However, it leads many to believe that the Vikings learned their tattooing art from the Scynthians’ descendants when trading with them in that area. This was before Norse traders came to that region (now Russia).
#VALKNUT TATTOO OFFENSIVE SKIN#
The Arabic word for “tattoo” describes mosque decorations, not actual tattoos.Ī Scythian chieftain found in Siberia buried under permafrost still had his skin and tattoos intact. However, the word “tattoo” may just have been used to describe the decorations and symbols on their bodies. He goes on to describe that the Vikings did not wear tunics or kaftans instead, they wore cloaks that covered half their bodies with one arm uncovered.įadlan mentions that the Norsemen were covered in tattoos from their necks to the tips of their fingers. He described their bodies as perfect, as tall as palm trees. One famous account of Vikings having tattoos is found in Ibn Fadlan’s travel chronicler. Literary Accounts Of Vikings Having Tattoos They would prick patterns into the skin using a needle or something sharp and then rub the ink into the open wound. Other tattoos were made by mixing soot and breastmilk as ink. They would then use a rake-like tool to hold the ink and a hammer to puncture the skin to get the desired design. The Maori people used a bone chisel as a needle to carve the design. Using bone chisels has been traced back to 5000 b.C. The Vikings may have used bone chisels to carve their designs onto the skin. This would have given their tattoos a dark blue hue. The Vikings likely used wood ash to dye their skin and tattoo figures and symbols onto their bodies. How Did Vikings Make Their Tattoo Ink?Īncient cultures primarily used charcoal, ash, and other natural materials to ink their bodies. This article examines how Vikings made their tattoo ink, the historic accounts of Vikings having tattoos, the symbols and designs they probably would have had, and the symbolism behind these tattoos. Other ancient cultures also used soot and breastmilk. If Vikings did have tattoos, they likely used ash, charcoal, and other materials in nature for ink. While considered a fact, there is no concluding evidence of Vikings having tattoos except for one historical account of them being covered in ink. This was not just in the show, though it is considered a fact that the Vikings (also called Norsemen) had a ton of tattoos.
#VALKNUT TATTOO OFFENSIVE TV#
If you have e ever watched the tv show Vikings, you may have seen the Norse en covered in tattoos and wearing black eye makeup.