Find the most ancient Egyptian mummy tattoo icon

A group of European researchers found tattoos on two mummies at the British Museum, believed to be the oldest example of tattoos. In an article published in the Journal of Archaeological Science , the group describes their study of black ink spots found on preserved mummy skin.

Two mummies, one male and one female, in the British Museum, discovered more than a century ago in Gebelein - a city that existed in ancient Egypt - became part of the collection. Famous archeology, is open to the public.

In this new effort, researchers are concerned about the dark spots on preserved skin. When they projected infrared on the dark spots, they observed a different image.

Find the most ancient Egyptian mummy tattoo icon Picture 1

The research team reported that infrared light showed a sketch of a Barbary lamb and a wild cow with horns on the man's arm, and some S-shaped designs, on the shoulders. a woman has a picture of a stick used in ceremonies. A closer look shows that these tattoos can be done by using soot from fire, along with tattoo needles made from bone or copper.

Currently the oldest tattoo is kept by Ötzi the Iceman, but his tattoo is geometric in shape. But with pictures of two mummies in the museum depicting real objects or creatures, making them symbolic, and an example of the oldest tattoo about 5,000 years ago, breaking the old record of 1000 years ago.

In addition, archaeologists were wrong to assume that only women at that time were tattooed. Different types of tattoos also provide suggestions for the purpose of tattooing of ancient people.

Big animals with horns can convey the meaning of strength and courage to a man. On the other hand, female tattoo batons are often used by women in rituals, and tattooing on the skin may be a reflection of that practice.

See more:

1. Special salt used by Egypt to help the school mummies survive for thousands of years
2. Discover the mysterious mummification process of the ancient Egyptians
3. Mummy of 2,500-year-old princess carries a mysterious tattoo