Archaeologists Unearth 2,500-Year-Old Ice Maiden with One of the Earliest Recorded Tattoos
In 1993, Russian archaeologist Dr. Natalia Polosmak led a groundbreaking excavation on the Ukok Plateau, a region that spans across Russia, Mongolia, China, and Kazakhstan and is known for its harsh climate and layers of permafrost. This excavation centered around a burial mound, or kurgan, that had been untouched for over 2,500 years.
Inside the mound, the research team discovered the remarkably preserved remains of a woman, laid to rest in a wooden coffin and surrounded by elaborate burial artifacts. The frigid environment of the area played a crucial role in preserving her skin, hair, and clothing. Numerous items were found at the site, including textiles, tools, and six horses equipped with saddles and bridles, indicative of her high social status.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Ice Maiden was her detailed tattoos, which are among the earliest known and have been exceptionally well-preserved due to the permafrost.