Egyptian culture has influenced the World as we know it; everyone knows what the pyramids are with many believing in Alien theories and the link with the underworld and Egyptian mythology. The Egyptians did influence other cultures with their technology, religion, wealth and art and we will focus on their influence of tattoos.

The original Egyptian tattoo design was a dots and stripes across the body which has been found on a female mummy dating back to 2000 -1994BC and it is believed that these where for religious and ceremonial purposes. A picture tattoo has not been documented until 400BC, which shows that it took a long time before Egyptian tattoo designs evolved into pictorial form. It is strongly believed that the Egyptians are responsible for influencing South East Asia in regards body art forms.

Current day designs have become more involved with Egyptian Hieroglyphics and symbols in order to portray symbolism by mixing these symbols together. Common Egyptian tattoo designs show gods such as Anubis (the jackal head) and King Tut mixed with symbols such as a Cartouche or the flail and crook, which actually are very similar to the Ancient Egyptian artworks. Another common design is to translate something from English into the Alphabet/picture Hieroglyphs but it is important to use a credible translator.

Most Egyptian symbols used as tattoo designs are that of protection and prosperity so it is generally a safe bet when it comes to getting a positive meaning out of your tattoo but if you are going to get Anubis on your body remember he symbolises the underworld. Paul Wiwatowski