a unique version of the Caduceus tattoo done by Canman.
The client was open to a more ornate version of this concept.
In addition, it is the clients first tattoo!
You can see black and grey work examples on our blog page.
MODERN HISTORY
Two snakes coiled around a staff is a caduceus.
Is the official insignia of the U.S. Medical Corps, Navy Pharmacy Division, and the Public Health Service.
The caduceus probably was first used as a medical emblem in the 16th century.
In its earliest form, the caduceus appeared as a forked rod, the prongs crossing to form a loop.
Later, two snakes with their heads meeting at the top, entwined the rod.
Hermes, the messenger of the gods, carried a Caduceus.
Also, legend states that Hermes discovered two snakes fighting and thrust his rod between them.
As a result, the snakes stopped fighting and wound themselves around the rod.
ANCIENT HISTORY
The symbol seems to have existed among the Assyrians, Hittites, and Phoenicians.
Therefore, the Greeks, knew of the caduceus and of its association with the Phoenician gods.
The Phoenician caduceus may have been based on a military weapon.
Another explanation is based on the Egyptian winged disk and its influence on other ornamental forms.
This symbol became prevalent throughout Asia Minor as far as Mesopotamia.
The caduceus in its latest form bears most of the features of the winged disk at the end of a staff.
The caduceus is also a symbol of peace and commerce.
The present form is the result of a series of elaborations of earlier forms.
Messengers and heralds in ancient Greece carried a caduceus.
It served to protect the bearer by indicating that he was engaged in a peaceful mission.
Worship of the snake is a symbol of life and regenerative power.
Also, it is associated with sunshine with the blessings of life and health.