Embedded Beliefs: Early Tattooing and Embodied Faith in the Middle Nile Valley

Abstract Tattooing found on a Ghazali individual’s right foot marks the second identified tattooed individual from medieval Nubia, and one of five known tattooed males dating to antiquity found in the Middle Nile Valley. This article places this significant discovery within a regional context and expands the spaciotemporal scope of discussion to include later North African and Christian tattooing practices. Rare finds such as ancient tattooing allow personal conviction in the past to be recognized and corporeally demonstrate embodied faith. Embedded beliefs are further recognized within archaeological contexts as examples of individual embodiment under religious structures. We posit the inscribed symbols found on the individual at Ghazali represent an enduring tradition, made anew.