Even though different cultures disapprove of tattoos, there are significant meanings in tribal tattoos because many tribes require tattoos for different cultural reasons. Humans have tattooed their bodies with a variety of symbols showing their religious beliefs, status symbols, declarations of love, or even different forms of punishment. Scientists say that the marks on the skin of the Iceman dating from back to 3300 B.C., are tattoos. Tattoos also can be found on Egyptian and Nubian mummies dating all the way back to about 2000 B.C. The markings found on the ancient Egyptians were done for reasons scientists still debate about. One theory is that only the “dancing girls” were marked with tattoos showing their prostitute status. The other theory is pregnant Egyptian women were tattooed to protect them during birth and “keep everything in” while pregnant. One thing scientist know for sure is that only the woman in the Egyptian society were tattooed. The tattoos that have been found are all of designs across the abdomen, thighs, and breasts. The designs are dots in a net like pattern the flow across the woman’s abdomen, breasts, and thighs. The Greeks and Romans however, referred to tattoos as a “stigmata.” They used tattooing to mark a person showing they belong to a specific religious group or to show they are a criminal. Roman soldiers were required by law to have tattoos on their hands to make it difficult for them if they deserted their group. Tattoos spread across the Roman society until Christianity emerged. Soon after tattoos were banned because they believed that they disfigured what God had made. The Polynesian culture used tattoos for a different reason. Tattoos are a cultural tradition in their society. The tradition is to apply the tattoos by hand, and this skill is passed on from father to son. The tattoos done by the tattoo artist show their endurance and dedication to the cultural traditions. The tattoos are also to honor their Gods. Both men and women are tattooed; however, women receive smaller tattoos. To be tattooed is an honor in their culture, which started over 2,000 years ago. (Krcmarik, 2003). In the Maori their head is the most important part of the body to them. Because of this importance they will cover their entire face with elaborate tattoos. These tattoos are unique on each individual and show their abilities, rank, status, and ancestry. Maori culture will also tattoo the warriors in their tribe at different stages in their lives as a rite of passage (Lineberry 2007). It is said that the tattoos on Maori men can make their features more attractive to the Maori females. The Maori women are also tattooed on their faces, but their tattoo markings are only on the nose and lips on their face. They believe by doing this it will prevent the skin from becoming wrinkled and keep them looking young (Lineberry 2007). In the 1700s tattoos became popular among European men. Men who had dangerous professions such as coal-miners and sailors were tattooed. Coal-miners were tattooed with a miner’s lamp on their forearm while Sailors were tattooed with an anchor on their forearm. These tattoos were thought to provide protection to the sailors and coal-miners. They later added names of their loved ones to their forearms as a tradition. Tattooing did occur that was against will. Owners tattooed their slaves to show ownership of them. They also tattooed them as protection in case of theft or escape. All slaves received tattoos regardless of their age. By tattooing their slaves it ensured them that they could not run far without being caught. Tattoos today are not a requirement but are still done for a variety of self expression. A large amount of society have tattooed for a religious purpose. Sometimes to show their devotion to God or to the faith they believe in. They may also get tattoos in remembrance of someone that has passed away or is dear to them in their lives. Tattooing also has been associated in a negative way through gang relation and prison. Gangs will tattoo themselves to show their rank within the gang and also to which gang they belong. Many people that are associated in gangs are or have been in prison. While in prison they find ways to receive more tattoos. Anything from the name of a loved, gang name, or the common tear drop tattoo, which represents someone you have killed. However, not all tattoos are a negative expression. Today many people get tattooed as a fashion or personal statement. Some choose to do it just to be different and be able to express themselves in an artistic way. Others may choose to do it for another reason. Some tattoo their entire body, and some may just have one tattoo. Whether it is the name of someone you love, an animal, or a symbol the tattoo you choose will always have a significance and meaning behind it. Even though different cultures disapprove of tattoos, there are significant meanings in tribal tattoos because many tribes require tattoos for different cultural reasons. The next time you see someone with a tattoo remind yourself that he or she may have that tattoo for an important cultural reason, not for self expression. There may be a true significant meaning behind the tattoo whether it is religious beliefs to a status symbol for their tribe.