The Blue Tattoo

The Blue Tattoo by Margot Mifflin is a biography published by University of Nebraska Press in 2009. This reprint edition spans 269 pages and is presented in English. The book chronicles the life of Olive Oatman, who was orphaned when her Mormon pioneer family was killed by Yavapai Indians. Following her capture, she was enslaved and later traded to the Mohave Indians, who tattooed her face and raised her as their own before she was ransomed back to white society.

Readers will find a detailed exploration of Oatman’s extraordinary life, highlighting her experiences and the cultural dynamics of the time. The narrative delves into themes related to Indigenous Peoples in the Americas and the historical context of the Southwest, offering insights into the social and ethnic complexities of the era. This biography provides a unique perspective on Oatman’s journey and the impact of her experiences on her identity and life in a changing world.