Tattoos have long served as a powerful form of self-expression, storytelling, and cultural identity. Among the myriad styles and themes in the world of tattooing, Nautical Tattoos hold a unique and storied place. Deeply rooted in maritime history and tradition, these designs are more than just skin deep; they are a visual language connecting individuals to the sea, adventure, and the camaraderie of seafaring life.
The allure of tattoos is far from a modern phenomenon. As Captain James Cook keenly observed in his journal during his third Pacific voyage (1776–80), “The universality of tattooing is a curious subject for speculation….” Indeed, tattooing boasts a global history, practiced by early societies in Europe and Asia, as well as indigenous cultures worldwide for millennia. While evidence suggests sailors sported tattoos even before the 18th century, it was Captain Cook’s voyages to the Pacific in the late 1700s that truly popularized Polynesian body art among Royal Navy sailors. These mariners returned to Europe and America adorned with these indelible marks, introducing tattoos to their fellow seamen. The very word “tattoo” originates from the Polynesian term tatau, signifying the practice of permanently marking the body, and echoing the rhythmic sound of traditional tattooing tools – needles crafted from boar tusks – tapping against the skin.
Tattooing quickly spread from British to American sailors. During long voyages, sailors often became amateur tattoo artists themselves, in part to alleviate the monotony of life at sea. By the close of the 18th century, it’s estimated that approximately a third of British and a fifth of American sailors had acquired at least one tattoo. The 19th century, with its booming whaling expeditions and extensive trading voyages, further propelled the spread of tattooing amongst both naval and merchant seamen, and subsequently, to those on land.
The American Civil War era saw the rise of patriotic and commemorative tattoos. Designs celebrating the historic clash between the ironclad warships USS Monitor and CSS Virginia became popular in both Union and Confederate navies, alongside more general motifs such as military insignia and the names of loved ones. As tattooed sailors returned home after the war, the artistry of Civil War-era tattooists disseminated across the nation.
By 1898, as the Spanish-American War loomed, a surge of patriotic fervor led sailors to get “Remember the Maine” tattoos emblazoned on their chests before heading off to avenge the ship’s sinking. By this time, nautical and military tattoos had evolved recognizable features that are still prevalent today: curved scrolls bearing slogans, names, or dates; the iconic stars and stripes; and majestic eagle backdrops. The proliferation of these designs was further amplified by the invention of the electric tattoo machine.
The early 20th century brought about changing social perceptions towards tattoos. During World War I, reflecting the Progressive era’s emphasis on morality, Navy recruits were encouraged to cover up any “risqué” tattoos, fearing they might be deemed unfit for service. This often involved “dressing” over-exposed female figures with additional ink or tattooing entirely new designs over them. Simultaneously, patriotic tattoos surged in popularity, expressing enthusiasm for American involvement in the war.
Despite this shifting landscape, tattoos remained somewhat stigmatized well into the 20th century. They were largely associated with sailors, blue-collar workers, and marginalized groups, often relegated to the realm of sideshows and burlesque clubs.
Historical personnel records, which documented tattoos as “distinguishing marks,” offer insights into the designs favored by Navy personnel in earlier eras. These records also reveal the enduring popularity of motifs still worn by some sailors today. Tattoo artists, often known by monikers like “Sailor” and each cultivating a distinctive style, established shops in port cities and near naval bases. Shipboard “artists” also continued to thrive. The massive expansion of the Navy during World War II played a significant role in fostering greater social acceptance of tattoos, paving the way for their eventual embrace by mainstream culture. This, coupled with the increasing diversity of recruits in the 21st-century Navy, has led to more lenient tattoo regulations – the most permissive among all branches of the U.S. military.
Traditional Meanings Behind Classic Nautical Tattoos
Nautical tattoos are rich with symbolism, often carrying specific meanings related to a sailor’s experiences and rank. Here are some of the most traditional sailor tattoos and their associated meanings:
Anchor: Originally, an anchor tattoo signified a sailor who had crossed the Atlantic Ocean. Today, it’s a common first nautical tattoo, symbolizing stability, security, and hope. For many young sailors, getting an anchor tattoo during their first shore leave from boot camp is seen as a rite of passage into naval service.
