Tattoo History - Where Did Tattoos Come From?

Tattoos were found on Otzi the Iceman, whose 5000-year-old frozen body was found in the Alps in 1991. There were 57 tattoos on his body, some of which seemed to be decorative and some of which could have been therapeutic, maybe to help relieve arthritis. Among other marks, there was a cross on the inside of his left knee. We know crosses were used by ancient cultures as symbols of nature or to connect to a god or gods, as nature worship was common. Cross tattoos are still popular as a memorial or as a sign of belief.

Accidental Tattoo

While the Iceman's tattoos seem to be done with a purpose, the idea of marking the body probably came by accident. Putting coloured material under the skin's surface forms tattoos. A wound that was rubbed with ashes or dirt would have left a permanent mark. This idea probably did not take long to spread as people were drawn to decorating their bodies. We can imagine there would be some competition as to who had the most decorative markings.

Mark of Courage

Courage, and the ability to endure pain, was important in early cultures as the members had to fight for survival in their own tribe or against other tribes or wild animals. As the men were generally the hunters, courage and strength were seen as masculine. Tattooing became a mark of courage, as the process was often long and painful. It was a small step to initiate a test of courage for young men, to prove they were fit for manhood, by making them endure the tattooing process. Their tattoo became a mark of their courage and a badge of honour. Young women too had to endure this, but generally not to the same extent as the men.

Tribal Status and Membership

The tattoos developed by each tribe became distinctive which meant they marked a person as a member of a particular tribe. In some tribes and cultures, certain tattoo designs became a status symbol, which marked the individual's place in the tribe. Certain markings would denote a chief or a member of the tribal hierarchy. Most tribes worshipped some deity - the sun, the moon, the earth or an animal. It was not uncommon for members of the tribe to wear a symbol that connected them to their gods and gave them protection. They were competing with animals that were tough opponents with strength, speed or agility - a tattoo symbol of that animal might give them some of those same characteristics.

Part of Human History

Tattoo history is an integral part of the history of the human race. Tattooing has been very much a part of every major culture. Tattoos were used in Ancient Egypt and throughout the Mediterranean countries. The Romans used them to mark slaves and criminals and as a form of punishment. Women in Ancient Greece used them as beauty marks. It is thought the Greeks learned it from the Persians. As travellers and traders spread around the globe so did the art of decorating the body - China, Japan, India, Polynesia. In some cultures, such as the Samoan and Maori, tattooing became an essential part of life. It was the way chieftains and high-ranking tribal members were recognised.

Not a great deal has changed over the centuries. People get tattoos for the same reasons as their forbears: to decorate their bodies; to express their beliefs; to remember loved ones; to belong to a particular group. Tattooing has evolved with many more designs and with less painful and more hygienic methods, but basically, it is till the same.

William Burnell has a longstanding interest in the art, designs and history of tattoos. He enjoys sharing this interest with others and in helping them in their quest for their unique symbol of self-expression