Personalizing the body : tattoos as multifarious symbols

Abstract

In recent years, the popularity and prominence of tattoos has grown both in the local and international contexts. More individuals are seeking to inscribe their bodies with a tattoo or numerous tattoos. Tattoos have emerged and emancipated from a cultural strata considered as ‘low-class’, making their way into to the mainstream society. The primary focus of this research has been an evaluation of the reasons why an individual would choose to get a tattoo. A further aspect concerns the functions tattoos serve within the contemporary Maltese society. This research includes both theoretical information as well as data compiled from informants. The latter includes both tattooed individuals and tattoo artists. At a later stage their perspectives have been assessed so as to draw the relevant conclusions. Tattoos serve a multitude of functions and their purpose may change over time and circumstances in view of the perspectives and values of the individual. Tattoos have been classified as multifarious symbols, allowing the tattooee to commemorate and manifest emotions, as well as create and maintain an image of the ideal-ego or the simulated-self, both when seeking individuality and affiliation.