Infrared imagery is revolutionizing the study of pazyry mummies
The Altai mountains contain a unique archaeological heritage thanks to the exceptional conservation conditions. Pergélisol has preserved intact the remains of Pazyryk nomads, a rider people evolving between China and Europe during the Iron Age. Nevertheless, the traditional imaging techniques did not make it possible to fully observe these millennial tattoos.
Gino Caspar, archaeologist at the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology and at the University of Bern, underlines how the specialist figurative reasons have long intrigued specialists. The initial discoveries of the 1940s had largely ignored these Invisible body decorations with the naked eye. On the other hand, skin degradation gradually removes the pigments, which mix with the surrounding tissues.
This is why high resolution digital infrared imaging radically transforms the scientific approach. The extended wavelengths penetrate deeply under the epidermis, revealing anatomical details previously inaccessible. Thus, the researchers definitively abandon the approximate sketches to directly observe the original creations.
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A mythological bestiary engraved in the flesh
The three-dimensional criminal digitization of the fiftieth female mummy, kept at the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, reveals a Fascinating artistic universe. Leopards, deer, rooster and hybrid creatures half-lion half-Aigle make up a complex bestiary testifying to an elaborate symbolism.
Asymmetry between the arms reveals precious information on Old execution methods. The right member presents significantly more refined and technical reasons than the left, suggesting the intervention of different artists or the evolution of the skills of the same practitioner. In addition, the analyzes indicate the use of various tools, comprising one or more points according to artistic needs.
Therefore, these tattoos required Several work sessions for their complete realization. The methodical approach testifies to meticulous planning and considerable technical expertise. In addition, the discovery of other individuals tattooed on the same site confirms the generalization of these practices within the Pazyryk community.
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The emergence of sophisticated bodily crafts
The collaborative analysis between archaeologists and contemporary tattoo artists sheds light on the new dayPrehistoric bodily art. The results, published in the review Antiquity, demonstrate that reproducing such reasons would represent a major challenge even with current technologies. Thus, the Pazyryk artists mastered techniques of remarkable complexity.
Contrary to popular belief, tattooing largely transcends the decorative function To set up as a real specialized profession. The precision of the routes and the richness of the details require in -depth training, probably transmitted by apprenticeship. On the other hand, manifest aesthetic sensitivity reveals a artistic culture developed in these nomadic companies.
Caspar insists on the importance of recognizing the“Personal agency in prehistoric bodily modification practices”. Indeed, the study transforms our perception of ancient tattoo: of symbolic ornament, it becomes demanding craftsmanship Requiring technical skills, artistic finesse and structured training. What reveal the unsuspected sophistication of millennial civilizations and their mastery of bodily techniques of breathtaking complexity.
Source: Gizodo