# Frame the tattoo of a dead loved one!? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 12, 2015, 7:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frame-the-tattoo-of-a-dead-loved-one/734408 "2015-10-12T07:45:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![PeasantSlayer69](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/58f4c7/32.png) [@PeasantSlayer69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PeasantSlayer69)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2015, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frame-the-tattoo-of-a-dead-loved-one/734408/21 "2015-10-12T18:30:13Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > I gotta express skepticism about the whole thing. Okay, organs get harvested for donation every day, but I presume medical professionals are involved in most of the steps of that process; I also presume that regulations are in place that legally differentiate the process from corpse mutilation/desecration. > > I admit that I only skimmed the link in the OP. Did any of the material cover the proper handling of human remains? It said the funeral homez will be the ones doing the excision, probably not much of a stretch to assume they have a certification to transport and handle skin. ---
**Author:** ![snakeyes23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c6cbf5/32.png) [@snakeyes23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snakeyes23)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2015, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frame-the-tattoo-of-a-dead-loved-one/734408/22 "2015-10-12T19:15:45Z")
After looking at the pictures on the site and in news articles. It actually looks like a piece of art! I don’t think anybody would ever know that it was tattooed skin without telling them. This may be something better than the urn with ashes thing. [https://savemyink.com/Home/PreservedTattoos](https://savemyink.com/Home/PreservedTattoos) The link above is their gallery. The “Hunter” piece is actually kind of touching if you read the story behind it. This company might be on to something but its definitely going to take some thinking. ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2015, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frame-the-tattoo-of-a-dead-loved-one/734408/23 "2015-10-12T19:30:37Z")
Except for the whole “metal” thing I would consider it. My Dad had a tat he got, and partly did himself, during the war. Great story behind it and a great memory of him sharing the story. I don’t know that I _would_ have preserved it -------- but I would have at least considered it. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2015, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frame-the-tattoo-of-a-dead-loved-one/734408/24 "2015-10-17T19:38:04Z")
Actually, I swear I remember reading an account of a Nazi officer who did just this. Either way, fuck no. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2015, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frame-the-tattoo-of-a-dead-loved-one/734408/25 "2015-10-17T20:52:46Z")
> [@snakeyes23](#): > > After looking at the pictures on the site and in news articles. It actually looks like a piece of art! I don’t think anybody would ever know that it was tattooed skin without telling them. This may be something better than the urn with ashes thing. > > [https://savemyink.com/Home/PreservedTattoos](https://savemyink.com/Home/PreservedTattoos) > > The link above is their gallery. The “Hunter” piece is actually kind of touching if you read the story behind it. This company might be on to something but its definitely going to take some thinking. It looks pretty obvious to me. Especially the ones that are obviously from older folks - skin is wrinkled and loose. I was curious enough to look, but too horrified to go through the whole gallery. Yeah, touching. “Hey kid, sorry you lost your Dad so young and all. Here’s a slice of his skin to cheer you up. See? Somebody stuck a bunch of needles in it to draw a picture. It’s about you!” Give the poor child a photograph of his Dad showing the tattoo. This is just grisly. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2015, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frame-the-tattoo-of-a-dead-loved-one/734408/26 "2015-10-17T23:02:29Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Actually, I swear I remember reading an account of a Nazi officer who did just this. Either way, fuck no. Yep, it was [Ilse Koch](https://blogs.ucl.ac.uk/researchers-in-museums/2013/01/28/a-dark-chapter-in-tattoo-history-nazi-prisoner-tattoos/), same woman who did the lampshades of human skin. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2015, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frame-the-tattoo-of-a-dead-loved-one/734408/27 "2015-10-18T00:42:35Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > It looks pretty obvious to me. Especially the ones that are obviously from older folks - skin is wrinkled and loose. I was curious enough to look, but too horrified to go through the whole gallery. Makes me think of [The Thirty-Year-Old Tattoo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He7Lxu2Bqic). ---
**Author:** ![j666](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de0a6/32.png) [@j666](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/j666)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2015, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frame-the-tattoo-of-a-dead-loved-one/734408/28 "2015-10-18T01:54:19Z")
No, no, no. no, no, and no. No. Just no. I’d do the diamond thing, really, I’d do anything other than liquify in a sealed box, but the tree option is the best. ---
**Author:** ![TheSpeculationElucidation](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecc23a/32.png) [@TheSpeculationElucidation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheSpeculationElucidation)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2015, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frame-the-tattoo-of-a-dead-loved-one/734408/29 "2015-10-18T06:28:57Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Actually, I swear I remember reading an account of a Nazi officer who did just this. Either way, fuck no. Yeah, it was Ilse Koch, the lady I mentioned in the OP. [Quote=PeasantSlayer69] I read about this somewhere else where a person said they would just prefer a picture of the tattoo, id rather have the real thing, makes me wonder what family really means to a person! If they want you to do it, do it dammit! [/QUOTE] They’re dead, they wouldn’t care or know if you actually did it. It has nothing to do with whether or not you value your family. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2015, 6:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frame-the-tattoo-of-a-dead-loved-one/734408/30 "2015-10-18T06:48:11Z")
Don’t they suggest that you ASK the person you’re leaving it to first? Cuz if a relative of mine did this, I’d be mega-offended. ---
