Tattoos in Ancient Egypt have long intrigued scholars, anthropologists, and historians, as they provide a rare and personal insight into the lives, beliefs, and social structures of one of history’s most fascinating civilizations.
Unlike many other ancient cultures where tattooing was associated primarily with men—particularly warriors or tribal leaders—Egyptian tattooing seems to have been primarily linked to women, spirituality, and religious devotion.
Archaeological Evidence: The Discovery of Tattooed Mummies
The earliest direct evidence of tattooing in Egypt comes from mummies dating back to the Middle Kingdom (c. 2000 BCE), though indirect evidence suggests the practice may have been in use much earlier.
The most famous examples include female mummies discovered in the Theban region, notably those from Deir el-Bahari. One of the most well-known tattooed mummies is that of Amunet, a priestess of Hathor, who was found in a tomb at Deir el-Bahari and dates to the 11th Dynasty (c. 2134–1991 BCE).
Amunet’s body was adorned with a pattern of tattoos, consisting mostly of dotted lines and geometric shapes on her arms, abdomen, and thighs. This placement and design suggest a ritualistic or protective function rather than mere decoration. Similar patterns have been observed on other female mummies from this period, reinforcing the theory that tattooing was closely linked to religious practices, fertility, or healing.
The predominance of tattooed female mummies suggests a strong connection between body art and fertility, protection, and priestly roles, particularly those associated with the goddess Hathor.
More recent discoveries have expanded the known history of Egyptian tattooing even further. In 2018, researchers identified multiple tattooed mummies, both male and female, from the pre-dynastic period (c. 6000–3155 BCE). These individuals, found at the site of Gebelein, featured imagery such as animals and sacred symbols, indicating that tattooing in Egypt was not limited to a single time period or exclusively practiced by women. The presence of these tattoos also suggests a connection to shamanistic practices, spiritual protection, or social identity.
Tattooing Techniques and Tools
Although no direct evidence of tattooing tools has been definitively linked to ancient Egypt, indirect sources provide some insights. The tattooing process likely involved the use of needles made from bone, metal, or thorns to puncture the skin and embed pigment, much like traditional tattooing methods used in other ancient cultures. Soot or other natural substances may have been used as ink, creating the distinctive dark coloration observed on mummified remains.
Wall paintings and figurines from the time period depict individuals with markings that resemble tattoos, though it is debated whether these representations reflect actual body art or symbolic decoration. Despite the lack of specific references to tattooing in Egyptian texts, the physical evidence on mummies leaves little doubt that the practice was well-established and meaningful.
Symbolism and Purpose: Why Did Ancient Egyptians Get Tattoos?
The significance of tattoos in Ancient Egypt remains a topic of scholarly debate, but several prevailing theories have emerged based on the evidence available.
Religious and Protective Functions
Many researchers believe that tattoos were associated with religious devotion, particularly to goddesses linked to fertility, motherhood, and protection. The priestess Amunet’s tattoos, for instance, have been interpreted as symbols related to the goddess Hathor, a major deity connected to music, dance, love, and motherhood. Hathor was also considered a protector of women during childbirth, suggesting that tattoos may have served as amulets for fertility and safe pregnancies.
Some mummies bear tattoos on their abdomens and thighs, which has led to speculation that these markings were meant to protect women during pregnancy or childbirth. The patterns, often composed of dots or lines arranged in symmetrical formations, may have been intended to invoke divine protection or signify a special role within religious practices.
Social Status and Identity
Another theory is that tattoos were markers of social status or professional identity. In the case of tattooed priestesses, their body art may have signified their sacred role and distinguished them from others within the temple hierarchy. Some scholars suggest that tattoos could also have indicated a connection to healing practices, similar to how medical tattoos were used in other ancient cultures.
Men who bore tattoos, such as the Gebelein mummies, challenge the earlier assumption that tattooing was exclusive to women. Their body art, which featured images of animals like bulls and barbary sheep, suggests that tattooing may have been associated with strength, virility, or a warrior identity. These motifs could have carried symbolic meanings related to power, leadership, or even hunting prowess.
Magical and Therapeutic Purposes
Some scholars argue that tattoos in Ancient Egypt served a medicinal or protective function. The repetitive dot patterns found on the lower back and abdomen of some mummies resemble acupuncture points, leading to speculation that tattooing may have been used as a form of therapeutic or magical healing. If this was the case, it would mirror tattooing traditions found in other cultures, such as those seen in Ötzi the Iceman, whose body bore tattoos in areas associated with pain relief.
The concept of sympathetic magic, where a symbol or action influences reality, was a fundamental aspect of Egyptian belief. Tattoos may have been considered a way to channel divine energy, ward off evil spirits, or ensure bodily protection through sacred symbols permanently inscribed on the skin.
READ MORE: Heka: the Ancient Egyptian God of Magic and Medicine
Beauty and Personal Adornment
While much of the scholarly focus has been on the ritualistic and religious aspects of Egyptian tattoos, it is also possible that they were viewed as aesthetic enhancements. In many ancient cultures, body art was a means of personal expression, a marker of beauty, or a way to signify belonging to a particular group. Even in societies where tattoos held deep cultural or religious significance, they could simultaneously serve as a form of adornment that reflected individual identity.
