History and Cultural Significance of Tattoos
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Early Origins of Tattoos: The oldest tattoos date back to Ötzi, the Iceman from 3300 BCE, and ancient Egyptian mummies also had tattoos. These were believed to serve religious and medical purposes in ancient cultures.
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Evolution of Tattoo Perception: In antiquity, tattoos were often associated with slaves and criminals. European sailors introduced exotic tattoos from the South Seas in the 18th century, gradually making tattoo culture more accepted.
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Cultural Importance of Tattoos: Tattoos symbolized religious beliefs, status, or group affiliations. Advanced tattoo systems were seen in civilizations like the Aztecs and Maori.
Modern Views on Tattoos
- Contemporary Perception: Tattoos are now commonplace, with designs and placements driven by personal preferences. Despite this, some stereotypes persist, viewing tattoos as markers of criminality or foolishness.