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National Geographic
30-07-2025
- Science
- National Geographic
Scientists reconstruct the tattoos of a 2,000-year-old Siberian ice mummy
New imaging technology has allowed scientists to decipher the tattoos of an Iron Age mummy—and study them like never before. 3D model of the tattooed ice mummy who belonged to the nomadic group known as the Pazyryk. The top images was created from visible spectrum photographs and the bottom from near infrared photography. From tribal symbols to the name of an ex, people have long adorned their skin with ink. Countless cultures have developed and practiced the art of tattooing for at least 5,000 years. Among the most famous examples are Ötzi the Iceman, found frozen in the Alps with 61 tattoos , and the Chinchorro mummy of ancient Chile, marked with black, mustache-like dots thought to be tattoos beneath his nose. Despite their ubiquity, ancient tattoos are difficult to study. Scientists have relied on inked-up mummies for glimpses into the early origins of the art form. But tattoos on their skin are often faded or rendered invisible by the mummification process, limiting how much researchers can glean from them. Now, new technologies are helping bring these ancient tattoos back to life. An international team of researchers used high-resolution near-infrared photography to reconstruct the tattoos of a mummified woman, preserved in the Siberian permafrost for about 2,000 years. They also determined what tools were used to create the designs on her body, as well as assess the tattooist's skill level. The findings, published Wednesday in the journal Antiquity , offer new insights into the significance that tattooing played in the Iron Age culture the mummy once belonged to. Ancient ink, new technology In the mid-20th century, archaeologists found a treasure trove of mummies in Central Asia's Altai Mountains. These mummies were from a nomadic people known as the Pazyryk who lived in the region thousands of years ago. Among these mummies was a woman found buried alongside a man, nine horses, a wagon, and several ornate rugs. This mummy and her belongings ended up at the State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia, where researchers recently examined what was left of her tattoos. 'Her tattoos weren't even visible when she was first excavated because the skin had already darkened,' says Gino Caspari , an archaeologist at the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology in Germany and lead author of the study. 'We knew there had to be more beneath the surface.' Caspari and his team used high-resolution near-infrared photography, an imaging technique that reveals things our eyes can't see, to create a 3D model of the Pazyryk mummy. While such imaging techniques have existed for several years, only recently have they been used to study tattoos thought to be lost to time. Close-up high-resolution photograph of the tattoos on one forearm of the ice mummy. A cut made when preparing the individual for burial runs through the tattoos, indicating tattoos did not play a specific role in funerary rituals Image Courtesy G Caspari & M-Vavulin 'Using this non-invasive method, we were able to uncover tattoo designs in unprecedented detail,' says Caspari, 'which allowed us not only to document the tattoos accurately, but also to reconstruct how they were made.' The scan and subsequent analysis revealed tattoos up and down the mummy's hands and forearms. Her hands were decorated with birds and other small motifs, while her forearms served as a canvas for complex scenes depicting reindeer-like animals being hunted by tigers, leopards, and even a beaked four-legged animal that resembles a griffin. The researchers say the finding helps answer a debate about how the Pazyryk tattoos were done. Were they created through stitching, what we call subdermal tattooing where pigment is carried by a thread? Or by poking with a sharp stick? 'Our study shows clearly that these were made with puncture techniques—what today we'd call hand poking,' says Caspari. He adds that the tattooists also likely used both single-point and multi-point tools to achieve different effects. To support his claims, Caspari points to a field study that his colleague conducted: that individual gave himself a leg tattoo using the hand-poking method to see how such tattoos healed. 'That experimental work was key,' he says. Caspari and his team also concluded that the tattoos were not all done by artists of the same skill level. 