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The history of the Celtic peoples goes back thousands
of years. The early Celts displayed their skills in complex
artwork particularly metal, jewelry and weapons as they were
regarded as fierce warriors by the Romans. Evidence of celtic
crossses and celtic artwork can still be found all over Ireland.
Modern Celtic peoples have evolved symbols for themselves,
and in the North American people of Celtic descentoften wear
these symbols to show that they are of Celtic descent. The
ancient Celts passed knowledge down through an oral tradition
of storytelling and didn't keep many written records, consequently,
there is little evidence of their tattooing remaining even
though celtic cross tattoos and celtic know tattoos are very
popular designs.
Most of Celtic tattoo designs are taken from the Irish
Illuminated Manuscripts 'The Book of Kells', on display in
the library of Trinity College in Dublin, my home town. This
is a much later time period than the height of Celtic tattooing.
Designs from ancient stone and metal work are more likely
to be from the same time period as Celtic tattooing.
Celtic knot tattoos are usually loops with no end or beginning
symbolising the never ending cycle of death and rebirth. Celtic
animal (zoomorphic tattoo designs) designs are similar in
construction but the cords terminate in feet, heads, tails.
Pure knots are usually unending, unless the end of a strand
is stylized into a zoomorphic element or a spiral.
Celtic knotwork's meaning defies literal translation and
is to be found at a deeper level. The repeated crossing of
the physical and the spiritual are expressed in the interlace
of the knots. The never ending path of the strands may represent
the permanence and the continuum of life, love and faith and
for these reason celtic tattoos have become so popular.
For people who have a Celtic heritage, whether Irish, Scots
or Welsh , getting a Celtic design can be a way of expressing
pride in their heritage by reaffirming an affinity the indigenous
artistic style of their ancestors. They are usually not easy
designs to do, and it is strongly recommended to anyone contemplating
getting one to make sure that the artist they are considering
has experience in designing Celtic tattoos. Not all tattoo
artist have the eye for detail and exacting line placement
needed to draw the intricate patterns particular to Celtic
art.
Declan O Reill
Tattoo Designs & Tattoo Galleries http://www.tao-of-tattoos.com
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