Often thought of as mere aesthetic ornaments, not always meaningful, tattoos (and the art derived from them) actually have ancient roots, and their uses ranged from sacred to social to warlike. They served to convey one's identity, culture, social rank, and faith.

The earliest evidence of tattoos dates back to prehistory, and more specifically to one of its most famous subjects: Ötzi (also known as "the Iceman" or "the Iceman"), who had more than sixty tattoos on his body, composed of lines and geometric symbols. Experts believe these tattoos likely had a therapeutic or ritual function, similar to a primitive form of acupuncture. Another use of tattooing was to identify certain social classes or individuals: the ancient Greeks and Romans tattooed slaves, prisoners, or criminals to identify them (a practice also taken up by the Nazis in concentration camps, where Jews wore their serial numbers on their arms or, in rare cases, on their abdomens). Tattoos, therefore, had a negative and punitive connotation; unlike the Norse or "barbarian" populations (according to the Romans), who marked their bodies for warlike purposes to instil fear, or for ritual or spiritual purposes (runes, etc.). In Asia, however, tattoos developed more complex meanings, giving rise to the extraordinary art of Japanese tattooing, known as irezumi, characterised by large, colourful compositions depicting dragons, koi carp, samurai, and mythological creatures. The same applies to the famous Maori tattoos of New Zealand, whose tribes tattooed their faces with complex symbols that evoke strength, beauty, and cultural identity. With the Middle Ages and the spread of Christianity, tattooing was denigrated because the Church considered it a defilement of a divine creation [the human body], causing it to almost disappear from Europe. With the advent of modernity, this fascinating practice began to be rediscovered, especially among sailors and soldiers, with particular meanings: protection during travel, a reminder of family, or experience gained in war.

The history of tattoos has been intertwined with that of humanity for thousands of years. From ancient prehistoric tribes to modern artistic studies, tattoos have spanned cultures, religions, and continents, taking on diverse meanings. Even today, they represent a profound and historic way to express who we truly are.