Flint, Bone, and Thorns: Using Ethnohistorical Data, Experimental Archaeology, and Microscopy to Examine Ancient Tattooing in Eastern North America (original) (raw)

This chapter describes ongoing research into the archaeological remains of ancient tattooing in North America’s Eastern Woodlands. Ethnohistorical sources are first examined to identify indigenous tattoo technologies. Those tools are then recreated and applied in an experimental test to determine which are best suited to the practice of tattooing. Finally, this research explores the utility of scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in identifying tattoo implements from archaeological collections. While none of these techniques provide indisputable means of identifying ancient tattoo implements, together they provide a more robust understanding of ancient Native American tattooing practices.