The world of tattooing is rich with history, artistry, and cultural significance. While scholarly studies delve into the sociological, artistic, and psychological aspects of this body art form, much of its lore remains rooted in oral traditions, passed down through tattoo artists and evolving styles. However, the long history of tattooing within seafaring communities is undeniable. While evidence suggests tattoos existed among mariners prior to the 18th century, it was Captain James Cook’s voyages to the Pacific in the late 1700s that truly introduced Polynesian tattooing to Royal Navy sailors, bringing this art form back to Europe and America.
The very word “tattoo” originates from the Polynesian term “tatau,” signifying the permanent marking of skin. It’s also onomatopoeic, mimicking the rhythmic tapping sound of traditional tattooing tools – typically needles crafted from boar tusks – used to puncture the skin. Tattooing quickly spread from British to American sailors. During long voyages, sailors, seeking ways to alleviate boredom, turned into amateur tattooists. By the late 18th century, it’s estimated that around a third of British and a fifth of American sailors sported at least one tattoo. The 19th century, fueled by whaling expeditions and extensive trade voyages, further cemented tattooing’s popularity among both naval and merchant seamen, and subsequently, among those on land.
The American Civil War saw a surge in patriotic and commemorative tattoos. Designs honoring the clash of ironclads USS Monitor and CSS Virginia became popular in both Union and Confederate navies, alongside military insignia and the names of loved ones. As tattooed sailors returned home after the war, the artistry of Civil War-era tattooists spread inland.
By 1898, as the Spanish-American War loomed, sailors eagerly sought tattoos bearing the rallying cry “Remember the Maine,” a patriotic statement made before heading to war. These tattoos were developing characteristics that are now classic elements of military and patriotic designs: curved banners with slogans, names, or dates, stars and stripes, and imposing eagle motifs. The invention of the electric tattoo machine further propelled the proliferation of these designs.
Image: A vintage tattoo kit once owned by Frank Osberry (Asberry) Rogers, a US Navy sailor. The kit includes wooden needles, ink, and “flash art” sheets showcasing tattoo designs popular among sailors in the early 20th century.
However, despite the growing popularity, tattoos and body art were not always viewed favorably. During World War I, coinciding with the progressive era’s emphasis on morality (which also led to the abolishment of alcohol rations in the Navy), recruits were encouraged to cover up any “risqué” tattoos. Perceived moral shortcomings, often associated with tattoos, could even disqualify individuals from service. This often involved “dressing” over-exposed female figures in tattoos with more clothing or covering them entirely with new designs. Simultaneously, patriotic fervor drove sailors to get tattoos reflecting their commitment to America’s involvement in the war.
Yet, even into the 20th century, individuals with tattoos faced a degree of social marginalization. Tattoos were largely seen as the markings of sailors, certain working-class trades, and less reputable groups, though they also held a certain fascination, appearing in sideshows and burlesque clubs.
Early naval personnel records, which documented body art under “distinguishing marks,” provide insights into the tattoo designs favored by Navy personnel. These records reveal the enduring popularity of motifs still seen on sailors today. Tattoo artists, often known by names prefixed with “Sailor,” established themselves in port cities and near naval bases, each developing their unique style. Shipboard “artists” also continued to thrive. The immense expansion of the Navy during World War II played a significant role in the increasing social acceptance of tattoos, ultimately paving the way for body art’s mainstream embrace in contemporary society. This, coupled with the increasingly diverse backgrounds of recruits entering the Navy in the 21st century, has led to more lenient regulations regarding tattoos within the U.S. Navy – the least restrictive among all branches of the U.S. military.
(This section includes contributions from Megan Churchwell, curator, Puget Sound Navy Museum)
Further Reading:
- “Skin Deep: The Nautical Roots of Tattoo Culture” (The Sextant, NHHC’s blog, 1 April 2016)
- United States Navy Uniform Regulations (NAVPERS 15665I), Chapter 2, Section 2: “Grooming Standards”
Image: Crew members of the USS Villalobos (Gunboat No. 42) photographed around 1907-1908. The sailor in the center displays a butterfly and crucifix tattoo, examples of common motifs found on early 20th-century navy tattoos.
Decoding Traditional Sailor Tattoo Meanings
Traditional Navy Tattoos are more than just skin deep; they are visual narratives of a sailor’s journey, experiences, and beliefs. Each symbol carries a specific meaning, often understood throughout maritime culture. Here are some iconic traditional sailor tattoo designs and their significance:
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Anchor: Initially, an anchor tattoo signified a sailor had crossed the Atlantic Ocean, a major feat in maritime travel. Today, the anchor remains a quintessential nautical tattoo and often serves as a sailor’s first tattoo, acquired during their initial leave from boot camp. It represents stability, security, and grounding, a symbolic rite of passage into naval service.
