The Archaeology of Tattoos What makes us human? As an anthropologist, we often point to stone tools, fire, and the domestication of dogs—but what about tattooing? In this episode, I sit down with archaeologist Aaron Deter-Wolf (@archaeologyink ) to explore the deep history of tattooing as a fundamentally human practice. From Ice Age evidence to ancient mummies, from Polynesia to Peru, we break down how tattooing isn’t just body art—it’s identity, culture, belief, and connection to the world around us. We discuss: The oldest evidence of tattooing (including Ötzi the Iceman) How tattoos may have originated in the Paleolithic The role of tattooing in ancient cultures and empires Why some societies embraced tattoos while others suppressed them Experimental archaeology and recreating ancient tattoo techniques What tattooing reveals about human identity, ritual, and belonging We also dive into how archaeologists identify tattooing tools, what tattooed mummies can tell us about the past, and why tattooing might be one of the most overlooked—but universal—human behaviors. If you’ve ever wondered why humans mark their bodies—or what tattoos meant thousands of years ago—this is one of the most fascinating conversations you’ll hear. Be sure to check out the full video on my YouTube!
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