'The right forearm was masterfully composed—it played with body contours, used perspective, and included really fine detailing. The left forearm, in contrast, was more basic in its layout and execution,' Caspari says. They added that either two different tattooers worked on this woman or that one artist did the work early in their career and then again at later points after their skills improved. Despite the differences in detail between the two arms, the study suggests even the most basic of this mummy's tattoos wouldn't be easy for today's tattoo artists to replicate. Figure 4 Right forearm tattoo left side oriented toward the wrist A current state B deskewed evening out skin fold and compensating for the desiccation process C idealised artistic rendering. Illustrations Courtesy D. Riday 'Tattooing is more complex than it seems,' says David Lane , a criminal justice scientist at Illinois State University who studies contemporary tattoos and wrote a book about tattoo artists called ' The Other End of the Needle: Continuity and Change Among Tattoo Workers. " Lane, who was not involved with the study, says that given the skill required and specialized tools used to make these tattoos, tattooing was likely a respected craft in Pazyryk society that required training and talent. The researchers concluded that the artists responsible for this mummy's tattoos were not only highly skilled but also creative. While many elements of these tattoos reflect known Pazyryk iconography, others do not, suggesting the artist put their personal touch into the work. 'It's important to remember they were created by human hands,' says Natalia Polosmak , an archeologist at Russia's Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography who was not involved with the study. Polosmak, who has discovered multiple Pazyryk mummies, including the famous Ice Maiden mummy in 1993, says that while this study does not revolutionize what we know about the Pazyryk people, 'it is very gratifying that the mummies and tattoos continue to attract interest from new generations of scientists eager to contribute to the study of these compelling and rare subjects.' For Caspari, just being able to examine this ice mummy and its collection of ancient artwork was a privilege: 'It's a fascinating look into the past of a talented practitioner and a great addition to the prehistory of a craft that is important for people around the world today.'
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
7 ways Stone Age people were just like modern humans
When we imagine what our ancestors might have been like, we often perceive them as unimaginably primitive compared to us, but the truth is that they are far more relatable. They also built communities, created art, formed social connections, innovated food preparation methods, and even enjoyed leisure time. Although they lacked modern gadgets, their lives had many of the things we value today. Here are seven surprising ways in which the Stone Age people were similar to us. They made music with handmade instruments Stone Age humans made flutes from bird bones and mammoth ivory around 43,000 years ago. These early instruments, found in southern Germany in excavations in the summer of 2008 at the sites of Hohle Fels and Vogelherd. This suggests that music played a role in ritual, relaxation, or storytelling. Though simple, they reveal creativity, self-expression, and a cultural life quite similar to our own love for melody and rhythm. They designed practical, communal houses Nine thousand years ago, Neolithic settlements featured mud-brick homes arranged in dense neighbourhoods, as seen in the chalcolithic proto-city of the settlements in Anatolia. These homes lacked front doors, entered instead through rooftop openings. Residents crossed between them and used alleys to discard waste. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Air conditioners without external unit. (click to see prices) Air Condition | Search Ads Search Now Undo Their clean, communal living spaces are similar to early urban planning, shared responsibility, and a sense of belonging. Stone Age women were real powerhouses Skeletal remains dated to around 7,000 years ago show that Stone Age women were almost as strong as modern semi-elite rowers. This suggests they did physically demanding tasks like farming, carrying water, or building shelters with men. These discoveries challenge assumptions about traditional gender roles and highlight their remarkable strength. They renovated homes for generations Rather than constantly moving, many Stone Age people chose to refurbish existing dwellings. Some homes were continuously used and upgraded for up to 1,000 years. This practice shows respect for place, tradition, and sustainability, values that are similar to the modern renovations and heritage preservation went camping for adventure and