theglobeandmail.com
Laser Technology Reveals Intricate Ancient Peruvian Tattoos
A new study used lasers to uncover highly intricate tattoos on approximately 100 mummies from Peru's Chancay culture (around 1250 CE), revealing geometric designs of exceptional quality comparable to modern tattooing, providing unique insights into pre-Inca art and cultural practices.
- What new insights into Chancay culture and art are revealed by the discovery of these previously invisible tattoos?
- Researchers used lasers to reveal intricate, previously invisible tattoos on 100 Peruvian mummies from the Chancay culture (around 1250 CE). The high-quality geometric designs, visible only with laser technology, are comparable to modern electric tattooing. This discovery provides unique insights into Chancay art and cultural practices.
- How does the use of laser technology advance the study of ancient artifacts, and what potential does this technology have for future research?
- The study highlights the potential of non-destructive laser technology for analyzing delicate archaeological materials like mummies. The Chancay tattoos, with their complex geometric patterns, offer valuable information about a pre-Inca civilization's artistic skills and cultural expressions, exceeding the information gleaned from other sources such as pottery or textiles.
- What broader implications does this finding have for our understanding of ancient artistic practices and cultural expressions across different civilizations?
- This research expands our understanding of ancient tattooing techniques and their cultural significance. The discovery of high-quality Chancay tattoos suggests a level of artistic sophistication previously unknown and opens avenues for further research using similar non-invasive technologies on other mummies and ancient artifacts, leading to new discoveries.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is largely neutral, focusing on the scientific discovery and its implications for understanding ancient art and technology. The quotes from experts add objectivity. However, the emphasis on the high quality of the tattoos ('of a quality that stands up against the really good electric tattooing of today') might unintentionally overshadow the cultural and historical significance of the findings.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the new research using lasers to reveal ancient Peruvian tattoos, but it omits discussion of the ethical considerations of examining mummies and the potential impact on cultural heritage. Additionally, while mentioning the oldest known tattoos and the global prevalence of tattooing, the article doesn't delve into the diverse cultural significance of tattoos across different societies. This omission limits a complete understanding of the broader context and significance of the research.