We asked a few experts in the field about the most memorable ink they’ve encountered—and what they learned from it. (How scientists are cracking the secrets of the world’s oldest tattoos.)

Nov 27, 2025 · Far from being purely decorative, ancient tattoos were deeply connected to identity, belief, status, and ritual. From Egypt to the Celtic world to Polynesia, tattooing reflects …

Tattooing has been practiced across the globe since at least Neolithic times, as evidenced by mummified preserved skin, ancient art and the archaeological record. [1][2] Both ancient art …

May 19, 2025 · Using infrared scanning technology, scientists were able to identify distinct markings on the mummies’ skin – discovering the oldest-known figural tattoos on record, and …

Dec 22, 2024 · Tattoos have transformed from ancient body art into a widespread form of self-expression. Today, their meanings and perceptions vary greatly, reflecting a blend of cultural …

Discover the ancient art of prehistoric tattoos—from Otzi the Iceman to Siberian mummies. Explore tools, symbolism, and global traditions in early body art.

Nov 7, 2025 · Just in the last few hundred years, scientists have made some fascinating discoveries about ancient humans and tattoos. Below, we’ll dive into some of the most …

Jul 30, 2025 · To gain insight into how these ancient tattoo artists practiced their craft, researchers took multiple infrared photos of tattoos on a Pazyryk woman’s arms (seen in …

Jun 9, 2025 · Explore the rich history of tattooing from ancient tribal rituals to today's modern tattoo culture. Learn how tattoos have evolved across cultures and centuries.

Jul 20, 2025 · To uncover the truth behind Ötzi’s ink, researchers conducted a novel experiment: they recreated his tattoos using ancient techniques—on living human skin.