A groundbreaking discovery by a team of European researchers has revealed the oldest known examples of figurative tattoos on two ancient Egyptian mummies housed at the British Museum. These remarkable tattoos, dating back 5,000 years, push back the known history of figurative body art by a millennium, offering new insights into early human expression and cultural identity. Their findings, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, provide a rare glimpse into the tattooing practices of ancient Egypt and challenge long-held assumptions about the role of tattoos in early societies.
The two mummies—one male and one female—were excavated from Gebelein, a site in Upper Egypt, over a century ago. They have since been part of the British Museum’s extensive collection, captivating visitors with their exceptional state of preservation. While these mummies have been studied extensively over the years, the presence of dark markings on their skin had remained largely unexplored until now. Using infrared imaging, the research team examined these markings more closely, revealing detailed figurative tattoos hidden beneath the surface.
The male mummy’s tattoos, located on his upper arm, include the outlines of a Barbary sheep and a wild bull with large, imposing horns. These animals, both known for their strength and resilience, likely held symbolic meaning, possibly signifying attributes such as power, dominance, or bravery. The female mummy’s tattoos, by contrast, feature a set of S-shaped designs and a motif resembling ceremonial batons on her shoulder. In ancient Egyptian culture, such batons were typically associated with religious or ritualistic activities, suggesting that her tattoos may have been linked to spiritual or ceremonial roles.
Unlike the geometric tattoo patterns found on Ötzi the Iceman, who lived around the same time but in the Alps, the Gebelein mummies’ tattoos are representational, making them the oldest known figurative tattoos in history. This distinction is significant, as it demonstrates that ancient tattooing was not just a decorative or medicinal practice but also served as a medium for symbolic representation. While Ötzi’s tattoos were thought to have been used for therapeutic or medicinal purposes, the tattoos on these Egyptian mummies suggest a deeper cultural and social significance.
The discovery also challenges the long-standing assumption that tattooing in ancient Egypt was exclusive to women. Prior to this study, many scholars believed that only Egyptian women bore tattoos, often as symbols of fertility or protection during childbirth. However, the presence of tattoos on the male mummy contradicts this theory, suggesting that tattooing was more widespread and possibly linked to social status, identity, or personal beliefs for both men and women.
The technique used for these tattoos was likely primitive but effective. Researchers believe that the tattoos were made using soot derived from fire, applied under the skin with a sharp instrument, possibly a copper or bone needle. This aligns with historical evidence of early tattooing methods, where carbon-based materials were commonly used as ink.
The implications of this discovery extend beyond mere artistic expression. The tattoos may have served as markers of identity, symbols of protection, or indicators of status within their society. The choice of motifs—powerful animals for men and ritualistic symbols for women—suggests a gendered aspect of tattooing, where different designs conveyed different societal roles or values.
Furthermore, this finding contributes to the broader understanding of ancient tattooing traditions worldwide. While tattooing has been practiced by numerous cultures for thousands of years, its precise origins and purposes remain subjects of ongoing research. The Gebelein mummies provide concrete evidence that tattoos in ancient Egypt were not just decorative but had deeper, symbolic and social meanings.
The use of infrared technology in this study also highlights the potential for new discoveries among already-excavated artifacts and remains. Many mummies and ancient human remains stored in museums worldwide may still hold hidden secrets, waiting to be uncovered with modern imaging techniques. This research underscores the importance of revisiting historical collections with contemporary scientific tools, which can reveal information that was previously invisible to the naked eye.
The discovery of the oldest figurative tattoos is a testament to the enduring human desire for self-expression, symbolism, and identity. It confirms that tattooing, far from being a modern or superficial trend, has deep roots in human history, serving as a form of cultural communication long before written records. By studying these ancient markings, researchers can piece together a more detailed picture of how early societies perceived themselves, their beliefs, and their roles within their communities.
This breakthrough also raises new questions about the spread and evolution of tattooing practices across ancient civilizations. Did other early cultures develop similar figurative tattoo traditions independently, or was there some form of cultural exchange that influenced different regions? Were these tattoos meant to be permanent status markers, temporary identifiers, or part of sacred rituals? The answers to these questions could reshape our understanding of the earliest forms of body modification and their meanings.
For now, the Gebelein mummies stand as extraordinary examples of early human artistry, bridging the gap between prehistoric traditions and the rich symbolic culture of ancient Egypt. Their tattoos are more than just ink on skin—they are windows into a world that existed thousands of years ago, offering a rare and intimate glimpse into the lives, beliefs, and identities of individuals from an ancient civilization.
More information: Renée Friedman et al. Natural mummies from Predynastic Egypt reveal the world’s earliest figural tattoos, Journal of Archaeological Science (2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2018.02.002