Ötzi the Iceman – Oficially First Tattooed Human
Hello Everyone! Today’s BLOG will take us on a little journey — not into modern MODERN studios, but deep into history, all the way back more than 5,000 years ago, to the time of Ötzi the Iceman. Why? Because he might just be the very first known human who wore tattoos on his skin. Imagine that — the world’s first tattoo collector!
The Story of Ötzi
In 1991, two hikers found a frozen body high up in the Ötztal Alps between Austria and Italy. At first, they thought it was a modern mountaineer, but it turned out to be something much more fascinating. Ötzi lived around 3300 BCE, and thanks to the ice, his body was almost perfectly preserved. Scientists studying him discovered that he had 61 tattoos — thin BLACK lines and small crosses made by rubbing charcoal into small cuts in his skin.
Tattoos with Purpose
Now, these probably weren’t tattoos for decoration or style. They were found mostly around his joints and spine — exactly where he showed signs of arthritis and pain. In other words, Ötzi’s tattoos were most likely therapeutic. It seems that even in those ancient times, people already understood the HEALING power of marking the body — the idea that tattoos can be a form of medicine, both physical and spiritual. Maybe it work a bit like an acupuncture. Who knows?
For us in the tattoo world, it’s fascinating. It tells us that the instinct to mark the skin is deeply human. Whether it’s for healing, rituals, or pure expression — tattoos have always been part of who we are.
What We Can Learn from Him
When I think about Ötzi, I can’t help but feel amazement. Five thousand years ago, someone took a sharp tool, made small cuts, and pressed soot into them — not for fashion, but to perhaps help their body. That’s dedication, trust, and connection. In some sense, not much has changed. Today we use machines and sterile needles instead of flint blades, but the essence is still there.
Every tattoo done at VADELMA Tattoo carries a piece of that timeless tradition. When You sit in the tattoo studio, You continue the story of making tattoos that started thousands of years ago – and probably it is even older. However, how can we know for sure until someone will find even older mummy?
Final Words
So next time You look at Your tattoo or plan a new one, remember: You are part of something ancient. The urge to mark our skin with meaning is as old as humanity itself. Ötzi was the first one we know of — but certainly not the last. His ink still speaks, even after 5,000 years.
Thank You for reading, and as always —
Much love,
Simon
Hello Everyone! Today’s BLOG will take us on a little journey — not into modern MODERN studios, but deep into history, all the way back more than 5,000 years ago, to the time of Ötzi the Iceman. Why? Because he might just be the very first known human who wore tattoos on his skin. Imagine that — the world’s first tattoo collector!
The Story of Ötzi
In 1991, two hikers found a frozen body high up in the Ötztal Alps between Austria and Italy. At first, they thought it was a modern mountaineer, but it turned out to be something much more fascinating. Ötzi lived around 3300 BCE, and thanks to the ice, his body was almost perfectly preserved. Scientists studying him discovered that he had 61 tattoos — thin BLACK lines and small crosses made by rubbing charcoal into small cuts in his skin.
Tattoos with Purpose
Now, these probably weren’t tattoos for decoration or style. They were found mostly around his joints and spine — exactly where he showed signs of arthritis and pain. In other words, Ötzi’s tattoos were most likely therapeutic. It seems that even in those ancient times, people already understood the HEALING power of marking the body — the idea that tattoos can be a form of medicine, both physical and spiritual. Maybe it work a bit like an acupuncture. Who knows?
For us in the tattoo world, it’s fascinating. It tells us that the instinct to mark the skin is deeply human. Whether it’s for healing, rituals, or pure expression — tattoos have always been part of who we are.
What We Can Learn from Him
When I think about Ötzi, I can’t help but feel amazement. Five thousand years ago, someone took a sharp tool, made small cuts, and pressed soot into them — not for fashion, but to perhaps help their body. That’s dedication, trust, and connection. In some sense, not much has changed. Today we use machines and sterile needles instead of flint blades, but the essence is still there.
Every tattoo done at VADELMA Tattoo carries a piece of that timeless tradition. When You sit in the tattoo studio, You continue the story of making tattoos that started thousands of years ago – and probably it is even older. However, how can we know for sure until someone will find even older mummy?
Final Words
So next time You look at Your tattoo or plan a new one, remember: You are part of something ancient. The urge to mark our skin with meaning is as old as humanity itself. Ötzi was the first one we know of — but certainly not the last. His ink still speaks, even after 5,000 years.
Thank You for reading, and as always —
Much love,
Simon
