The intricacy of tattoos dating back over 1200 years has been unveiled through innovative laser scanning techniques applied to South American mummies.
The mummies, belonging to a pre-Hispanic civilization known as the Chancay, were uncovered in 1981 at the Cerro Colorado cemetery in Peru’s Huaura valley.
While it was evident that many of the 100 mummies exhibited tattoos, the designs were obscured by ink bleed and fading, hindering accurate visualization of the original artwork.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers employed laser technology in a controlled environment to capture long-exposure photographs of the specimens. This method illuminated the skin and highlighted the contrast with the non-fluorescent ink, revealing previously hidden designs.
This non-invasive technique is the first of its kind used on ancient tattoos, allowing researchers to investigate the ink’s presence not only on the surface but also in the underlying skin layers.
This innovation enabled the team to analyze the tattoos beyond the degradation over time and disclose the finer details of the original designs.
Researchers believe that the fine quality of the tattoos suggests they were created using precise tools, likely a cactus needle or sharpened animal bone, rather than a rudimentary “cut and fill” method.
The prevalence of tattoos among the Chancay indicates their cultural significance, as they adorn a substantial number of mummified remains.
Notably, the geometric patterns found in the tattoos, characterized by triangles and diamonds, are also reflected in other artistic expressions of the Chancay, including pottery and textiles.
Some intricate tattoo designs required considerable effort, while others were more straightforward. This variety parallels the diversity found in contemporary tattoo art.
Researchers look forward to employing this laser-stimulated fluorescent technique on tattoos from various ancient cultures globally to unveil more historical insights and remarkable discoveries.
