Cultural Minute

History of Tattoos

History of TattoosHumans have marked their bodies with tattoos for thousands of years. 

These permanent designs—sometimes plain, sometimes elaborate, always personal—have

served as: – amulets

– status symbols

– declarations of love

– signs of religious beliefs

– adornments

– forms of punishment

Peruvian Chiribaya Farmer Chiribaya lived from 900AD-

1350AD

History of TattoosEarliest evidence of tattoos  

– Iceman from the area of the Italian-Austrian border with tattoos– He was carbon-dated at around 5,200 years old

– Egyptian: Tattoos were present on several female mummies dated to 2000 B.C. 

Iceman Tattoo

Egyptian Mummy Tattoo

History of Tattoos : Siberia Princess Ukok

The Body of Princess Ukok, who died aged 25, had several tattoos on her body, including a deer with a griffon's beak and a Capricorn's antlers. The tattoos have been perfectly preserved for 2,500 years.

History of Tattoos Siberia: Warriors

Researchers also found two warriors close to the Princess

Tattoos are clearly visible on one of the warrior's shoulders. The designs are similar to those found on the Princess.

History of Tattoos: Arctic

This style of tattooing was practiced for over 2,000 years and was most common among women

Some of these tattoos were believed to have had magical power and purpose

History of Tattoos: Native American

Olive Oatman was taken in by the Mojave tribe after her family was killed. The Mojave tattooed her chin to ensure her passage into the afterlife.

History of Tattoos: Māori PeopleFor men, tā moko showed their rank and those who went without them were seen as persons of lower social status. Ancestry was indicated on each side of the face. The left side was mainly (but not always, depending on the tribe) the father’s side and the right was mother’s one. Women were not as heavily tattooed as the men. The chin tā moko was always the most popular in women.

History of Tattoos: Samoa

The tattoo and designs of Samoa represents community, power, status, respect, honor, and is a mark of pride that are only to be worn by Samoans.

History of Tattoos: The Philippines

Tattooing has been a part of Filipino life since pre-Hispanic colonization of the Philippine Islands, tattooing in the Philippines to some were a form of rank and accomplishments, some believed that tattoos had magical qualities.

¡El fin!

History of Tattoos