Awesome Vintage Photographs of Tattooed Women

We tend to think as tattoos as a relatively new cultural phenomenon — but actually, that’s not at all true. In fact, scientists have discovered at least one generously tattooed iceman, dating from the fourth to fifth millennium BC. So we’d say the practice has been around for quite a while. But that doesn’t make it any less fun to look at these vintage photographs of tattooed ladies, proudly showing off their ink in an age when — if not exactly new — the practice was definitely not as accepted as it is today. Inspired by this post over at Juztapoz, click through to check out our gallery of a few of the tattooed ladies who paved the way for the rest of us.

Image via.

Filed Under:

Post comment as twitter logo facebook logo
Sort: Newest | Oldest

I actually prefer tattooed women to non-tattooed women…! It's amazing how much hate and judgment non-tattooed individuals have for those of us who are tattooed. But what's more amazing is the lack of hate and judgment those of us who are tattooed have for those who are not, all the while knowing we are most likely being hated and/or judged! Just a quirky observation…!

I think I commented on these before, but I'll do it again. Haters gon' hate. These ladies are fabulous.

The only difference between tattooed people and none tattooed people is that tattooed people don't care that you don't have tattoos. Our bodies are a temple right? So why not decorate the walls.

Not pretty. If you call me a hater, look at yourself.

I think this art is Gorgeous! Wow, it's exotic, beautiful, and amazing.

Love this photo. Haters gon' hate.

While personally I don't plan to tattoo myself, it's very cool to know a person can have a work of art walking around with them. As long it's not a tramp stamp, a woman can sport a tattoo just as beautifully as any guy.

I'm with Kristin, Matthew and realwoman. I love my tattoos AND have a highly responsible and professional job. There are plenty of badly done, rubbish tattoos out there but the good ones are pure art. Here's to open-minded non-bigots.

Samuel I believe the term DOUCHEBAG was coined just for you. Melissa I'd love to meet you in a dark alley sometime...or the ring.

Samuel, if you're going to be ridiculous enough to call women, tattooed or not, "cunts" then say it, don't censor yourself. That's only slightly less embarrassing than your statements thought. Melissa, the only thing "disgusting" about people is their own close minded moronic beliefs about what others can do with their bodies. People aren't disgusting but their way of thinking is.

@Melissa- I disagree, but men and women who think it's perfectly acceptable and not a disgusting trait to pass judgement on what other people choose to do with their bodies are disgusting.

@Samuel-I agree, women with tats are disgusting.

sexist shits used to be a minority. now they are everywhere.

@Joe same with fat people.

@Joe Mahma- and your point is?

Oh Lydia Oh Lydia Oh have you seen Lydia? Lydia the tattooed lady...

Tattooed women used to be circus freaks. Now they're everywhere.