STAMP OF APPROVAL
How the Aztecs made their mark centuries before the buzz of the tattooist’s needle
It remains unknown if – and is probably unlikely that – tattoo parlours existed during the time of the Aztecs. Instead, those wishing to enhance their bodies with inky designs simply did it themselves, thanks to these body stamps. The stamps, made from clay and featuring a variety of patterns, would be dipped into paint or dye before being pressed firmly onto the recipient’s skin. They were also used to make clothing more exciting – their inexpensiveness allowed even the poorest in Aztec society to look decidedly sharp and fashionable.