By freelance writer Jane Duncan
Feb 21 2020
Permanent body art dates back to the BC period, with ancient people tattooing their bodies so they could be identified as part of a group or tribe. Some people even had tattoos to define their rank and title. Nowadays, most tattoos are done to commemorate a significant experience, but one tattoo style that was popular in the 80s retained its ties to ancient tattooing practices.
Back then, black line tattoos were popular among men, and the Celtic knot was one of the most requested designs in tattoo parlors all over the world. The knot is said to signify that life has no beginning or end, and ancient warriors used to have it. In the 80s, the knot was commonly tattooed on the chest or the upper arm, and sometimes it was incorporated into a sleeve tattoo design. You can get an updated version of the Celtic knot by having it done in bronze or brown tones, or have an artist weave in a mystical creature such as a dragon or a phoenix throughout the design.
A tribal tattoo often serves as the gateway tattoo for most Gen X men as it’s intricate and looks highly intimidating at the same time. Tribal tattoos, especially those that originated from Hawaii, Borneo, and the Maori tribe in New Zealand, are very traditional in nature, but artists have injected their own style into old patterns and designs to make them current and fresh. These tattoos are usually done in black or red and green, but you can get them in other colors for a more modern look.
Consider these 80s tattoo fads for your first or next ink and don’t hesitate to ask your artist to give them a modern twist if you desire. Remember to go to a licensed tattoo artist to stay safe and to get the best results.
Copyright © 2009-2023 Simplyeighties.com