resources About 8,000 years ago, people traveled to the Cairngorms in Scotland, staying in tents by campfires for nights at a time. Though the exact reason is unclear, hunting seems likely. This early camping resembles today's outdoor getaways today along with exploration, bonding, and resource gathering in nature's embrace. They created nutritious, portable foods According to Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,300-year-old mummy, carried dry-cured goat meat. This 'Stone Age bacon' shows early humans knew how to slow-cook and preserve food for travel. Just like we pack snacks while on trips today, they ensured sustenance before heading into the wild. They loved and cared for animals Archaeologists have found Stone Age burials in Germany where people were laid to rest alongside dogs. In some cases, the dogs were sick and had clearly been nursed by humans. This early bond between humans and furry friends reveals compassion and companionship in the early humans.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Yahoo
Forest bathing and hay baths: 5 innovative wellness retreats in the Dolomites
At 95°F, the air is charged with a tangerine tang as a man twists and whirls a towel like a whip, unleashing blasts of hot air to the beat of jungle drums. This is Aufguss: a multi-sensory sauna ritual that's part purification, part fever-dream. Deep in the Dolomites — the UNESCO-capped mountains — wellness has long been part of the landscape itself. Here, ancient remedies are reimagined with a contemporary twist and a touch of the surreal, all infused with the rugged spirit of the Alps. The journey begins in Bolzano, capital of South Tyrol and gateway to the Dolomites. A melting pot of Italian and German culture, locals toast beer and wine in Piazza Walther, savor boiled dumplings at Batzen Häusl, and cycle down cobblestone streets beneath sweeping mountains. Its most famous resident, Ötzi the Iceman, can be seen in the Museum of Archaeology Bolzano, a 5,300-year-old glacier mummy who was discovered complete with a pair of prehistoric hiking boots. It all feels like a fairytale, particularly when approaching Hotel Castel Hörtenberg, a luxurious hotel-spa set in a former Renaissance castle complete with turrets and a coat of arms. Carefully restored by the Podini family owners, it's now a blend of luxury and history. Period frescoes and original stucco adorn the suites; guests can dine in their torch-lit dungeon restaurant, Le Segrete; and unwind in a spa complete with a Finnish sauna and hammam, overlooking an expansive outdoor pool nestled between jasmine and hydrangeas. It's the perfect Alpine launch pad. (Related: Why choose the Alps for your next summer adventure) The bus from Bolzano snakes along orchard-lined rivers and tight mountain switchbacks to Siusi, where a gondola whisks residents up to COMO Alpina Dolomites. There's a certain thrill the first time one catches sight of the snow, as mottled green turns to blinding white. This ski-in, ski-out resort has direct access to the slopes, with an elegant lounge showcasing magnificent views of Europe's highest Alpine plateau. The modernist building reflects its surroundings, with immense windows flooding the space with light; even the beds are turned down to form mountain peaks. Three restaurants offer refined takes on local classics, like the Tyrolean Gröstl — roasted potatoes, speck, eggs, and dried flowers — an indulgence well worth waking up for. Adventure-seekers will find incredible skiing, hiking, and more directly on their doorstep, but COMO is synonymous with spa treatments. Signature therapies include their Shambhala massage and the "traditional hay bath," described as an "ancient mountain wellness treatment." After warming themselves with a sip of ginger tea, guests are led into a dedicated space to be plunged into a bath of hot hay, a practice long hailed by South Tyrolean farmers as a cure for arthritis and aching muscles. The air hangs heavy with herbal flowers and balsamic scents, and feels like a pungent weighted blanket. This unique experience concludes with a rejuvenating goat milk cream facial, leaving participants refreshed and renewed. For the more daring, COMO offers nightly Aufguss sauna rituals, a sweltering show that pairs fierce steam, tribal music, and biting scents of lavender, mint, and citrus released from melting, essential-oil laden snowballs. It's a sensory experience that creates a profound sense of tranquility. Accessible only by gondola from nearby Lana, Vigilius Mountain Resort is a high-altitude, eco-friendly hideaway. With monastic solemnity, clients are compelled to pause and let the Alps work their restorative magic. Designed by architect Matteo