Can you steal someone’s tattoo design or copy photos from the internet? Absolutely not. But what if the tattoo you're considering is over 2,500 years old, from a culture long past, and part of global cultural heritage? That’s exactly what happened when a guest from France asked me to recreate a tattoo from the Princess of Ukok’s mummy.

The Princess of Ukok, an ancient Siberian noblewoman, was discovered in 1993 in the Altai Mountains. Her well-preserved mummy revealed intricate tattoos, which were part of the Pazyryk culture. These designs weren’t just artistic—they held deep spiritual and cultural significance, likely representing her status, protection, and connection to the divine.

When my guest requested a recreation of one of her tattoos, I felt a deep sense of respect. It wasn’t simply about copying a design; it was about honoring an ancient tradition. Tattooing, as a form of expression, spans across time, and the Princess’s tattoos connect us to a civilization that lived millennia ago. By recreating this ancient artwork, I was bridging history with the present, merging art and culture in a deeply meaningful way.

In the end, this tattoo wasn’t just ink on skin—it was an homage to history, a way to carry forward the rich legacy of an ancient people. It was a reminder that tattoos, at their core, are a timeless form of personal and cultural expression.