Tattoos have been reported from human remains representing a wide range of cultures and time periods. While the practice of tattooing can be studied using a variety of types of historical evidence, antiquity leaves only naturally and deliberately preserved human skin as a direct source. Today, scholarly research recognizes the Tyrolean Iceman known as Ötzi, dating from 5300 years ago, as the mummy with the oldest tattoos. A complete mapping of this mummy’s tattoos was recently reported. This work has demonstrated the presence of 61 tattoos divided into 19 groups located on different parts of the body. The examination of these tattoos and their locations on the mummy’s body are especially useful for helping researchers to better understand the function of tattooing in prehistoric times. The existing perception regarding tattooing in the past is that the practice evolved as a medicinal therapy. By mapping these tattoos, specific body regions targeted for preventive, curative, and spiritualistic medicine can be elucidated. Using ethnographic data and the bioarchaeological record of tattooed mummies, this chapter explores the development of corporeal markings that were significant from a medical viewpoint. This chapter also discussess the complex system of tools, techniques, and beliefs by which ancient people attempted to control their health, pain and status in society.
Therapeutic Tattoos and Ancient Mummies: The Case of the Iceman
Piombino Mascali D.
Primo
;
2020-01-01
Abstract
Tattoos have been reported from human remains representing a wide range of cultures and time periods. While the practice of tattooing can be studied using a variety of types of historical evidence, antiquity leaves only naturally and deliberately preserved human skin as a direct source. Today, scholarly research recognizes the Tyrolean Iceman known as Ötzi, dating from 5300 years ago, as the mummy with the oldest tattoos. A complete mapping of this mummy’s tattoos was recently reported. This work has demonstrated the presence of 61 tattoos divided into 19 groups located on different parts of the body. The examination of these tattoos and their locations on the mummy’s body are especially useful for helping researchers to better understand the function of tattooing in prehistoric times. The existing perception regarding tattooing in the past is that the practice evolved as a medicinal therapy. By mapping these tattoos, specific body regions targeted for preventive, curative, and spiritualistic medicine can be elucidated. Using ethnographic data and the bioarchaeological record of tattooed mummies, this chapter explores the development of corporeal markings that were significant from a medical viewpoint. This chapter also discussess the complex system of tools, techniques, and beliefs by which ancient people attempted to control their health, pain and status in society.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
