Breathtaking Tattoos Revealed on Peruvian Mummies From 1,200 Years Ago

14 January 2025
By MICHELLE STARR

The intricate details of tattoos inscribed on the skin of South American mummies are now revealed in all their breathtaking glory.

With a technique used to study dinosaur fossils, a team of scientists has revealed the fine work that went into creating the elaborate tattoos found on the mummies of individuals from the Chancay culture that lived in Peru some 1,200 years ago.

"Laser-stimulated fluorescence lets us see tattoos in their full glory, erasing centuries of degradation," says paleontologist Thomas Kaye of the Foundation for Scientific Advancement in the US.

"The Chancay culture, known for its mass-produced textiles, also invested significant effort in personal body art. This could point to tattoos as a second major artistic focus, perhaps carrying deep cultural or spiritual significance."

More:
https://www.sciencealert.com/breathtaking-tattoos-revealed-on-peruvian-mummies-from-1200-years-ago