Natural mummies from Predynastic Egypt reveal the world's earliest figural tattoos (original) (raw)

2018, Journal of Archaeological Science

AI-generated Abstract

This study investigates the preserved tattoos found on the Gebelein mummies from Predynastic Egypt, revealing them as the earliest known examples of figural tattoos globally. Detailed analyses, including radiocarbon dating and stable isotope examinations, indicate these individuals belonged to an agrarian society with a diverse diet sourced from plants and animals. The findings challenge previous notions about tattooing being restricted to women, illustrating instead that body modification practices were prevalent among both sexes.

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