Tattoos, piercings and body modifications: why?

[Farseer]

Now I'm thinking about all this...

I must say that some of the tattoos I have seen have been amazing examples of artwork, especially sleeves and other such elaborate types. It must take some skill (and confidence!) to be able to apply a tattoo, particularly as I'd imagine it would be quite difficult to modify a mistake if one was made...we're talking about someone's skin after all?

Just looking at your link, redchild (I wasn't quite game enough to go too far down the page!!!), I'd be seething if someone made a spelling mistake on my skin. That, I just could not live with!

Tattoo history is also fascinating, in much the same vein as redchild noting in another thread that perceptions regarding make-up have changed over time.