ANCIENT TATTOOING: An Overview of Tattoo Tools and Traditions through Time

Archaeology at Pope’s Tavern is hosting a presentation and workshop on Sunday, February 4th, 2024, at 1:00pm at Pope’s Tavern Museum, 203 Hermitage Drive, Florence, AL. This is one of a series of workshops at Pope’s Tavern that will explore different aspects of history and archaeology.  

Andrew Gillreath-Brown will share a brief overview of ancient tattooing and show off a cactus spine tattoo tool replica he used for experimental tattooing. Attendees will also have an opportunity to try experimental tattooing too!

Gillreath-Brown, PhD graduate of Washington State University and fellow Alabamian, was published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports in 2019, receiving international attention in publications such as National Geographic and beyond, for his identification of the oldest tattooing implement in Western North America.

The program is free and is sponsored by the City of Florence Department of Arts and Museums. Pope’s Tavern Museum is a museum dedicated to the early (1800-1870) history of Florence and Lauderdale County. Archaeology at Pope’s Tavern is a free, public archaeology program that has been documenting the history of the site since 2022. Pope’s Tavern is located at 203 Hermitage Drive, Florence, AL and is open, Tuesday - Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call 256-760-6439 for more information.