Those old time sailor tattoos are legit. I am particularly enthused with the tradition and superstition associated with the tattoos. Namely how sailors would tattoo pigs and roosters on their feet because they felt it would prevent them from drowning. This arose because when ships went down generally the only things that would stay afloat were the chicken and pig crates. The ones illustrated in your post are amazing.

As for tradition, I enjoy how sailors would get sparrow tattoos to mark their first cross sea voyage and Poseidon tattoos to mark trips across the equator.

I am extremely excited to see this exhibit and view the amazing tattoos that these sailors sported!