Tattoos in Art and Iconography
Although direct references to tattooing in Egyptian texts are rare, artistic depictions provide additional context. Some figurines from the Middle Kingdom show women with markings on their bodies, suggesting that tattoos were either a common feature of female beauty or symbolic of their spiritual status. These figurines often depict dancers and musicians, professions associated with religious ceremonies and the worship of deities like Hathor.
Though textual records of tattooing are scarce, archaeological findings provide compelling evidence that body art was an integral part of Egyptian society.
Wall paintings in tombs and temples occasionally feature individuals with markings that resemble tattoos. However, Egyptologists debate whether these are true representations of body art or stylized symbols used for artistic effect. The presence of tattoos on actual mummified bodies, though, confirms that the practice was widespread and not merely an artistic convention.
READ MORE: 9 Famous Middle Kingdom Pharaohs
Did you know…?
- The term “tattoo” comes from the Polynesian ta, meaning “to strike,” which evolved into the Tahitian tatau, meaning “to mark.”
- Many 19th and 20th-century Egyptologists, mostly men, assumed that tattooed women were prostitutes or dancers, ignoring alternative explanations.
The Decline of Tattooing in Egypt
Tattooing appears to have declined in prominence after the New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 BCE), though its exact timeline and reasons for fading remain unclear. With shifts in Egyptian religious and social structures, practices such as tattooing may have been replaced by other forms of religious devotion, such as amulets or inscribed charms. The arrival of Greek and Roman influences in later periods introduced different aesthetic and cultural preferences, which may have further contributed to the decline of tattooing in Egyptian society.
Despite this decline, references to tattooing and body markings persist in later Egyptian history. The Greek historian Herodotus (5th century BCE) mentioned that certain groups in Egypt used tattoos, and Coptic Christian traditions in Egypt maintained body marking practices, particularly for religious purposes, well into the medieval period.
Questions and answers
What is one of the oldest known examples of tattooing?
Ötzi the Iceman, whose frozen remains were discovered in 1991 on the Austrian-Italian border, is one of the oldest known examples of tattooing. His body, dating back to around 3250 BCE, had 61 tattoos, which may have served a therapeutic purpose.
When was tattooing practiced in ancient Egypt?
Tattooing in Egypt was in use as early as the Middle Kingdom (c. 2045–1782 BCE).
How did tattooing in ancient Egypt differ from tattooing in Greece and Rome?
In Greece and Rome, tattoos were used to signify devotion to a deity, servitude, or professional identity, while in Egypt, they seem to have been primarily worn by women, possibly for protection, fertility, or religious reasons.
What discovery challenged the assumption that only lower-class women had tattoos?
Discoveries at Deir el-Bahari, a site associated with elite burials, revealed the tattooed mummy of Amunet, a high-ranking priestess of Hathor, contradicting the idea that tattoos were exclusive to lower-class women.
What role might Egyptian tattoos have played in pregnancy and childbirth?
Some scholars believe Egyptian tattoos acted as permanent amulets for protection during pregnancy and childbirth. Patterns found on the abdomens, thighs, and breasts of mummies suggest a protective function, possibly forming a net-like design as pregnancy progressed.
What deity was commonly featured in Egyptian tattoos?
Some tattoos featured the deity Bes, a god associated with childbirth, sexuality, and protection.
How far back might tattooing in Egypt date?
Tattooing in Egypt may go back to the Pre-Dynastic Period (c. 6000–3155 BCE), though solid evidence only emerges in the Middle Kingdom.
What did archaeologists discover in 1891 related to Egyptian tattoos?
In 1891, archaeologists discovered two female mummies with geometric tattoos, resembling fertility figurines from the same period.
How did early researchers misinterpret the significance of Egyptian tattoos?
Early researchers assumed that tattooed women were members of a king’s harem or dancers, failing to recognize that high-status women also bore tattoos.
What did the discovery of Amunet’s mummy reveal about Egyptian tattooing?
Amunet’s mummy displayed intricate tattoo patterns on her arms, thighs, and abdomen, which scholars associate with fertility and religious devotion, suggesting a broader significance beyond entertainment.
What tools were used for tattooing in ancient Egypt?
Tattooing tools, dating back to around 3100 BCE, were found at Abydos and Gurob. These consisted of metal or wooden needles, likely used with black, blue, or green pigment.
What did the colors used in Egyptian tattoos symbolize?
Black, blue, and green pigments were used in Egyptian tattoos, symbolizing life, fertility, and rebirth.
Who were likely the tattoo artists in ancient Egypt?
Tattoo artists were likely experienced older women, possibly seers, who understood the symbols and their significance.
What were some possible purposes of tattoos in ancient Egypt?
Some tattoos may have been protective, while others signified religious devotion or personal identity.
Did tattoos in ancient Egypt belong exclusively to entertainers?
No, the presence of Bes tattoos on entertainers does not mean tattoos were exclusive to them. Tattoos in ancient Egypt likely had diverse meanings, from spiritual protection to personal or religious expression.
