What is the first known culture to utilize friction ridge impressions for identification purposes?

The Chinese civilization is recognized as the first culture to utilize friction ridge impressions, also known as fingerprints, for identification purposes. Historical records indicate that as early as 221 B.C., the Chinese were employing fingerprints on legal documents, which demonstrates an understanding of the unique patterns formed by the ridges on fingers. This practice was used not only for identification but also for verifying identities in legal matters, indicating an early application of forensic techniques.

The Egyptians, Greeks, and Mesopotamians did develop various forms of record keeping and identification, but their methods did not prominently feature the systematic use of friction ridge impressions in the way that the Chinese did. The contributions of the Chinese in this regard laid foundational concepts in forensic science that would be further developed in later cultures.