Rebecca Manzi Thanks to the laser-stimulated fluorescence technique, researchers were able to analyze the tattoos hidden under the mummified skin of around 100 mummies from the Chancay culture, discovering an unexpected precision
@Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Ancient tattoos have long been a mystery to researchers, but a recent study has unveiled extraordinary details using advanced laser technology. Scientists analyzed nearly 100 mummies from the Chancay culture of Peru, dating back to around 1250 AD, and discovered intricate tattoo designs hidden beneath mummified skin.
Using laser-stimulated fluorescence (LSF), researchers illuminated the tissue from within, revealing details invisible to the naked eye. This groundbreaking method allowed them to uncover tattoos with remarkable precision—some as fine as 0.004–0.008 inches—surpassing the detail of modern tattooing techniques.
The discovered designs included geometric shapes such as triangles and rhombuses, showcasing an artistic quality comparable to contemporary electric tattoos. The use of black pigments, invisible without laser analysis, created a stark contrast between the ink and the mummified skin.
Ancient tattooing tools: cactus spines or sharp bones?
The research team, led by international experts, employed a technique previously used to study the coloration of dinosaurs in fossils. This non-destructive technology has the potential to revolutionize the study of delicate archaeological materials, such as mummies, providing new insights into ancient tattooing practices.
The Chancay tattoos appeared on various parts of the body, including hands, knuckles, and forearms. While the exact tools used remain unknown, scholars speculate that cactus spines or sharpened bones may have been used to insert the pigments beneath the skin.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these tattoos likely held deep cultural significance related to identity, social status, or spiritual beliefs. Some researchers suggest that more intricate designs may have been reserved for high-ranking individuals, though further investigation is needed to confirm this theory.
Ancient tattoos, often overshadowed by ceramics and textiles, provide a unique opportunity to explore both figurative and abstract artistic expressions. This study paves the way for future research into global tattooing traditions, indicating that much remains to be discovered in the field of archaeology.
