriors. These tattoos can be done as a faithful reproduction of the original, or they can be modified to fit with a more modern look. Old school tats can incorporate tribal designs, or be done with some of the more colorful inks that are available. They can also take some other popular styles that are in use today, such as Asian tattoos that originated in Japan or China, and combine them with traditional imagery such as hearts or nautical stars. Paying homage to Sailor Jerry is also a popular theme in old school tats.

Old School Resources

• BMEzine has a very large collection and gallery of old school style tattoos.
• The St Louis Old School Tattoo Expo, which runs yearly, is a great place to experience old school artwork
• Sailor Jerry's official website also has a wealth of ideas for old school ink.