Thun with nature at its core, Vigilius brings together clean lines, local larch wood, natural stone, and clay so that it appears as if the hotel completely disappears into the surrounding forest. The property features the authentic Stube Ida, open to visiting hikers, and a communal piazza that hosts nightly aperitivo. In an effort to encourage genuine disconnection, Wi-Fi is disabled at 11 p.m., leaving guests to enjoy a fire-lit library. At Vigilius, massages feel elemental: Delivered with heated wooden sticks and sculpted stones applied with warm pine oil. Guided woodland walks (complete with crampons) reveal the wavering rhythms and folkloric histories of every tree, rock, and fern. For those who want to venture higher still, an almost otherworldly single-seater chairlift transports visitors through the trees to San Vigilio Church, one of the highest in all of Tyrol, a place steeped in quiet, ancient mysticism. Further south in Pinzolo, Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti stands as a cathedral to wellness. Carved into the mountains, it feels effortlessly lavish, with stunning views at every turn and an enormous state-of-the-art spa with four distinct water areas. The temptation on arrival is to make a beeline for the heated indoor-outdoor pool, where a warm haze veils Trentino's pine-topped peaks. Lefay's philosophy is centered around harmonizing yin and yang: the Active and Balance program springs from movement and rest, taking you into the wild before back into relaxation. Inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, it merges the five elements with an Alpine sensibility and begins the moment you arrive. There's a consultation, a custom itinerary, and a tacit request to give yourself to the process. In the morning, balance takes on a new meaning: A guided snowshoe alpine ascent fills the lungs with crisp, mountain air. Upon reaching a frozen mountain lake, guests are invited to embrace the snow, be it face-first, shirt off, or a full immersion cold plunge. The shock is electric, inciting sharp breaths that reveal mental clarity. After a few moments standing in the blinding snow, heart bounding, sun blazing, it's time to descend back down to Lefay where warmth and stillness await. In the afternoon, it's a float in a saltwater pool, weightless and adrift with whatever epiphanies might surface. Perched atop of Merano, Miramonti Boutique Hotel feels like a cinematic world unto itself. It's no surprise that it's not far from where James Bond once dodged assassins on skis: This landscape was made for high drama. Born from the shared dream of Carmen and Klaus Alber, the hotel exudes a warm, Nordic aesthetic which mirrors its rugged surroundings. The Sky House sits at its peak, a suite anchored into the rock. Spanning three floors, it features an open fireplace and a secluded deck concealing a hot pot pool. Furnished with Fritz-Hansen furniture and centered around ineffable views, it's the pinnacle of Alpine relaxation. The spa feels like a constellation scattered across the wilderness, offering a network of timbered walkways leading to a steaming onsen, an infinity pool that hovers on the edge of the world, and a spacious Finnish sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Alps. At dinner, the panoramic restaurant is like looking at the world from an airplane, the lights of Merano valley twinkling distantly below. Among their many offerings, guests can experience the art of forest bathing with therapist Monika Laner, a practice which fosters a deep connection with nature by way of a mindful walk. There's a tree greeting ritual which involves shaking hands with a spruce, wrapping one's arms around its bark like an old friend, and communing deeply. Sipping pine needle tea in arboreal silence, participants find accord with the intimate acoustics of the surrounding snow. A small pine cone is offered as a memento as a reminder of the day's lesson. In the Dolomites, relaxation is something earned through transformative experiences. Be it sweated out in extreme heat, buried in steaming hay, or plunged face-first in the snow, the mountains strip everything away until only clarity remains. Balance isn't found, it's felt — in the heat, the cold, the silence. If you're lucky, you get to bring it home. (Related: Why this Austrian Alpine town is forever linked to James Bond) Rupert Clague is a director, producer, and writer drawn to extraordinary people in unexpected places. He's filmed with Indigenous Peruvian tribes and Vietnamese shamans, been on ride-alongs in Arizona and down a waterslide with Jeff Goldblum. Based in Paris, he's currently directing a feature documentary about transcendental pianist Lubomyr Melnyk.
