Skin and Bones

Tattoos in the Life of the American Sailor
Exhibit at the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia
April 24, 2009 – January 3, 2010

Skin & Bones - Tattoos in the Life of the American Sailor a provocative exhibit that delves into the beliefs, mysteries, traditions, and power of the tattoo in American maritime culture, premieres at Independence Seaport Museum April 24, 2009. Seaport members will preview the exhibit April 23 during an invitation-only cocktail reception. Skin & Bones, which runs through January 3, 2010, is free with general admission or membership and open during regular Museum hours.

This original exhibit, researched and created by Curator Craig Bruns and Seaport staff, will feature traditional and modern tattooing tools, flash (tattoo design samples) and other tattoo-related art, historic photographs and artifacts, a recreation of an old-time "tattoo parlor," and a mini-documentary of the recorded personal stories of tattooed sailors.

The History of Tattoos
The reputation of tattoos has evolved through the psyche of American culture from the sinister symbols of convicts, gang members, and bikers, looked up on by most with fear and disdain, into a generally accepted societal convention. Today tattoos are sported by everyone from sports and movie celebrities to teens and suburban moms and have spread beyond the body to fashion, décor, and art.

While tattooing is an ancient custom practiced by most cultures – famed naturalist Charles Darwin stated there was no nation on earth in which the people did not tattoo themselves – it is not well known that this custom of indelible body marking was introduced to this country in the late 18th century by seafarers.

So, if you have a tattoo today, thank a sailor.

The Exhibit
Skin & Bones traces the origins, functions, and significance of tattoos in American sailors' lives from the late 18th century onward and how merchant and naval seamen have kept this tradition unbroken and alive. It also connects current trends with historic tradition to enlighten tattooed and un-tattooed visitors alike about this often still misunderstood art form.

In early America, tattoos were synonymous with sailors, who learned the practice from their British seagoing brethren. While the tale of tattoos as souvenirs of wild shore leaves is a well-known chapter of nautical history, it is but one small facet of the story.

The true essence of the story, revealed in Skin & Bones, is that sailors have long held a deeply ingrained belief in the power of tattoos. They use their skin as a canvas for inked tattoos to permanently display their values and identifications, protect them against dangers at sea, pay homage to sailing traditions and the fraternity of seafarers, memorialize loved ones, and showcase mementos of significant experiences and exotic locales.

Skin & Bones features the "Who's Who" of the tattoo world – people like Samuel O'Reilly, who invented the electric tattoo machine in 1891; C.H. Fellowes, whose hand-drawn tattoo design books are among the earliest known American tattoo design books; Macy's founder Rowland Macy, whose star tattoo on his arm likely inspired his department store's famed logo; and colorful characters such as tattoo artists Sailor Jerry, Sailor Eddie, and Madame Chinchilla.
A highlight will be a specially created interactive featuring a life-size "tattoo artist" who will "talk" to customers as he "inks" one of four tattoos on their forearms. The "tattooing" will be done through a video projection system.

Skin & Bones Programming
Skin & Bones will be complemented by a stimulating series of public and educational programming, and the Museum Shop will be stocked with a fanciful array of tattoo-related items, including books, posters, temporary tattoos, clothing, and fun trinkets for children. Youngsters will also enjoy posing in the life-size cut-out of a classic tattooed merchant seaman stationed just outside the exhibit.

The Seaport will host two screenings of the cult film Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry, which chronicles the life of Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins, the father of modern American tattooing and himself a sailor. The film, which had a sold-out screening at the 2008 Philadelphia Film Festival and was an official selection at the New Orleans Film Festival, explores the impact and meaning of tattoos in the lives of American sailors. The May 12 screening will begin at 7 pm with a pre-film discussion by director and native Philadelphian Erich Weiss. A second screening will take place October 2 at 8 pm.

On October 22 at 7 pm, the Seaport will present Tattoo Scuttlebutt, a panel discussion with Hori Smoku director Weiss; local tattoo historian Nick Schoenberger, C.W. Eldridge, director of the Tattoo Archive, in Winston-Salem, NC, and U.S. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Office Richard Sambenedetto Jr., whose tattooed feet are the iconic image of Skin & Bones.