With the fashion for hipster pants, the custom of lower back tattoos broke out, we are around the 2000s. However, we know that the fashion for tattoos is not recent: Ötzi, the mummy of the Copper Age (who lived 5300 years ago), was found in Ötztal in North Tyrol, had many tattoos 61.
Some excavations have shown that tattoos were also very common in ancient Egypt. The first discovery dates back about twenty years ago, on two female mummies, from an ancient city called Deir el-Medina, near the river Nile. Over the years, the discoveries at the archaeological site have brought to light more and more remains, including mummies and tattooed figurines, suggesting that the habit of tattoos was quite a common fashion for women Ladies of ancient Egypt, about 3000 years ago.
The most interesting discovery is the motivation behind these indelible drawings that have come down to us.
Good luck tattoos
Analyzing the skin of one of the two mummies, the researchers found traces of a tattoo depicting a bowl, a cleansing ritual and an image of Berrythe Egyptian god who protects families and mothers. Analyzing the other mummy, it was discovered that it was a middle-aged woman who, in addition to the image of Bes, had another tattoo symbolizing the eye. from Horus (symbol of prosperity and health) and an extra neck tattoo. In the design that makes up the back tattoo, there is also a zigzag line that indicates a swamp, a place where people went to relax and relieve pain (such as in childbirth).
Putting all these elements together, the researchers interpret this use and choice of specific symbols as a sign that tattoos were used to ask the gods for help with pregnancy and postpartum – with the aim of always having an amulet. The choice of placement on the body, the lower back, is also important: “Acute back pain often accompanies childbirth,” the study authors write.
The study authors say these are initial guesses that warrant studying many more mummies to establish their theory.
The research is published in The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology.
Source: Lega Nerd
I am Bret Jackson, a professional journalist and author for Gadget Onus, where I specialize in writing about the gaming industry. With over 6 years of experience in my field, I have built up an extensive portfolio that ranges from reviews to interviews with top figures within the industry. My work has been featured on various news sites, providing readers with insightful analysis regarding the current state of gaming culture.
