Before the 19th century were tattoos prevalent in Western Europe?

by andtherisfor

How socially acceptable were they?

docroberts

Ötzi the iceman, who lived in the border region of Italy & Switzerland aroind 3300 BCE, had several carbon tattoos including groups of short, parallel, vertical lines to both sides of the lumbar spine, a cruciform mark behind the right knee, and various marks around both ankles.