Work

High-resolution near-infrared data reveal Pazyryk tattooing methods

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The tattoos of the Pazyryk ice mummies are of paramount importance for the archaeology of Iron Age Siberia and are often discussed from a broad stylistic and symbolic perspective. However, deeper investigations into this cultural practice were hindered by the inaccessibility of quality data. Here, the authors use high-resolution, near-infrared data in conjunction with experimental evidence to re-examine the tools and techniques employed in Early Iron Age tattooing. The high-quality data allow for the previously unfeasible distinction of artist hands and enable us to put the individual back into the picture of a widespread but rarely preserved prehistoric practice.

Source: Antiquity

DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2025.10150

Authors: Gino Caspari, Aaron Deter-Wolf, Daniel Riday, Mikhail Vavulin, Svetlana Pankova

Institutions: University of Bern, Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, Institut de Technico-Économie des systèmes Énergétiques, D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan State Technical University, State Hermitage Museum

Language: English

Topic: Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis

Subfield: Archeology (arts and humanities)

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,550

OpenAlex ID: W4412813245