Read the article about ancient tattoos http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn19557-ancient-tattoos-linked-to-healing-ritual.html. In the article, scientists state that mummies have been found with multiple tattoos, some of which were for decoration. In today's culture tattoos are very popular and accepted, what else in modern day culture reflects ancient rituals like tattoos?
Also in the article some scientists believe the tattoos could be for rituals to improve health and strength. They state several reasons to support this, such as what was used for the ink, and where the tattoos were placed. What are some reasons that go against the theory that the tattoos found on these mummies are for anything more than for cosmetic purposes?
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete"She bears two distinct types of tattoos: emblems representing birds, apes, reptiles and other symbols cover her hands, arm and lower left leg, while an asymmetric pattern of overlapping circles is present on her neck." In the article plain as day it states that the "tattoos" are for decoration and not to improve health. The "ink" for the tattoos was not even created out of medical related materials either. Majority of the times it was created out of soot and ash, not plant materials. This is not to say that some of the tattoos were for health improvement but in my opinion the theory that they were more for health then decoration falls through.
ReplyDeleteI partially agree with Purple muffins, but the article also stated, "But the researchers found that while this was true for the tattoos on this mummy's extremities, the circles on her neck contained burned plant material." So while some of the other tattoos were made from things like soot and ash, they also were able to find background that the circles on her neck were made out of something that would be used in healing or medicine instead of decoration. Though they think that because it was made of that, today's tattoos also can contradict their theory. In our world today, people can get tattoos made out of henna leaves, and while they can add decoration to anybody, it does not do much to help with our health. I believe that both of these theories in the article could be correct, but may also need more details to present a stronger case
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion the tattoos on the female mummy’s hands were for decoration, maybe the emblems that represented the animals had something to do with who she was. As for the tattoo on her neck . . . well the plant stuff used in the ink for that one leaves me with the impression that is was for medical purposes and the fact that the tattoo was so close to acupuncture points. Acupuncture serves many medical purposes so this makes a lot of sense. Just because there are some tattoos for cosmetic purposes do not mean that the other tattoos do not serve a higher purpose. Also the oldest European mummy also has lines tattooed on him back near the acupuncture point. The theory that tattoos were more for health than just decoration holds true.
ReplyDelete