These tattoos mean that the gap between humans and our closest living relative, the chimpanzee, no longer exist.
The chimpanzee is a species of great ape with four different subspecies. They are native to Africa and considered an endangered species.
Chimpanzees are known to live in large groups, sometimes made up of up to 100 chimps. The groups can be as small as 15 which is still quite literally larger than some humans’ extended families.
Chimpanzees are intelligent and strong – they use tools to help obtain food, even hunting small animals with spears. Unlike gorillas, there has been no success in teaching chimpanzees sign language. They can become aggressive, with many instances of humans being maimed or killed by them.
A four-year-old chimpanzee referred to as No. 65 was used by the U.S. during the “Space Race”, becoming the first hominid in space. He received the name Ham (but was also known as Ham the Chimp or Ham the Astrochimp) upon making a safe return to Earth after his 16 minute flight. January 19 marked 40 years since his passing at the age of 25.
If you’re fascinated by space and other animal species, you could add Ham and Laika to a sleeve or back piece project. Keep scrolling to discover a whoop of chimpanzee tattoos.
The Tattooed Archivist 