A fascinating new laser technique is uncovering the detailed tattoos on ancient mummies from Peru. This method sheds light on the elaborate designs created by the Chancay culture, which thrived from about A.D. 900 to 1533. However, not all experts agree that this new approach is superior to traditional tattoo analysis methods.
The study, recently published in the journal PNAS, investigated over 100 mummified remains from the Chancay. Researchers discovered that only three of these mummies had exceptionally fine tattoos, with lines just 0.1 to 0.2 mm thick. These intricate patterns were only visible using the new technique, said study co-author Michael Pittman.
The technique, known as laser-stimulated fluorescence (LSF), enhances the visibility of tattooing by making the skin fluoresce a bright white. This contrast allows researchers to see the carbon-based black ink clearly, overcoming the fading that often happens over time. According to the study, the three detailed tattoos featured mainly geometric designs, like triangles, which mirror patterns found in other Chancay artworks, such as pottery and textiles.
The Chancay society, located along Peru’s central coast, is celebrated for its distinctive black-and-white ceramics. Artistically, they were similar to the House Frey from *Game of Thrones*, as described by archaeologist Kasia Szremski. They strategically navigated the political landscape of the Chimu-Inka conflict around 1470, wanting to align with the winning side.
Understanding Chancay tattoos is crucial because they can reflect social status in ancient cultures. Szremski emphasized that studying these designs may help identify different societal roles and statuses among the Chancay people. “Tattoos often tell us who someone was in their society,” she explained.
Despite the promise of this technique, some experts, like Aaron Deter-Wolf from the Tennessee Division of Archaeology, are skeptical about LSF’s advantages. He critiqued the study for not adequately addressing why this method is better than previous techniques, like infrared imaging.
Deter-Wolf also questioned the authors’ assertion that some tattoos were made using the puncture method, suggesting instead that the tattoos were created by rubbing pigments into incised parallel lines. He felt that the study could have offered more insights into ancient Andean practices.
While the analysis did not specify which mummies were examined, Szremski noted the immense value in using innovative techniques like LSF on museum collections. It highlights that the Chancay had skilled tattoo artists, as their intricate work was not something just anyone could execute.
Pittman and his colleagues believe LSF imaging could open doors to understanding more about human artistic development and the evolution of tattooing practices throughout history.
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