Tattoo Stencils, 1923-1926
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Tattoo stencils range in material from disposable paper to plastic. Designs were drawn on transfer paper or scratched into plastic with a needle. With plastic stencils, powdered charcoal was rubbed into the lines; Vaseline was applied to the skin. When the stencil was pressed against the skin, the charcoal transferred as an outline. Stencils allowed tattooists to circulate and exchange ideas.
Tattoo stencils range in material from disposable paper to plastic. Designs were drawn on transfer paper or scratched into plastic with a needle. With plastic stencils, powdered charcoal was rubbed into the lines; Vaseline was applied to the skin. When the stencil was pressed against the skin, the charcoal transferred as an outline. Stencils allowed tattooists to circulate and exchange ideas.
Artifact
Stencil (image)
Date Made
1923-1926
Creators
Place of Creation
United States, Michigan, Detroit
Creator Notes
Made by William Fowkes in Detroit, Michigan.
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
81.98.6
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Color
Black-and-white (Colors)
Dimensions
Height: 12 in
Width: 15.625 in
Inscriptions
WM FOWKES | 307 ADAMS, | DETROIT