History of Tattoos

What is the earliest evidence of tattoos?

• Egyptian mummies dated to circa 2000 B.C.E.

• Ötzi the Iceman from 5,200 years ago

• Ancient Siberian nomads

• Indigenous Polynesians

What was the significance of the tattoos on the Iceman?

• They were purely decorative

• They were used as a form of punishment

• They were therapeutic for joint pain

• They indicated high social status

Did ancient Egyptians have tattoos?

• No, there is no evidence of tattoos in ancient Egypt

• Yes, both men and women had tattoos

• Yes, but only women had tattoos

• Yes, but only men had tattoos

What function did tattoos serve for ancient Egyptian women?

• To mark their social status

• To protect against evil spirits

• To commemorate loved ones

• To provide therapeutic relief during pregnancy and birth

Who made the tattoos for ancient Egyptian women?

• Professional tattoo artists

• Their husbands or male family members

• The older women of their community

• Themselves

What instruments were used for tattooing in ancient Egypt?

• Sharp point set in a wooden handle

• Wide, flattened needles

• Metal rods with ink reservoirs

• Thorns or bone needles

What did the tattoos on ancient Egyptian mummies look like?

• Mostly dotted patterns of lines and diamond patterns

• Realistic images of animals and plants

• Geometric shapes and symbols

• Intricate portraits of pharaohs

What colors were used for ancient Egyptian tattoos?

• Black or dark pigments

• Bright and vibrant colors

• White or light pigments

• A mixture of different colors

What surprised the researcher the most about ancient Egyptian tattooing?

• The use of tattoos as a form of punishment

• The absence of tattoos on men

• The well-placed designs for therapeutic purposes

• The variety of tattoo designs and styles

Which other ancient culture is known to have used tattoos?

• Nubians

• German

• English

• Spanish