Origins

• The word tattoo itself comes from the Tahitian word "tatau," which means "to mark." Just like today, many tattoos were an individual choice made by the recipient. For the most part, however, they had a spiritual or cultural significance. In some cultures tattooing was used as a way to mark a person's entry into adulthood while in others it was restricted to religious orders.
  
  

Polynesian Tattoos

• In Samoa, tattooing has been a part of the culture for over 2000 years. Traditionally, the sons of chiefs would get their first tattoos once they reached puberty as a sign of adulthood. The process of getting the tattoo was highly ceremonial and was seen as a stepping stone in the young man's path to leadership. It marked out his strength of character and failure to endure the entire process (leaving the tattoos unfinished) was shameful.
  
  

Aztec Tattoos

• In the traditional Aztec culture tattoos had very important religious and ceremonial contexts. They were patterned specifically around which god was to be honored and placed accordingly on a part of the body related to the god being worshipped. Tattoos were sacred to the Aztecs and were placed even upon young children's stomachs, chests or wrists as a way to honor the gods. Tattoos were seen as a form of art, which was incredibly important to the Aztecs.
  
  

Egyptian Tattoos

• Unlike other ancient cultures where both men and women (and even children) were tattooed, in ancient Egypt the practice was restricted to female priestesses. This practice dates to the XI Dynasty where mummified tattooed females were buried at Deir el-Bahari (opposite the Luxor temple). These women could have been tattooed for various reasons but they were usually religious reasons, such as talismans, tributes to the gods or to act as a connection to the divine.
  
  

Celtic Tattoos

• The designs of Celtic tattoos are meant to connect the wearer to all of life. Done in woad, the patterns are taken from artwork and are based on never-ending spiralling designs. These simple spirals can be extended into intricate patterns that are meant to reflect the many different paths life takes. The animal designs common among the Picts are generally thought to be totems meant to protect the wearer.