**Author:** ![TheSpeculationElucidation](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecc23a/32.png) [@TheSpeculationElucidation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheSpeculationElucidation)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2015, 9:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frame-the-tattoo-of-a-dead-loved-one/734408/31 "2015-10-18T09:20:08Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Don’t they suggest that you ASK the person you’re leaving it to first? Cuz if a relative of mine did this, I’d be mega-offended. I didn’t see it suggested on the site. I mean, I’m sure you’re notified prior to it arriving and such. I can’t think of any family member of mine that would even consider doing it - and if they did it would be a joke and they wouldn’t have expected me to keep it. Noooo thanks. ---
**Author:** ![j666](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de0a6/32.png) [@j666](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/j666)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2015, 12:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frame-the-tattoo-of-a-dead-loved-one/734408/32 "2015-10-18T12:02:47Z")
> [@PeasantSlayer69](#): > > We keep my grandmothers ashes on our mantle, I can’t really see the difference myself but I know people feel weird about death. On their website ([savemyink.com](http://savemyink.com)) it says that they pay out $2000 if the relative goes through with the wishes of the deceased. I don’t think you are required to do it or anything, but damn would that be scummy to turn down such a huge gesture. I read about this somewhere else where a person said they would just prefer a picture of the tattoo, id rather have the real thing, makes me wonder what family really means to a person! If they want you to do it, do it dammit! lol anyway, cheers! My two cents. And if they wanted you to jump off bridge, would you do that, too? And it’s not “metal”, it’s clingy and sentimental, like Victorian hair jewelry, in addition to being completely devoid of any sense of history. ---
**Author:** ![ralph124c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8797f3/32.png) [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2015, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frame-the-tattoo-of-a-dead-loved-one/734408/33 "2015-10-18T12:29:24Z")
Tan me hide when I’m dead, Fred…So i tanned his hide when he died, Clyde…and that’s it hangin’ on the shed! Remember this Australian ditty? ---
**Author:** ![OneCentStamp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/13edae/32.png) [@OneCentStamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OneCentStamp)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2015, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frame-the-tattoo-of-a-dead-loved-one/734408/34 "2015-10-18T14:16:05Z")
Even as someone who has tattoos, and whose spouse has tattoos: hell no. That is ghoulish as fuck. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2015, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frame-the-tattoo-of-a-dead-loved-one/734408/35 "2015-10-18T14:36:05Z")
I’m surprised, despite being one of them, that the majority of my tattooed friends are opposed to this. The Nazi thing does cast a huge shadow. For me it’s not about the Nazis, it’s because my tattoos are mine. My organs, including my untattooed skin, I’m happy to donate after my death, because I didn’t make them. My mom did, from recycled materials she got from dead plants and animals. I just kept growing them because there was no option to not do so. I’m happy to pass them along to those who can reuse them after I’m done with them. But my tattoos, those are mine. I thought of them, I designed them, and I paid money to have someone put them on me. I made them manifest, from inspiration to execution. They belong to me. People may admire them, but they may not have them. They may be the only things in my life that are only mine, and I’d like them to stay that way after my death. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2015, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frame-the-tattoo-of-a-dead-loved-one/734408/36 "2015-10-18T17:03:07Z")
> [@j666](#): > > And if they wanted you to jump off bridge, would you do that, too? > > And it’s not “metal”, it’s clingy and sentimental, like Victorian hair jewelry, in addition to being completely devoid of any sense of history. Hair jewelry doesn’t bother me – generally giving someone a lock of hair is a very old tradition. You don’t even have to be dead to do so, since we cut our hair all the time. And generally the best wigs have been made of real human hair – no thinks anything of that. Skin, however, is a living organ. It would be like giving someone a piece of your pancreas after you die. Not as an organ donor, but just to hang on your wall as a decoration. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2015, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frame-the-tattoo-of-a-dead-loved-one/734408/37 "2015-10-19T01:10:51Z")
> [@TheSpeculationElucidation](#): > > Egocentric, much? > “Here, when I die you can have my skin. You’re welcome.” Seems to me that, once you make the decision to give someone your skin, you’re simultaneously coming to terms with the fact that one day your skin will be sold at a garage sale or dropped off outside a Goodwill. ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2015, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frame-the-tattoo-of-a-dead-loved-one/734408/38 "2015-10-19T04:14:12Z")
I guess none of you have ever read Roald Dahl’s short story “Skin,” eh? Cree-py! ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2015, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frame-the-tattoo-of-a-dead-loved-one/734408/39 "2015-10-19T04:40:26Z")
> [@Siam\_Sam](#): > > Why stop with framing the tattooed skin? Hell, why not have their head bronzed and mounted on a pike? That is what I am thinking but there are most tasteful displays than a pike. Mummies are charming and always a conversation starter. We have the technology to preserve whole heads. Lots of consumer grade taxidermy is gauche but many of the most accomplished taxidermy artists could make a display from a loved one at least as good as any you will see at a high-end sporting goods store. They could create anything from a warrior to a meditative pose. However, preserving tattoos is just gross. Those things shouldn’t exist on a living person let alone preserved for anyone to be remembered by. If you want posthumous notoriety, go for complete mummification like good old [Speedy Atkins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speedy_Atkins) who got to travel and do much more after death than he did when he was alive. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2015, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frame-the-tattoo-of-a-dead-loved-one/734408/40 "2015-10-19T04:45:47Z")
> [@Shagnasty](#): > > If you want posthumous notoriety, go for complete mummification like good old [Speedy Atkins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speedy_Atkins) who got to travel and do much more after death than he did when he was alive. [Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox(If I Die)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMiEFyTuuh8) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frame-the-tattoo-of-a-dead-loved-one/734408.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frame-the-tattoo-of-a-dead-loved-one/734408.md?page=3)