👶 Christianity introduced facial tattoos on infants in the Middle Ages

Fine analysis of over a thousand human remains in the Nile Valley has revealed a previously unknown practice: facial tattooing of very young children during the early centuries of the Christian era. This discovery was made possible thanks to advanced imaging technologies. Far from being anecdotal, this body modification signals a profound reorganization of cultural codes within medieval Nubian populations.

The study, published in PNAS, examined human remains from three Sudanese sites: Qinifab, Semna South, and Kulubnarti. The researchers used multispectral imaging, a method capable of detecting pigments beneath the surface of ancient and desiccated skin. This approach made it possible to identify skin markings on individuals whose age and status challenge established knowledge about premodern body practices.

An innovative technique reveals the extent of the markings

Multispectral imaging works by capturing light reflection at different wavelengths, beyond the visible spectrum. Applied to archaeology, this technology makes details invisible to the naked eye apparent, such as residues of organic pigments embedded in the skin. Its use on the remains from the Nile Valley was crucial for spotting tattoos that had been naturally faded by time and climatic conditions.

Thanks to this method, the team was able to examine 1,048 individuals with unprecedented precision. The results exceeded expectations by documenting the presence of tattoos on 27 individuals who lived between the 7th and 9th centuries, a number that nearly doubles the previously known cases for the entire region. This approach complements earlier studies, which were often based on isolated and often fortuitous observations.

Among the tattooed individuals are several very young children, including one aged about 18 months with clearly visible traces of tattoos, and another aged 7 to 10 months where some doubts remain. The location of the motifs on the forehead and temples is particularly striking. This discovery implies an intentional and socially accepted practice, performed on very young subjects, which directly questions its motivations and cultural significance.

The body as witness: the impact of Christianity on Nubian practices

Before the 7th century, data indicate that tattooing in Nubia was primarily the domain of adult women. The motifs, discreet and composed of dots, adorned hands and forearms, associated with natural or identity symbols. The advent of the Christian period seems to have radically altered this tradition, by expanding the people concerned and moving the markings to the face.

The site of Kulubnarti, occupied between the 7th and 10th centuries, illustrates this upheaval. Nearly one-fifth of the individuals exhumed there bear tattoos, with no distinction of sex or age. The facial marks, often diamonds or simplified crosses formed of dots, become visible and expressive signs. This increased visibility suggests a new function, likely related to the public affirmation of a religious belonging.

Microscopic analysis of the lines also reveals a technical evolution. The methods seem to shift from slow manual pricking to the use of a sharper instrument, perhaps a blade, allowing for faster applications. This change correlated with the spread of Christianity indicates an adaptation of know-how to new symbolic requirements and a larger number of people to mark.