Mediterranean Tattoos

Modern tattooing gained widespread attention in the 18th century, when a British naval officer, Capt. James Cook, returned from Polynesia with "Prince Omai," the first fully tattooed man seen by the English court. His appearance sparked both fascination and intrigue. However, tattooing in Europe predates Cook's voyages by millennia. Evidence from the Paleolithic and Neolithic Eras reveals that tattooing has served various purposes, meanings, and visual styles throughout history. This book offers a chronological and geographical journey displaying key artifacts, testimonies, and artwork, exploring the diverse expressions and cultural roles of tattooing over time. It spans the broader and historical Mediterranean, including ancient Egypt, Italy, Greece, Israel, France, and the Balkans, as well as other regions with notable finds such as Peru, Siberia, and the Tarim Basin in northwestern China. This wealth of information aims to inspire contemporary tattoo artists and deepen understanding of this ancient, global tradition.