How did Mayans tattoo themselves?

The Mayan art of tattooing involved a process in which the artist would paint the design on the skin of the person being tattooed, then would cut the design so that it would scar as well as retain some of the ink, notes History on the Net. Tattoos were seen on both men and women, and were done as an homage to one of their many gods, as well as signs of strength and bravery.

Because the process involved cutting the skin, it was not uncommon for infections to arise, and many people were not able to complete the tattoo in one sitting due to the intensity of the pain, as stated by History on the Net. Those who did receive tattoos were generally honored for enduring the difficult process.