The History of Mayan Tattoos
The Mayans believed that adorning their bodies with the images of their Gods, their hieroglyphic symbols and their surrounding natural environment would bring them prosperity. It was not uncommon for them to mark their enemies with facial tattoos.
Some of the popular characterizations included the jaguar - a symbol of strength and domination; the bat – a symbol of power; and the earth – a symbol of patience.
The Mayans were known to mark the faces of criminals so that they could be ostracized by the society. Women were also allowed to adorn themselves with ink. Their tattoo designs were generally from the waist up except for the breasts so that they could breast feed.
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