Despite Otzi the iceman hogging all the glory for the earliest tattoo, we also find ample evidence for tattoo practices throughout different eras and civilizations.

During the earliest civilizations, tattoos were regarded as a way of worship. They were also carved to distinguish tribes and to display various barbaric accomplishments. One such barbaric act was headhunting, which was common among but not limited to, many tribes found in Europe, Central Africa, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. The art of tattooing was also prominent among the people of Samoa and Polynesian islands, who are credited for coining the term “Tattoo” or “Tatau”.

Ancient Egypt too held high regard for tattooing. While most civilizations had different reasons for inking, some believe that Egypt was among the first to tattoo themselves for decoration. But there’s also evidence to support that the craft may have been used for medical purposes, just like in India. Some theories even suggest that Egypt spread the craft of tattooing to other civilizations found in Arabia, Rome, and Greece through trade.

But as time moved on, most cultures deemed tattoos as uncivilized. The spread of Christianity in Europe changed the way people thought. They embraced a religious-fueled society and associated tattoos with the pagan way of life. The East was no different. With different ideologies spreading throughout the land, tattoos lost their appeal in most eastern civilizations. Ancient Chinese literature shows that tattoos were used to brand criminals and that the technique was common among bandits as well as heroes. This take on tattoos spread across most Asian countries and still hold true to this day.