Burma

Burma, now Myanmar, is a Southeast Asian country with a long history of decorative and protective tattooing. Dense lower-body patterns and animal figures belonged to local traditions before they attracted attention on Western stages.

In 1876, George Costentenus became a celebrated attraction in P. T. Barnum's show. Advertised as the Tattooed Greek Prince, he astonished audiences with designs covering almost his entire body. Contemporary examinations counted 388 figures.

His advertised story was equally dramatic: an expedition in Burma supposedly ended in capture, followed by tattooing as punishment. But he told conflicting versions, and the forced-tattooing tale is disputed. The tattoos were real; the story used to sell tickets was much less certain.

His appearance brought Burmese-style designs before American and European audiences. Back in Myanmar, such markings already had their own meanings, including courage and protection—well beyond the circus story told about one famous man.