National Geographic
31-03-2025
- National Geographic
Forest bathing and hay baths: 5 innovative wellness retreats in the Dolomites
At 95°F, the air is charged with a tangerine tang as a man twists and whirls a towel like a whip, unleashing blasts of hot air to the beat of jungle drums. This is Aufguss: a multi-sensory sauna ritual that's part purification, part fever-dream. Deep in the Dolomites — the UNESCO-capped mountains — wellness has long been part of the landscape itself. Here, ancient remedies are reimagined with a contemporary twist and a touch of the surreal, all infused with the rugged spirit of the Alps. The journey begins in Bolzano, capital of South Tyrol and gateway to the Dolomites. A melting pot of Italian and German culture, locals toast beer and wine in Piazza Walther , savor boiled dumplings at Batzen Häusl , and cycle down cobblestone streets beneath sweeping mountains. Its most famous resident, Ötzi the Iceman, can be seen in the Museum of Archaeology Bolzano , a 5,300-year-old glacier mummy who was discovered complete with a pair of prehistoric hiking boots. Hotel Hörtenberg Castle is located within Bolzano, where visitors will find the cathedral, cafes, and shops. Photograph By Camillo Balossini/Robertharding, Getty Images It all feels like a fairytale, particularly when approaching Hotel Castel Hörtenberg, a luxurious hotel-spa set in a former Renaissance castle complete with turrets and a coat of arms. Carefully restored by the Podini family owners, it's now a blend of luxury and history. Period frescoes and original stucco adorn the suites; guests can dine in their torch-lit dungeon restaurant, Le Segrete ; and unwind in a spa complete with a Finnish sauna and hammam, overlooking an expansive outdoor pool nestled between jasmine and hydrangeas. It's the perfect Alpine launch pad. (Related: Why choose the Alps for your next summer adventure) The bus from Bolzano snakes along orchard-lined rivers and tight mountain switchbacks to Siusi, where a gondola whisks residents up to COMO Alpina Dolomites. There's a certain thrill the first time one catches sight of the snow, as mottled green turns to blinding white. This ski-in, ski-out resort has direct access to the slopes, with an elegant lounge showcasing magnificent views of Europe's highest Alpine plateau. The modernist building reflects its surroundings, with immense windows flooding the space with light; even the beds are turned down to form mountain peaks. Three restaurants offer refined takes on local classics, like the Tyrolean Gröstl — roasted potatoes, speck, eggs, and dried flowers — an indulgence well worth waking up for. COMO Alpina Dolomites has direct access to the slopes, making it a great choice for active travelers. Photograph By Martin Morrell, Como Hotel Adventure-seekers will find incredible skiing, hiking, and more directly on their doorstep, but COMO is synonymous with spa treatments. Signature therapies include their Shambhala massage and the "traditional hay bath," described as an "ancient mountain wellness treatment." After warming themselves with a sip of ginger tea, guests are led into a dedicated space to be plunged into a bath of hot hay, a practice long hailed by South Tyrolean farmers as a cure for arthritis and aching muscles. The air hangs heavy with herbal flowers and balsamic scents, and feels like a pungent weighted blanket. This unique experience concludes with a rejuvenating goat milk cream facial, leaving participants refreshed and renewed. For the more daring, COMO offers nightly Aufguss sauna rituals, a sweltering show that pairs fierce steam, tribal music, and biting scents of lavender, mint, and citrus released from melting, essential-oil laden snowballs. It's a sensory experience that creates a profound sense of tranquility. Accessible only by gondola from nearby Lana, Vigilius Mountain Resort is a high-altitude, eco-friendly hideaway. With monastic solemnity, clients are compelled to pause and let the Alps work their restorative magic. Designed by architect Matteo Thun with nature at its core, Vigilius brings together clean lines, local larch wood, natural stone, and clay so that it appears as if the hotel completely disappears into the surrounding forest. The hotel's unique design makes it appear as if the property disappears into nature. Photograph By Tobias Kaser, Hotel Viglius Vigilus Mountain Resort's Aquiléia Spa has a pool, sauna, steam room, and much more. Photograph By Tobias Kaser, Hotel Viglius The property features the authentic Stube Ida , open to visiting hikers, and a communal piazza that hosts nightly aperitivo. In an effort to encourage