A History of Tattoos

Paper Summary:

This essay defines tattoos as the coloring of the skin through making an indelible impression by puncturing the skin with a needle bearing color. The paper explores the origins of tattoos from the first evidence found in the remains of a five-thousand-year-old, preserved 'ice-man', through the Australian Aboriginals, the ancient Egyptians, and several Asian cultures. The paper shows how each culture adapted tattoos as symbols of cultural, societal, and ceremonial importance. It then shows how tattooing evolved in American culture and its position in today's world of defining one's unique personal identity.

From the Paper:

"Egypt's nearest neighbors Libya also appears to have imbued the art of tattooing. In a slight departure from their Egyptian neighbors, both male and female mummies were discovered with tattoos. The male mummies were shown with scenes depicting the worship of the Sub God Ra. The mummies that were found in the tomb of Seti I (dating from about 1300 B.C.) were tattooed with pictures symbolizing a fierce goddess named Neith, who led warriors into battle."

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