Tattooing has been widely practiced across the globe since at least Neolithic times, with evidence of this practice preserved on mummified skin, and depicted in ancient art. The oldest discovery of tattooed human skin is found on the body of Ötzi the Iceman, dating from around 3370 BC.
Other tattooed mummies have been found at least 49 archeological sites including locations in Greenland, Alaska, Siberia, Mongolia, western China, Egypt, Sudan, the Philippines, and the Andes. One prominent preserved tattooed figure from ancient history is Amunet, Priestess of the Goddess Hathor from ancient Egypt.
In Egypt the majority of tattoos were found on women and indicated their status. They also used tattoos for healing, religion, and even as a form of punishment.