Archaeologists Uncover 2,500-Year-Old Ice Maiden With One of History’s Oldest Tattoos!

31 years ago, Russian archeologist Natalia Polosmak made an interesting find in the Ukok Plateau near the border of Mongolia. Natalia and her team continued their research into the early habitation of southern Siberia. They found mummified remains of a Scytho-Siberian woman who lived on the Eurasian Steppes in the 5th century BC. Archeologists found the remains undisturbed in a subterranean burial chamber. However, this 2,500-year-old ice maiden also had something significant with her. Her preserved skin has the mark of an animal-style deer tattoo on one of her shoulders, and another on her wrist and thumb. This is one of the oldest instances of tattooing. Let us now find out more about this 2,500-year-old ice maiden whom people also call Altai Princess.

Discovery of the 2,500-Year-Old Ice Maiden

In 1993, archaeologist Dr. Natalia Polosmak and her team made an extraordinary discovery while excavating a burial mound, or kurgan, on the Ukok Plateau in Siberia. The site, situated near the borders of Russia, China, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia, had been undisturbed for millennia due to its remote location and harsh climate.

Inside the mound, the researchers uncovered the remains of a woman. People buried her around the 5th century BCE. Permafrost encased Her body, which had preserved her skin, hair, and clothing remarkably well. The discovery included a wealth of burial goods, from intricately designed textiles to well-preserved horse remains, indicating the woman’s high status in her society.

Who Was the 2,500-Year-Old Ice Maiden?

Archeologists believe that the Ice Maiden may have been a member of the Pazyryk culture. They were a nomadic Scythian group. We know them for their sophisticated artistry, horse riding, and complex burial rituals. The Pazyryks inhabited the Altai region between the 6th and 3rd centuries BCE and left behind a rich archaeological record of their way of life.

Based on her burial goods and attire, the Ice Maiden is thought to have held a position of significant importance. Some researchers speculate she was a shaman or a spiritual figure, as her grave lacked typical weapons or tools associated with warriors. Instead, it contained items like a wooden dish with cannabis seeds, possibly used in ritualistic practices. The Ice Maiden displayed her concern for appearance by carrying a cosmetics bag on her left hip. There were pieces of a blue-green eyeliner pencil made of vivianite, a kind of iron phosphate.

The 2,500-Year-Old Ice Maiden’s Tattoos

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Ice Maiden’s discovery was the intricate tattoos adorning her body. The frozen conditions preserved these tattoos, making them some of the oldest ever found.

The tattoos, located primarily on her shoulders and arms, depict fantastical creatures that blend real and mythical elements. One prominent design features a deer with long antlers that morph into the heads of griffins. These designs are not only artistically sophisticated but also provide insight into the spiritual and cultural beliefs of the Pazyryk people. According to Polosmak, tattoos are a sign of beauty. Back then, the aim was to look as beautiful as possible. She chose to have the tattoo on her shoulder because it was noticeable and she wanted to look as lovely as possible.

The Pazyryk people also likely believed that such body art would accompany the deceased into the afterlife, acting as a protective or guiding force.

Burial Practices and Goods

The Ice Maiden’s burial reflects the complex rituals of the Pazyryk culture. Her wooden coffin, intricately carved and decorated, was surrounded by a variety of items meant to accompany her in the afterlife. These included six horses, complete with saddles and bridles, which were placed in the grave alongside her.

Her clothing was another testament to the craftsmanship of the Pazyryk people. She wore a yellow silk tussah blouse, a crimson-and-white striped wool skirt with a tassel belt, and thigh-high white felt leggings. The inclusion of silk, a material not native to Siberia, suggests trade links between the Pazyryks and distant regions such as China. She also had a headdress that stood nearly three feet tall. The headdress had a wooden substructure with a molded felt covering and eight carved feline figures covered in gold. Also in a shock to archeologists, the ice maiden appeared to be bald.

The cannabis seeds found in her grave have sparked significant debate among researchers. Some believe they were used for medicinal purposes, while others argue they played a role in spiritual ceremonies.

 “Probably, for the sick woman, constant inhalation of cannabis vapor became a forced necessity and she was often in a state of altered consciousness,”

Natalia Polosmak (2004)

Scientific Analysis of the 2,500-Year-Old Ice Maiden

Following her discovery, the Ice Maiden’s remains were transported to a laboratory for detailed analysis. Radiocarbon dating confirmed that she lived approximately 2,500 years ago, during the early Iron Age.

DNA analysis revealed that the Ice Maiden likely belonged to a group genetically related to modern indigenous Siberian populations. This connection has been important for understanding the ancestry and migration patterns of the Pazyryk people.

A forensic examination of her body also provided clues about her life and death. Researchers noted she likely died in her mid-20s and suffered from a severe illness, possibly breast cancer, in her final years. Evidence of injuries on her body suggests she may have also endured physical trauma, although the cause of her death remains uncertain.

 “Probably, for the sick woman, constant inhalation of cannabis vapor became a forced necessity and she was often in a state of altered consciousness,” Polosmak stated in a 2004 article.

Cultural and Ethical Controversies

The discovery of the Ice Maiden has not been without controversy. Indigenous Altai people regard the Ukok Plateau as a sacred site and expressed concerns about the removal of her remains. Many believe the Ice Maiden was a spiritual guardian of the region and argue that disturbing her burial site has led to natural disasters and misfortunes in the area.

Also Ice Maiden came to symbolize the problem of autonomy of the Altai region from the Russian Federation. A local journalist said ” Sometimes it is difficult to openly talk about politics, so we use her [the Ice Maiden] as a metaphor to discuss the difficult position of Altaians in Russia. Claiming her is claiming our land. ”

In response to these concerns, the Ice Maiden’s remains were eventually returned to the Altai Republic in 2012, where they are now housed in a specially designed-museum. The Altai people continue to call for her reburial, citing cultural and spiritual reasons.

Preservation and Legacy of the 2,500-Year-Old Ice Maiden

The Ice Maiden has since become a symbol of Siberia’s rich archaeological heritage. Her discovery has inspired further research into the Pazyryk culture and its connections to other ancient civilizations.

Conclusion

The 2,500-year-old Ice Maiden stands as a testament to the artistry, spirituality, and complexity of the Pazyryk people. Her tattoos, among the oldest known in history, reveal a sophisticated culture that valued identity, symbolism, and ritual.

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