Archaeologists have uncovered striking and previously unseen tattoos on the cheeks and arms of an 800-year-old female mummy from the Andes, offering new insights into ancient South American cultural practices.
Throughout history, humans have used body modifications such as tattoos to express beauty ideals, social status, group identity, or for ritual purposes. Despite tattooing being a widespread tradition, examples of tattooed skin are extremely rare in archaeological records due to the fragile nature of skin.
Studies indicate that South America’s coastal deserts preserve more tattooed human remains than anywhere else in the world. With this in mind, researchers closely examined a well-preserved female mummy housed at the Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography at the University of Turin, excavated from the Andes.
Radiocarbon dating showed the mummy lived between 1215 and 1382 CE. Using advanced infrared imaging techniques, scientists detected previously invisible tattoos: three straight lines running from ear to mouth on each cheek, and an S-shaped tattoo on her wrist.
Chemical analysis, including x-ray fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy, revealed that the tattoos were created with pigments derived from the iron mineral magnetite and pyroxenes—unlike most ancient tattoos that used charcoal.
“The findings show rare tattoo shapes and unusual placements—lines on the cheeks and an S-shaped mark on the wrist—as well as a surprising ink composition,” the researchers said in their study.
Interpreting the simple tattoos has proven challenging. South American tattoos are usually intricate designs on hands, wrists, forearms, and feet; cheek tattoos are rare, and the “S” shape on the wrist is unlike any other known tattoo in the region.
Because these tattoos appear on body parts typically uncovered by clothing, researchers speculate they may have served decorative or communicative purposes. However, they also noted it’s currently impossible to assign a medical, therapeutic, or specific cultural meaning to them.
“This research contributes to understanding ancient tattoo practices in South America about eight centuries ago and highlights the important role museum collections play in studying ancient cultures,” the team concluded.
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