genuine disconnection, Wi-Fi is disabled at 11 p.m., leaving guests to enjoy a fire-lit library. At Vigilius, massages feel elemental: Delivered with heated wooden sticks and sculpted stones applied with warm pine oil. Guided woodland walks (complete with crampons) reveal the wavering rhythms and folkloric histories of every tree, rock, and fern. For those who want to venture higher still, an almost otherworldly single-seater chairlift transports visitors through the trees to San Vigilio Church , one of the highest in all of Tyrol, a place steeped in quiet, ancient mysticism. Further south in Pinzolo, Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti stands as a cathedral to wellness. Carved into the mountains, it feels effortlessly lavish, with stunning views at every turn and an enormous state-of-the-art spa with four distinct water areas. The temptation on arrival is to make a beeline for the heated indoor-outdoor pool, where a warm haze veils Trentino's pine-topped peaks. Lefay's philosophy is centered around harmonizing yin and yang: the Active and Balance program springs from movement and rest, taking you into the wild before back into relaxation. Inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, it merges the five elements with an Alpine sensibility and begins the moment you arrive. There's a consultation, a custom itinerary, and a tacit request to give yourself to the process. Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti's heated indoor-outdoor pool. Photograph By Frieder Blickle/laif/Redux In the morning, balance takes on a new meaning: A guided snowshoe alpine ascent fills the lungs with crisp, mountain air. Upon reaching a frozen mountain lake, guests are invited to embrace the snow, be it face-first, shirt off, or a full immersion cold plunge. The shock is electric, inciting sharp breaths that reveal mental clarity. After a few moments standing in the blinding snow, heart bounding, sun blazing, it's time to descend back down to Lefay where warmth and stillness await. In the afternoon, it's a float in a saltwater pool, weightless and adrift with whatever epiphanies might surface. Perched atop of Merano, Miramonti Boutique Hotel feels like a cinematic world unto itself. It's no surprise that it's not far from where James Bond once dodged assassins on skis: This landscape was made for high drama. Born from the shared dream of Carmen and Klaus Alber, the hotel exudes a warm, Nordic aesthetic which mirrors its rugged surroundings. Miramonti Boutique Hotel has a renowned spa, but it's also well-known for its forest bathing practice. Photograph By Markus Edgar Ruf, Miramonti The Sky House sits at its peak, a suite anchored into the rock. Spanning three floors, it features an open fireplace and a secluded deck concealing a hot pot pool. Furnished with Fritz-Hansen furniture and centered around ineffable views, it's the pinnacle of Alpine relaxation. The spa feels like a constellation scattered across the wilderness, offering a network of timbered walkways leading to a steaming onsen, an infinity pool that hovers on the edge of the world, and a spacious Finnish sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Alps. At dinner, the panoramic restaurant is like looking at the world from an airplane, the lights of Merano valley twinkling distantly below. Among their many offerings, guests can experience the art of forest bathing with therapist Monika Laner , a practice which fosters a deep connection with nature by way of a mindful walk. There's a tree greeting ritual which involves shaking hands with a spruce, wrapping one's arms around its bark like an old friend, and communing deeply. Sipping pine needle tea in arboreal silence, participants find accord with the intimate acoustics of the surrounding snow. A small pine cone is offered as a memento as a reminder of the day's lesson. In the Dolomites, relaxation is something earned through transformative experiences. Be it sweated out in extreme heat, buried in steaming hay, or plunged face-first in the snow, the mountains strip everything away until only clarity remains. Balance isn't found, it's felt — in the heat, the cold, the silence. If you're lucky, you get to bring it home. (Related: Why this Austrian Alpine town is forever linked to James Bond) Rupert Clague is a director, producer, and writer drawn to extraordinary people in unexpected places. He's filmed with Indigenous Peruvian tribes and Vietnamese shamans, been on ride-alongs in Arizona and down a waterslide with Jeff Goldblum. Based in Paris, he's currently directing a feature documentary about transcendental pianist Lubomyr Melnyk.
