When Were Tattoos First Invented?

When Were Tattoos First Invented?

Tattoos may feel like a modern trend splashed across Instagram feeds and inked in sleek, sterile studios but their history stretches far beyond hashtags and Hollywood. In fact, tattoos are one of the oldest forms of human self-expression, with roots that span continents, civilisations and centuries. So, when were tattoos first invented? The answer takes us back thousands of years, across ice-covered mountain passes, ancient burial grounds and ritualistic ceremonies that tell us just how deeply ink has always been tied to identity, survival and culture.

In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating origins of tattooing, from the world’s oldest known tattooed human to the traditional practices still alive today. Whether you’re a tattoo enthusiast or simply curious, the history of ink is far older and more global than most people realise.

The Earliest Known Tattoos: Ötzi the Iceman

The earliest physical evidence of tattooing dates back over 5,000 years. In 1991, a frozen body was discovered high in the Alps between Austria and Italy. Nicknamed Ötzi the Iceman, this naturally mummified man lived around 3300 BCE, and his body bore 61 tattoos. These markings weren’t decorative in the modern sense, they were made up of simple lines and crosses, located near joints like his spine, knees and ankles.

Interestingly, the tattoos align with areas often associated with arthritis or physical strain. This has led researchers to believe they may have been part of an early form of therapeutic or ritualistic medicine, perhaps even a kind of proto-acupuncture. Whatever their purpose, Ötzi’s tattoos are the oldest direct proof we have of humans intentionally marking their skin with pigment.

Tattoos in Ancient Civilisations

Following Ötzi, archaeological and historical evidence shows that tattooing existed in numerous ancient cultures, often independently of one another.

In ancient Egypt, tattooed mummies have been found dating back to around 2000 BCE, with patterns mainly on female bodies. The designs, dots, lines and symbols were believed to have spiritual or protective functions, possibly linked to fertility, childbirth or divine protection.

In ancient China, a tattooed mummy known as the “Loulan Beauty” dates to around 1500 BCE. In Greece and Rome, tattoos were sometimes used to mark criminals, slaves or prisoners of war, though in some cases they were also used for military identification or ritual purposes.

Meanwhile, in Polynesia, Samoa, New Zealand and other Pacific Islands, tattooing developed into a complex and highly respected cultural art form. The word "tattoo" itself comes from the Polynesian word tatau, meaning "to mark". These tattoos were and still are ritualistic, honourable, and deeply embedded in social status, heritage and community.

Tattooing in Indigenous Cultures

Indigenous peoples across the globe have long used tattooing as a way to signify rank, tribal identity, spiritual belief, rites of passage, protection and beauty.

In Japan, early evidence of tattoos dates back to the Jomon period (roughly 10,000 BCE to 300 BCE), although body decoration in that era was likely more symbolic and ceremonial. Over time, Japanese tattooing evolved into the rich irezumi tradition known for full-body designs and mythical imagery.

In North America, many Native American tribes practised tattooing with sharpened bone or plant thorns, using natural pigments. Designs often marked important life events, warrior status or tribal affiliations.

In Siberia, tattooed mummies from the Pazyryk culture, dating back to the 5th century BCE, displayed elaborate animal motifs that are astonishingly artistic even by today’s standards.

The Role of Tattoos in Religion and Spirituality

Throughout history, tattoos have also held spiritual significance. In India, tattoos known as godna have been worn by women for generations as both decoration and sacred protection. In Coptic Christianity, tattoos of small crosses are worn on the wrist as declarations of faith.

In contrast, some religions have discouraged or even forbidden tattooing. In Judaism and Islam, traditional interpretations of religious texts have often considered tattoos impermissible, based on the idea of keeping the body unaltered or pure. However, attitudes vary widely depending on interpretation, culture and geography.

When Did Tattoos Reach the West?

Tattooing likely arrived in Europe in a more widespread and decorative form during the Age of Exploration. When 18th-century sailors from Britain and France travelled to Polynesia, they encountered tattooing as a cultural practice and brought it back with them. These early adopters naval men, pirates and adventurers, popularised tattoos in seafaring and military culture.

In Victorian Britain, tattoos even became fashionable among the upper class. It’s said that King Edward VII and his son George V had tattoos, which sparked interest in the trend among aristocracy, though this popularity faded as tattoos later became associated with criminality and rebellion during the 20th century.

The Modern Tattoo Revival

From the 20th century onward, tattoos evolved through waves of social change associated with sailors, bikers, punks, prisoners and rebels before becoming widely embraced in the mainstream. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, tattooing experienced a massive resurgence thanks to celebrity influence, reality television and the rise of fine-line and minimalist styles.

Today, tattoos are a celebrated part of art, fashion, identity and healing. They can be political, spiritual, deeply personal or simply aesthetic. Tattoo studios across the world now blend ancient practices with cutting-edge technology, carrying forward a tradition that is both ancient and endlessly evolving.

Final Thoughts

So, when were tattoos first invented? The truth is, they’ve always been with us. From Ice Age medicine to Polynesian prestige, from Egyptian ritual to modern rebellion, tattoos are a timeless form of human expression. They’ve marked journeys, protected souls, and told stories without words for over 5,000 years.

Whether you see them as art, history, therapy or identity, one thing is certain tattoos are not just a trend. They are as old as civilisation itself.