Why did sailors get spider web tattoos on their elbows?

Answer 1

Ive seen people with hinge tattoos in this day and age.... it doesn't necessarily mean anything... depends on the person... and maybe if it means anything to them..... other than that its a clever; unique tattoo idea
A hinge tattoo on an elbow signifies the hinge like movement of the elbow. It has been a tattoo traditionally worn by sailor's.

While the above is true, the pit of the elbow is a very painfull place to work and by doing a hinge in there it is easier on the client, being they are mostly outline....Hope this helps...

Answer 2

the design of the web used to be considered the only design to fit the ellbow, as other designs will distort when the arm is bent. If you see old photographs of inked up sailors almost all had a spider web on the elbow, so did the early tattooers: Bob Shaw, Lyle Tuttle and possibly also Sailor Jerry. Some say it sybolized how many years you were on sea. But that is speculative.

There are many pictures from the late 19th to early 20th century with men (and women) with spider web tattoos. Just search "vintage Tattoos" on Google and you'll see. Also carol Clarke's book "Vintage Tattoos" has lots of original Photography.

It is a very old design. I heard that some sailor has seen it on some polinesian natives and brought it back in the early 19th century. But I have no source to state this 100%.

Many sailors were also tattooists and some later made their money as circus folk in the early 20th century. So a spider web on the elbows was somewhat a stereotype traditional american tattoo for a full sleeve.

All the best!

James