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Jan 11, 2024

The ancient history of tattoos—revealed by inked

If you got a tattoo, what kind of ink would you choose and why? The answer might

If you got a tattoo, what kind of ink would you choose and why? The answer might reflect everything from a spur-of-the-moment decision to a poignant tribute to a loved one. But you may not realize that tattoos have an ancient—and fascinating—history.

The word "tattoo" was imported into English thanks to Captain James Cook, who noted the practice, and Tahitian word "tatau" describing it, in Polynesia in the 18th century. But scholars agree that the practice far predates the word itself—and the skin of ancient mummies proves their point.

Who are these inked-up mummies, and what can they teach us about ancient cultures? Here's a not-at-all exhaustive look at some of the most intriguing tattoos that archaeologists have found from