Where Did Tattoos Originate?

The word 'tattoo' is Polynesian in origin, from the Tahitian 'tatu' meaning to mark something. The ancient Polynesians had no written records, and we don't know when they began to practise this art, though it is known that the people themselves were in the Pacific region from at least 1500 BC onwards. However, there is also evidence that tattooing was used in ancient Egypt, around the time when the Pyramids were built in 2-3000 BC; it had spread to China by 2000 BC.
Whether or not they were the first tattooists, the Polynesians have probably developed the art further than any other people, especially in the Marquesas Islands where some of the most elaborate examples can be found. In Polynesian society generally, tattoos have traditionally been used to indicate the wearer's family origin, status and achievements, as well as for adornment and pleasure.

It is believed that tattoos originated from the South Seas. "Otzi the Iceman" (3300 BC) was frozen man that was found in the Alps in 1991. He had some tattoos. So, it is thought that tattoos are around 4000 years old.

There was also evidence that tattoos existed in ancient Egypt. There were some pharaohs who were adorned with ivy-leaf patterns on their bodies. Representations of animals were also very popular tattoos.

The Pictish tribes from Scotland adopted tattooing to such an extent that their whole bodies were actually blue.

There is also a very old tradition of tattooing in Japan. The art of imprinting the skin with coloured materials was developed independently by many cultures around the world. In recent times, however, European sailors brought the tradition from the South Pacific.

The word "Tattoo" comes from the Tahitian word "tatau" which means to mark in English.

So, in conclusion, it is not known exactly were the tattoo originated, but it has existed in many world cultures for thousands of years.

Tattoos started from africa , they used to make temporary marks with paint , thus asian's influenced it by using ink which then spread to europe & america . 

They came from smiley, shae', poo poo, moo moo, jo jo, and tati we came up wit it ,it started in the 100s we just told everybody to come get it from our shop the "DA FAM OF FAMS" WE USED SAFEY PINS ND BLACK INK ND MADE SO MUCH MONEY

Smiley  
shae
poo poo
moo moo

Egypt

Tattoos come from Samoa. And other countries in Oceania.