Premodern tattooing methods (1800s-ish)

[woodburner]

I'm thinking of writing a fanfic for

Comments

[starryeyedstara]

Something like this, maybe?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C4%81_moko

[saru_kage]

This.

Researching the Maori is likely to be the best bet for finding info on pre-modern tattooing. The actual chisel they used to tattooing is called an uhi, so adding that into your searches plus Maori, and tattoo, will probably get you what you're looking for. I wouldn't be surprised if you could even find video of it up on youtube. Some of the Maori still use the traditional methods, and I've seen footage of it before on the History and Discovery channels.

[lilacsigil]

Two cultures you can look at are Samoa and Japan. If you google "Japanese tattooing" or "irezumi" you should get plenty of links.

[sunhawk6498]

Have you tried something like the history channel website... or is that Discovery channel? Either way I know I've watched programs on one of the educational channels about tattoos and their history. Possible the show about taboos.

I know that's vague but maybe it'll give you an idea on where to look next.

[faerydragonet]

I can tell you about how tattoo is done in China, pre-tattoo gun.

[faerydragonet]

In China, it is done with a needle that's been burnt. Then, the pattern is pierced into the skin, using the needle. After that, ink in apply on to the skin and then wiped off. Legend said, a general's mother tattooed a whole scroll onto the son to remind him of his fialty and loyalty.

[londubh]

My understanding is that it was often done with a tapping stick. The following story has a description of someone who underwent the traditional process in Borneo
http://www.tedpack.org/stories/iwatbhh.html