Tattoos Among the Egyptians

The Egyptians have one of the most well known cultures for tattoos. Dating back to 2100 BC, discovered mummies have been found to be covered in various tattoos.

Women flaunted tattoo designs that were restricted to women only. These designs were mostly a series of lines and dots around the body. Tattoos among the Egyptians are thought to have been forms of ritual markings.

In Japan, tattoos were first used on clay figures. These human shaped figures represented a deceased individual and were found in the tombs of the person they resembled.

The tattoos were carved or painted on the faces of the figures. It is thought that these markings have religious or magical significance. The figures have been found in tombs that have been dated from 3,000 BC.

Japan's first documented tattoo is from 297 AD and has been shown to be for decorative purposes only. Tattoo artists were known as the "Horis" in Japan. The Horis were acknowledged as masters and eventually created the full body suit tattoo.