The Oldest Tattoos Recorded

Let’s chat about the oldest known tattoos. In the blog post previous to this one, we discussed Otzi The Iceman. A ice mummy from the Alps with 57 tattoos that are theorized to be early examples of acupuncture, and the first evidence of applying permanent pigment to the skin with incisions.

While Otzi holds the title of oldest tattoo, the Gebelein Mummies get recognition for having the first recorded tattoos with animal images and designs. The difference here is Otzi’s tattoos are theorized to be medicinal rather that aesthetic adornments like the latter.