The surprising tattoos found on 2,500-year-old Siberian ‘ice mummy’

Researchers have used new imaging technology to make a surprising discovery on a 2,500-year-old ‘ice mummy’ in Siberia.

Archaeologists have found evidence of a series of incredibly intricate tattoos on the body of a woman who is believed to have been around 50 at the time of her death. The images depict leopards, a stag, a rooster, and a mythical half-lion and half-eagle creature.

The finding could shed new light on the Pazyryk culture that she was a part of, a nomadic, horse-riding people. But the discovery has also introduced new questions about the civilization. Namely, how did these ancient humans create tattoos so intricate that modern tattoo artists, with modern technologies, would struggle to match.

That element surprised researchers to such an extent that they enlisted the help of tattoo artist and researcher Daniel Riday, who reproduces ancient skin decorations on his own body. Imaging technology found that the the skin etchings on the mystery woman were “intricate, crisp and uniform” and required a huge level of skill.

“The insights really drive home to me the point of how sophisticated these people were,” said lead author Dr Gino Caspari from the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology. “This made me feel like we were much closer to seeing the people behind the art, how they worked and learned. The images came alive.”

That impression was shared by Riday, who was well aware of the hard work that had been put into the tattoos. Such time and effort is a testament to the importance that these images must have had in the culture, particularly in an age before any form of pain relief.

“If I was guessing, it was probably four and half hours for the lower half of the right arm, and another five hours for the upper part,” Riday explained. “That’s a solid commitment from the person. Imagine sitting on the ground in the steppe where there’s wind blowing all that time.”

“It would need to be performed by a person who knows health and safety, who knows the risks of what happens when the skin is punctured,” he added.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.