Ancient Siberian ice mummy is covered in 'really special' tattoos

image via New Scientist

July 31, 2025, 12:01 AM

• •A semi-nomadic Iron Age pastoralist from Siberia, who died in the 3rd or 4th century BC, was found to have elaborate tattoos.
• •High-resolution, near-infrared photography revealed hidden images of tigers, birds, and a fantastical animal on the mummy.
• •The tattoos were created using the direct puncture method, likely hand-poking with carbon pigments derived from charcoal.
• •The study suggests that tattooing was a widespread and specialized craft in the Eurasian steppes over 2000 years ago.

Scientists have discovered elaborate tattoos on a semi-nomadic Iron Age pastoralist from Siberia, dating back to the 3rd or 4th century BC. Using near-infrared photography, they uncovered images of tigers, birds, and fantastical creatures on the mummy's skin. The tattoos were created using a hand-poking method with carbon pigments, indicating a specialized craft. This discovery sheds light on the widespread practice of tattooing in the Eurasian steppes over 2000 years ago.

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