This 5,300-year-old mummy revealed the history of tattoos for healing and religion

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(The Conversation) – Ötzi, the Iceman, remained hidden from the world for millennia until two German tourists they discovered it 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 perfectly preserved by the glacial climate.

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 a ongoing pain as you get older. Some researchers believe that these tattoos are a ancient pain treatment. Several herbs with medicinal properties were found in the vicinity of Ötzi’s resting place, which lends more credence to this theory.

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 too he had tattoos on his chest. Theories about the purpose of this set of tattoos, which were discovered through new imaging techniques in 2015, they range from primitive acupuncture or the ceremonial healing rituals to become 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 historian and student of tattooing, I have seen how tattoos have been used historically for the ceremonial healing, the Religious rites and to show membership to cultural and religious groups throughout the ancient world and into modern times.

Old tattoos

The mummified remains of women in egypt show tattoos dating back to 2000 BC In addition, carved and painted figures on tomb reliefs and small carved statuettes depicting tattooed women date back to 4000-3500 BC
In both 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.

The ancient Greek historian Herodotus recounted how Canopus’ runaway slaves tattooed themselves voluntarily to cover the marks made by their masters and out of religious devotion.

These new marks were often used to symbolize that these men and women no longer served their earthly masters, but were in the service of a certain god or goddess.

Tattoos in many creeds

The apostle Paul, from the early days of Christendom, 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 Pablo tattoos They claimed to show their 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 carry spiritual significance with designs containing protective talismans and appeal to spirits to protect the wearer.

Numerous Native American and First Nations tribes of North America have a long history of use of sacred tattoos. In 1878, the anthropologist James swan wrote various trials about the Haida people he found around Port Townsend, Washington.

On 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 like Togo and Burkina Faso they have used, and continue to use, tattoos and ritual body modifications as sacred rites of passage.

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 who receives a mambabatok tattoo, a pattern of traditional designs made with a single needle, from the oldest known tattoo artist, Whang-Od Oggay, 104, as of the innumerable crosses, bible verses and other symbols of Christianity that can be seen in the United States, tattoos can continue to have a deep religious and spiritual meaning.

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.

– Allison Hawn is a professor of communication at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. Hawn does not work, advise, own stock, or receive funding from any company or organization that may benefit from this article, and has not disclosed any relevant affiliation beyond his academic appointment.

Reproduced under a Creative Commons license from The Conversation.