By Dean Murray
A new study has revealed the hidden complexity of tattoos found on 1,200-year-old mummies.
The research used laser-stimulated fluorescence (LSF) technology to highlight the body art from Peru’s Chancay culture.
Ancient tattoos are have long been enigmatic, with faded ink and post-mortem skin decay obscuring their original artistry. However, LSF technology, which generates high-contrast fluorescence images from preserved skin, has unveiled exceptional fine-line tattoos with details as narrow as 0.1-0.2 mm – far surpassing the resolution of even modern tattooing techniques.
The pioneering study was led by Dr. Michael Pittman, Assistant Professor at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)’s School of Life Sciences, and Thomas G. Kaye of the Foundation for Scientific Advancement in Sierra Vista, Arizona.
The Chancay, a pre-Hispanic civilization, lived in what is now coastal Peru and was known for its textiles and extensive trade with neighboring regions.
CUHK said: “These ancient tattoos depict intricate geometric and zoomorphic designs that rival, and in some cases exceed, the artistic precision of Chancay pottery, textiles and rock art.”
The university says the breakthrough demonstrates the potential of advanced imaging techniques to rewrite history.
Dr. Pittman said: “This is just the tip of the iceberg. LSF technology opens up a world of possibilities for studying ancient tattoos, not just in Peru but around the world.
“We hope that by introducing LSF technology to the practice of tattoo analysis we will further expand our knowledge of this important ancient artform.”
Thomas G. Kaye said: “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.
“LSF technology lets us see tattoos in their full glory, erasing centuries of degradation.”
The findings have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
