Screwed, Blued and Tattooed

The Field Museum is one tourist attraction that everyone must visit while in Chicago. It was founded way back in 1893 as the Columbian Museum of Chicago that eventually became named after Marshall Field.

From dinosaur bones to mummy tombs, there is something for everyone in this natural history museum.

Currently running now through April 30 there is a new tattoo exhibit inside the museum. The marking of skin is a practice over 5,000 years old.

Ranging from an artform to a way to brand people, the diversity in this new exhibit is impressive.

Tribal art is depicted with a film constantly running in one room with various tattooed body parts in glass cases throughout.

The expression screwed, blued and tattooed actually refers to the military where tattoos were offered in brothels. There is a section where Norman Collins, also known as Sailor Jerry, is featured. Popular symbols he used include pin-up girls and Hawaiin themes.

Attendees of the exhibit can also leave with a permanent souvenir becuase there is a tattoo shop right at the end complete with guest artists at the ready. A complete schedule can be found at www.fieldmuseum.org.

The Field Museum is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. everday except for Christmas. Use #TattooFM to share photos and thoughts on Tattoo!