Braided Rope/Line: Typically tattooed around the left wrist, this design indicates a deck division seaman, representing their expertise in ropework and ship handling.
Chinese/Asian Dragon: This powerful symbol represents strength, wisdom, and good luck. In nautical contexts, it originated in the pre-World War II Asiatic Fleet and often denoted service in China. Later, dragon tattoos became more broadly associated with service in the Western Pacific (WESTPAC).
Compass Rose or Nautical Star: These navigational symbols are worn with the hope that they will guide the sailor home safely, ensuring they always find their way back to port, no matter how far they roam. They represent direction, guidance, and the ability to find one’s way.
Crossed Anchors: Commonly placed on the web between the left thumb and forefinger, crossed anchors are the insignia of a boatswain’s mate or boatswain in the U.S. Navy, signifying their leadership and expertise in ship operations.
Crossed Ship’s Cannons or Guns: This tattoo symbolizes naval or merchant service, often combined with other U.S. Navy-specific or patriotic motifs to further emphasize military affiliation and pride.
Crosses: Crosses, in their various forms, are worn as signs of faith or as talismans for protection. Interestingly, crosses tattooed on the soles of the feet were believed to ward off sharks, reflecting sailors’ superstitions and reliance on faith in the face of danger.
Dagger Piercing a Heart: Often accompanied by the motto “Death Before Dishonor,” this tattoo powerfully symbolizes the end of a relationship due to infidelity or betrayal, representing heartbreak and lost love.
Full-Rigged Ship: This intricate tattoo was once a commemoration of rounding Cape Horn, a notoriously treacherous passage. While less common today due to changes in shipping routes, it remains a potent symbol of maritime skill and conquering significant seafaring challenges.
Golden Dragon: This tattoo is earned by crossing the International Date Line into the “realm of the golden dragon” (Asia), marking a significant geographical milestone in a sailor’s travels.
“Hold Fast” or “Shipmate”: Tattooed across the knuckles of both hands, these phrases are meant to be read from left to right by someone standing opposite. Originally, “Hold Fast” was believed to give a seaman a stronger grip on ship rigging, while “Shipmate” signified camaraderie and loyalty among sailors.
Hula Girl and/or Palm Tree: These tropical designs, sometimes rendered in a risqué style, indicated service in Hawaii. They evoke images of exotic ports, relaxation, and time spent in warmer climates.
Pig and Rooster: This seemingly unusual combination – a pig on the left foot and a rooster on the right – was believed to prevent drowning. This superstition likely dates back to the age of sail when livestock was carried on ships. In the event of a shipwreck, pigs and roosters, often in crates, were observed to float, leading to this symbolic association with survival.
Shellback Turtle: This tattoo is a proud declaration that a sailor has crossed the equator, a significant event in maritime tradition. “Crossing the line” is also commemorated by various other tattoo designs, including elaborate depictions of geographical coordinates, King Neptune, mermaids, and other nautical themes.
Ship’s Propellers (Screws): A more whimsical and humorous form of sailor body art, twin propellers tattooed on each buttock (“twin screws”) are said to keep the wearer afloat and propel them back home to loved ones, representing resilience and the desire to return home.
Sombrero: Often depicted worn by a girl, a sombrero tattoo may have indicated service on ships homeported in San Pedro (Terminal Island, Los Angeles) or San Diego before World War II, a liberty taken in Tijuana, or participation in interwar Central and South American cruises, suggesting travel and experiences in Latin American regions.
Swallow: Each swallow tattoo originally symbolized 5,000 nautical miles traveled. Swallows are depicted in various poses and are often combined with U.S. Navy-specific motifs or the names of sweethearts or spouses, representing journeys, experience, and personal connections.
Nautical tattoos are a vibrant and enduring art form, carrying centuries of maritime history and symbolism. They are a testament to the adventurous spirit of sailors, their connection to the sea, and the rich traditions that have evolved within naval and seafaring cultures. Whether chosen for their traditional meanings or simply for their aesthetic appeal, nautical tattoos continue to be a powerful way to express personal stories and pay homage to the captivating world of the ocean.
