Tattoos and sailors have been intertwined for centuries, creating a rich tapestry of tradition, symbolism, and personal stories inked onto skin. From humble beginnings as simple markings to elaborate displays of life at sea, Navy Tattoos have evolved into a powerful form of self-expression and a badge of honor within maritime culture.
The allure of tattoos for seafarers is a tale as old as seafaring itself. Captain James Cook, during his 18th-century voyages to the Pacific, noted the ubiquity of tattooing, a practice deeply embedded in Polynesian culture. It was these voyages that introduced European sailors, particularly those in the Royal Navy, to the art of tatau, from which the word “tattoo” itself is derived. The rhythmic tapping sound of traditional Polynesian tattooing tools resonated with Cook, and the indelible marks they created fascinated his crew. These sailors, upon returning to Europe and America, brought this newfound art form with them, spreading it rapidly among their fellow seamen. For sailors enduring long stretches at sea, tattooing became a pastime, a form of camaraderie, and a way to mark significant experiences. By the late 1700s, a considerable portion of British and American sailors sported at least one tattoo. The 19th century, with its booming whaling industry and extensive trade routes, further cemented tattooing’s place in maritime culture, extending its reach beyond naval ranks to merchant seamen and eventually to those on land.
Signalmen aboard the USS Alaska (CB-1) in 1945, highlighting a “crossing the line” tattoo on Seaman Third Class Floyd H. Scharp’s arm, a classic example of early navy tattoos.
The American Civil War era saw navy tattoos evolve to reflect the tumultuous times. Tattoos commemorating the groundbreaking clash of ironclad warships like the USS Monitor and CSS Virginia gained popularity among sailors on both sides. Patriotic motifs, military insignia, and tributes to loved ones back home also became common themes. As tattooed sailors returned home after the war, they inadvertently popularized tattoo art across the nation, carrying their inked stories far beyond the ports.
The Spanish-American War in 1898 further solidified the connection between patriotism and navy tattoos. Fueled by national fervor after the sinking of the USS Maine, sailors eagerly sought out tattoos emblazoned with “Remember the Maine,” a powerful slogan etched onto chests before heading into battle. This period witnessed the rise of quintessential military and patriotic tattoo elements: curved banners with slogans, names, or dates; the iconic stars and stripes; and majestic eagles – designs amplified by the advent of the electric tattoo machine.
A vintage tattoo kit belonging to Frank Osberry Rogers, a Navy sailor from the early 1900s, showcasing the rudimentary tools and “flash art” used by early navy tattoo artists.
World War I brought about a brief period of stricter views on body art within the Navy. Reflecting the progressive social movements of the time, recruits were encouraged to cover up any “risqué” tattoos, often featuring pin-up girls, as they were deemed potentially disqualifying. Sailors complied by either getting these tattoos “dressed” with added ink to make them more modest or covering them entirely with new designs. Despite this temporary shift, patriotic tattoos celebrating America’s involvement in the war remained popular, demonstrating the enduring connection between naval service and body art.
Despite their prevalence within naval ranks, tattoos carried a somewhat stigmatized image well into the 20th century. They were often associated with sailors, blue-collar workers, and marginalized societal groups, viewed with a mix of fascination and suspicion by mainstream society. However, the massive expansion of the Navy during World War II proved to be a turning point. The influx of diverse recruits and the shared experiences of war fostered a gradual shift in public perception, paving the way for the mainstream acceptance of tattoos we see today. In the 21st century, the U.S. Navy, embracing its increasingly multicultural force, has adopted the most liberal tattoo policies among all branches of the U.S. military, acknowledging tattoos as a form of personal expression and a continuing part of naval tradition.
Decoding Traditional Sailor Tattoo Meanings
Navy tattoos are more than just skin deep; they are a visual language, steeped in symbolism and nautical lore. Many traditional designs carry specific meanings, often related to a sailor’s experiences and achievements at sea. Understanding these symbols provides a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of navy tattoos.
Anchor Tattoo: The anchor is perhaps the quintessential navy tattoo. Traditionally, it signified a sailor who had crossed the Atlantic Ocean, a major feat in the age of sail. Today, the anchor remains a popular first navy tattoo, often acquired during boot camp liberty as a rite of passage into naval service. It represents stability, security, and hope, all vital qualities for a life at sea.
Braided Rope Tattoo: Typically encircling the left wrist, a braided rope tattoo identifies a sailor as part of the deck division. It’s a straightforward and practical symbol of their role in handling lines and maintaining the ship’s operations.
