Anthropologists and archaeologists from the University of Turin in Italy discovered unusual facial tattoos while examining the remains of an approximately 800-year-old South American female mummy, according to IFLScience. Radiocarbon dating of textile fragments adhered to her body revealed that the woman lived between CE 1215 and 1382.
Led by Gianluigi Mangiapane, the research team conducted a thorough analysis of the mummy, whose tattoos make her a unique subject of study. The most striking feature is a tattoo design on her right cheek, consisting of three widely spaced straight lines running from the mouth to the ear. This placement is particularly rare, as facial tattoos, especially on the cheeks, are uncommon among groups in the ancient Andes region.
Using a series of chemical analysis techniques, including X-ray fluorescence, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, the scientists determined that the tattoos were made with pigments derived from magnetite, an iron ore not previously found in any other South American mummy. “The identification of pyroxenes as tattoo pigment is even less common,” the researchers noted.
Surprisingly, charcoal was not used in the tattoos, which is unusual since black tattoo ink was generally made with carbon. The simplicity of these tattoos and the use of magnetite present a case for ancient tattoo inks. The researchers were unable to determine the exact purpose of the tattoos, and the meaning behind these unique facial markings remains a mystery.
In addition to the facial tattoos, the team found a simple S-shaped pattern on the mummy's right wrist, described as unique to the Andean region. This design is simpler compared to the more elaborate tattoos frequently found on the hands, wrists, forearms, and feet of other mummies. The simplicity may reflect a different social or cultural function compared to other, more complex examples.
The mummy was found in a seated position with knees bent, indicating a preservation method known as fardo, in which the corpse was wrapped in layers of fabric and tied in a bundle. This funerary practice was common among the Paracas culture, which developed in the Andean region along the southern coast of Peru. However, the exact origin of the mummy remains shrouded in mystery, as her remains were donated to the Italian Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography nearly a century ago without any historical context, except for the name of the donor and the generic classification as South American artifacts.
The tattoos were intended to be visible, as they would not have been covered by clothing. Their placement on highly visible parts of the body suggests they may have had a decorative or communicative function. “As far as cultural classification on the basis of skin markings is concerned, the findings from the Turin mummy are unique,” the authors added.
The results of the research were published in the Journal of Cultural Heritage, contributing to a deeper understanding of the cultural and artistic practices of ancient South American civilizations. The discovery not only enriches knowledge of ancient tattooing practices but also offers insights for further research on the artistic traditions of pre-Columbian cultures.
Due to the mummification process, the tattoos are difficult to observe, as the skin has darkened over time. To obtain a clearer view, the team employed a series of non-destructive imaging techniques, revealing both visible and hidden tattoos. They noted that very few samples of tattooed skin have been preserved from archaeological finds, making this discovery especially notable.
The presence of magnetite and pyroxenes in the tattoo pigments is also notable. The authors of the study emphasize that few studies have examined the chemical composition of the inks used, opening new avenues for future research. The simplicity and unique placement of these tattoos further emphasize the exceptional nature of the discovered patterns.
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