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Braided Rope/Line: Typically tattooed around the left wrist, a braided rope or line indicates service in the deck division, signifying expertise in seamanship and ship handling.
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Chinese or Asian Dragon: The dragon symbolizes strength, wisdom, and good luck. In navy tattoo tradition, the dragon originated with sailors serving in the pre-World War II Asiatic Fleet and denoted service in China. Over time, the dragon expanded to represent service in the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) region more broadly, often appearing on clothing items like jackets and jumper cuffs as well.
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Compass Rose or Nautical Star: These navigational symbols represent guidance and direction. Sailors wore them with the belief they would always guide them safely back to port and home. The nautical star, in particular, is a symbol of finding your way and staying on course.
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Crossed Anchors: When placed on the web of skin between the thumb and forefinger, crossed anchors are a specific indicator of a boatswain’s mate or boatswain, a naval rating badge denoting expertise in ship maintenance and deck operations.
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Crossed Cannons or Guns: This design signifies naval or merchant service, often combined with patriotic or US Navy-specific imagery, representing a dedication to maritime service and potentially naval combat.
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Crosses: Cross tattoos, in various forms, are expressions of faith or worn as talismans for protection. A unique sailor superstition held that crosses tattooed on the soles of the feet would repel sharks, reflecting the dangers of life at sea.
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Dagger Piercing a Heart: Often accompanied by the motto “Death Before Dishonor,” this tattoo is a powerful symbol of lost love or betrayal, representing the painful end of a relationship due to infidelity.
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Full-Rigged Ship: This elaborate tattoo was once a commemoration of rounding Cape Horn, a treacherous and historically significant voyage around the southern tip of South America. While less common today due to changes in shipping routes, it remains a powerful symbol of maritime accomplishment and facing extreme challenges.
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Golden Dragon: The Golden Dragon tattoo specifically indicated crossing the International Date Line into the “Realm of the Golden Dragon,” signifying travel to Asia and the Far East.
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“Hold Fast” or “Shipmate”: These phrases tattooed across the knuckles of both hands, readable from left to right, were originally believed to provide a sailor with a strong grip on ship’s rigging. Beyond the practical interpretation, they also embody the values of perseverance (“Hold Fast”) and camaraderie (“Shipmate”) essential to naval life.
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Hula Girl and/or Palm Tree: These tropical images indicated service in Hawaii. Historically, some hula girl tattoos were rendered in a risqué style, reflecting the allure of exotic ports and shore leave.
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Pig and Rooster: This seemingly unusual combination – a pig on top of one foot and a rooster on the other – was a maritime superstition believed to prevent drowning. This belief is thought to originate from the age of sail when livestock was carried on ships. In the event of a shipwreck, pigs and roosters, often housed in crates, were known to float, associating them with survival at sea.
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Shellback Turtle: The shellback turtle is a classic tattoo indicating that a sailor has crossed the Equator. “Crossing the Line” ceremonies and tattoos are significant naval traditions, with various other symbols like King Neptune, mermaids, and nautical coordinates also used to mark this milestone.
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Ship’s Propellers (Screws): A more humorous and audacious sailor tattoo, twin propellers tattooed on the buttocks (“twin screws”) are meant to symbolize propulsion, humorously suggesting they would keep the wearer afloat and drive them back home to loved ones.
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Sombrero: Often depicted on a girl wearing a sombrero, this tattoo may have indicated service on ships based in San Pedro (Los Angeles) or San Diego before World War II, shore leave in Tijuana, or participation in cruises to Central and South America during the interwar period, reflecting specific locations and experiences.
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Swallow: Each swallow tattoo originally represented 5,000 nautical miles traveled. Swallows are depicted in various poses and frequently combined with Navy-specific symbols or the names of loved ones, signifying journey, experience, and connection to home.
Image: Shipfitter Second Class Steven J Kusial, captured in a 1944 photo while working on a Seabee road construction crew on Guam. His tattoos, visible on his upper arms, include a girl in a sombrero and two swallows, illustrating the diverse symbolism found in traditional navy tattoos.
Conclusion:
Traditional navy tattoos offer a fascinating glimpse into maritime history and the unique culture of sailors. They are more than just decorations; they are a language of symbols, telling stories of voyages, achievements, superstitions, and personal meanings. From anchors and swallows to dragons and nautical stars, these enduring designs continue to connect modern sailors to a rich heritage of ink and the sea.
Image: Signalmen aboard the USS Alaska (CB-1) in 1945. Seaman Third Class Floyd H. Scharp is visible in the foreground, showcasing a “crossing the line” tattoo, a testament to naval tradition and maritime milestones.