Dragon Tattoo (Chinese or Asian): Dragons symbolize strength, wisdom, and good luck in many Asian cultures. In navy tattoo tradition, a dragon, particularly the Chinese dragon, originally indicated service in China, especially within the pre-World War II Asiatic Fleet. Later, the dragon became a broader symbol of service in the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) region, often seen embroidered on clothing as well as inked on skin.
Compass Rose or Nautical Star Tattoo: Navigation is paramount for sailors, and the compass rose or nautical star tattoo reflects this. It’s a talisman, believed to guide the sailor safely home, ensuring they always find their way back to port, both literally and metaphorically.
Crossed Anchors Tattoo: This design, often placed in the webbing between the thumb and forefinger, is a specific indicator of a boatswain’s mate or boatswain. It’s a visual representation of their rate insignia, a mark of their expertise in seamanship and shipboard operations.
Crossed Cannons or Guns Tattoo: Crossed cannons or guns symbolize naval or merchant service. This tattoo sometimes appears alongside other patriotic or Navy-specific designs, further emphasizing the wearer’s maritime background.
Cross Tattoo: Crosses, in various styles, are common navy tattoos, representing faith, spirituality, or serving as a personal talisman for protection. A particularly intriguing superstition held that crosses tattooed on the soles of the feet would repel sharks, a testament to the sometimes-superstitious nature of seafaring culture.
Dagger Piercing a Heart Tattoo: This dramatic image, often accompanied by the motto “Death Before Dishonor,” is a poignant symbol of lost love or betrayal. It represents the pain of a relationship ended by infidelity, a sentiment that resonates deeply with those separated from loved ones by long voyages.
Full-Rigged Ship Tattoo: A full-rigged ship tattoo was once a powerful symbol, commemorating the arduous and dangerous feat of rounding Cape Horn, a treacherous passage for sailing vessels. While less common today due to the decline of sailing ships, it remains a historical marker of extreme maritime experience.
Golden Dragon Tattoo: This tattoo specifically denoted crossing the International Date Line and entering the “realm of the Golden Dragon” (Asia). It’s a geographical milestone, marking a significant journey eastward across the globe.
“Hold Fast” or “Shipmate” Tattoo: Tattooed across the knuckles of both hands, these phrases were meant to be read by someone standing opposite. “Hold Fast” originally symbolized a wish for a firm grip on ship’s rigging, while “Shipmate” signifies the strong bonds of camaraderie among sailors.
Hula Girl and/or Palm Tree Tattoo: These tropical images indicated service in Hawaii. Hula girl tattoos sometimes featured risqué designs, reflecting the allure of exotic ports and shore leave experiences.
Pig and Rooster Tattoo: This seemingly odd combination – a pig on one foot and a rooster on the other – was believed to prevent drowning. This superstition likely stems from the age of sail, when livestock was carried onboard. In the event of a shipwreck, pigs and roosters, often in crates, were among the few creatures that could float, leading to the belief they offered some form of maritime protection.
Shellback Turtle Tattoo: The shellback turtle is a classic symbol of crossing the equator. “Crossing the line” ceremonies are a time-honored naval tradition, and the shellback turtle tattoo is a permanent mark of this significant event. Other imagery, such as King Neptune, mermaids, or specific geographical coordinates, also signify equator crossings.
Ships’ Propellers (Screws) Tattoo: A more whimsical and humorous navy tattoo, twin propellers tattooed on the buttocks (“twin screws”) were jokingly said to help keep a sailor afloat and propel them back home to loved ones.
Sombrero Tattoo: Often depicted on a girl, the sombrero tattoo is thought to indicate service on ships homeported in San Pedro or San Diego before World War II, liberty taken in Tijuana, or participation in cruises to Central and South America during the interwar period. It evokes a sense of adventure and travel to warmer climes.
Swallow Tattoo: Swallow tattoos are rich in meaning. Originally, each swallow represented 5,000 nautical miles traveled. Swallows are often depicted in various poses and combined with other navy symbols or the names of loved ones, making them versatile and deeply personal navy tattoos.
Sailors aboard the USS Villalobos (Gunboat No. 42) circa 1907–1908, showing a butterfly and crucifix tattoo on the center sailor’s arm, illustrating early 20th-century navy tattoo styles.
Navy tattoos are a living history, etched onto the skin of generations of sailors. They tell tales of voyages, adventures, camaraderie, and personal milestones. From the historical symbols passed down through centuries to modern interpretations, navy tattoos continue to be a powerful and enduring form of self-expression within the naval community and a fascinating subject for anyone interested in tattoo history and maritime culture.
