The Introduction To Tattooing

There are many forms of permanent body art, but tattoos are easily the most common. The practice started from a broad combination of ancient techniques and tools. The collection and evolution of these different methods are the roots of modern tattooing.
Ancient art and archaeological record have also lent further evidence to the true history of tattooing. The growing discoveries continue to shape our current approach.

Ötzi, The Oldest Discovery of Tattooed Skin:

A well preserved ancient body was discovered with dozens of tattoos in late 1991.  Belonging to the mummified body of Ötzi, the Iceman. Archeologists carbon dated his body to be from between 3370 and 3100 BC. This discovery made him one of the oldest tattooed mummies.  Two German tourists, Helmut and Erika Simon, discovered Ötzi’s body. In September 19th, 1991, the pair hiked along the border between Italy and Austria while on holiday. Ötzi was eroding out of the ancient, glacial ice of the Otzal Alps. The same ice that naturally mummified and preserved his body for nearly 5,300 years.

Archeologists concluded that Ötzi had 61 ancient tattoos around his body, but most found on his legs. The tattoos consist of horizontal and vertical black lines, dashes and hash marks. Scientists have determined that these tattoos were likely done with primitive inks made from soot or ashes. Ötzi is not the only ancient tattooed discovery but  he has the oldest recorded ink. Evidence reveals that other eras throughout history also posses a long and rich history of tattooing. For instance, the Chiribaya.

Tattooing Across The Ancient World:

At least 49 other archaeology sites have provided evidence of ancient tattoos. For example: Alaska, Greenland, Western China, Mongolia, Egypt, Sudan, Siberia, the Andes, and the Philippines. Among the mummies discovered, certain individuals held a level of respect and influence within their communities. Such as Amunet, a Priestess of ancient Egypt. The discovery of tattooed mummies continues to this day; with discoveries in Siberia, along with several Pre-Columbian South American cultures.

The preserved tattoos discovered upon mummified remains have revealed many things. They have provided proof that tattooing has been practiced throughout the entire world for many centuries. The bodies have clearly revealed that each individual culture has performed tattoos using wide and interesting variety of tools. Evidence has shown that each culture follows a variety of application methods as well. The progression of the purpose and methods of tattooing has drastically changed, but the craft has done nothing but change for the better throughout the many years of trial and error. Every step was crucially necessary for tattooing to become the current, beautiful craft we all know and love today.