Ötzi, the 5,300-year-old mummy reveals a story about tattoos

New technique allows investigating the inside of a mummy 0:49

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Ötzi, the Iceman, remained hidden from the world for millennia until two German tourists discovered him 30 years ago on a glacier in the Italian Alps.

This 5,300-year-old mummy is not only perhaps the most famous in Europe, but also one of the most significant finds for those studying the global history of tattoos.

Ötzi was adorned with 61 tattoos preserved to perfection by the freezing weather.

Ötzi, the more than 5,300-year-old Iceman, was found in the Italian Alps 30 years ago.

The meaning of those tattoos has been the subject of debate since their discovery by the two hikers.

Many of Ötzi's tattoos were lines drawn in areas such as the lower back, knees, wrists, and ankles, areas where people often experience continuous pain as they age.

Some researchers believe that these tattoos are an ancient pain treatment.

Several herbs with medicinal properties were found in the vicinity of Ötzi's resting place, which gives more credence to this theory.

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However, not all of Ötzi's tattoos were found in places usually affected by the wear and tear of everyday life on the joints. Ötzi also had tattoos on his chest. Theories about the purpose of this set of tattoos, which were discovered using new imaging techniques in 2015, range from primitive acupuncture or ceremonial healing rituals to being part of a ritual or religious belief system.

Of course, the idea that Ötzi's tattoos could have deep cultural or religious significance for him and his people is not out of place.

As a tattoo historian and scholar, I have seen how tattoos have historically been used for ceremonial healing, religious rites, and to show membership in cultural and religious groups throughout the ancient world and into modern times.

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Old tattoos

The mummified remains of women in Egypt show tattoos dating back to 2000 BC In addition, the engraved and painted figures in the reliefs of the tombs and the small carved statuettes depicting women with tattoos date back to 4000-3500 BC

In both In cases, the tattoos were a series of dots, often applied as a protective net over the woman's abdomen. There were also tattoos of the Egyptian goddess Bes, considered the protector of women in childbirth, on the upper thigh of a woman. In both cases, these ancient tattoos were considered a kind of talisman of protection for women who were going to give birth.

Ancient Greek historian Herodotus recounted how Canopus' runaway slaves voluntarily tattooed themselves to cover the marks their masters made on them and out of religious devotion.

These new markings were often used to symbolize that these men and women were no longer serving their earthly masters, but were serving a certain god or goddess.

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Tattoos in many creeds

The apostle Paul, from the early days of Christianity, says in the Bible, in Galatians 6:17: "From now on no one bother me, because I carry the marks of the Lord Jesus on my body."

The original word used for "marks" was the word "stigmata", which was often seen, dating back to Herodotus, as the term used to describe tattooing practices.

Many scholars believe that Paul's tattoos were intended to show his devotion to Christ.

The tattoos would also help other Christians, who were facing persecution from the Roman Empire, to identify him as a believer.

The Maori people of New Zealand have practiced the art of Tā Moko tattooing for centuries.

These tattoos, which are still practiced today, have deep cultural and historical significance.

Tattoos not only convey a person's social status, family identification, and life achievements, but also have spiritual significance with designs containing protective talismans and appeal to spirits to protect the wearer.

Numerous Native American and First Nations tribes in North America have a long history of using sacred tattoos.

In 1878, the anthropologist James Swan wrote several essays on the Haida people that he found around Port Townsend, Washington.

In an essay he detailed that tattoos were more than ornamental, and that each design had a sacred purpose.

He also detailed that those who made the tattoos were seen as spiritual leaders or sacred people.

The ancient Aztec god of the sun, wind, learning, and air, Quetzalcóatl, is often depicted with tattoos on ancient reliefs.

The Mexica people themselves practiced religious tattooing, and their priests used to be in charge of various forms of body art and its modification.

West African countries such as Togo and Burkina Faso have used, and continue to use, tattoos and ritual body modifications as sacred rites of passage.

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Sacred practices

In modern times, people from all over the world can still be seen wearing sacred tattoos with religious significance.

Whether it is a member of the Philippine province of Kalinga receiving a mambabatok tattoo, a pattern of traditional designs made with a single needle, from the oldest known tattoo artist, 104-year-old Whang-Od Oggay, Like the countless crosses, Bible verses, and other symbols of Christianity that can be seen in the United States, tattoos can still carry deep religious and spiritual significance.

The meaning of the tattoos adorning the mummified body of Ötzi the Iceman will likely remain a mystery, at least in part.

But Ötzi is an important reminder that tattoos have been, and still are, a sacred part of many cultures around the world.

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Reproduced under a Creative Commons license from The Conversation.

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