As a result of the warfare, Europeans started to collect tattooed Maori heads and body parts. This practice became so popular, it was considered souvenir-gathering for the Europeans back home, and one more reason for the Europeans to start murdering the Maori people themselves.

The Tattooed Royals

When James Cook returned to England after his travels in the 18th century, he didn’t know that he was bringing a cultural change with him as well. As Europeans become familiar with overseas traditions and cultures, tattoos quickly became a symbol of ‘exploration’.

In the beginning, tattoos were seen as marks of noble savagery, as Europeans often referred to anyone non-European and indigenous. Tattoos were considered a sign of inferiority and lack of civilization.

Soon after, sailors, who have traveled to ‘exocit’ countries started getting tattoos. And, as monarchs and rich members of the English society started traveling as well, tattoos turned from signs of inferiority to signs of adventure and souvenirs from the exotic, far-away lands and islands.

As a result, many royals and upper-class members started getting tattoos. King Harold II of England also had several tattoos. King Edward VII received a tattoo during his trip to Jerusalem. His sons, Dukes of Clearance and York (later King George V), also received dragon tattoos during the visit to Japan.

Lady Randolph Churchill, Winston Churchill’s mother also received a small wrist tattoo, and Sir Winston himself followed his mother’s steps and had an anchor tattooed on his forearm.

Other countries’ royalties also followed the trend. Grand Duke Alexis in Russia become the most tattooed man of the 19th century. He embarked on a tattoo journey, traveling around the world and receiving tattoos from master artists.

The First Electric Tattoo Pen