Scythians carried arrows in bags made of human skin
Kyiv • UNN
Researchers have discovered that the arrow quivers of some Scythian warriors were made of human skin, probably that of their enemies, according to a study published in the journal PLOS One.
Researchers discovered that Scythian warriors carried arrows in leather quivers, made from the skin of defeated enemies. This is reported by Arkeonews with citing a study published in the scientific journal PLOS One, UNN writes.
Details
The Scythians were a nomadic people known for their fierce temperament and skill in horseback riding in the ancient Eurasian steppes. In the VI-III centuries BC, they lived on the territory of modern-day Ukraine. BC, they lived on the territory of modern Ukraine.
A group of of archaeologists from Ukraine, Denmark, the United Kingdom and Italy examined 45 leather samples collected from 14 different Scythian sites in southern Ukraine.
Using protein analysis, the scientists determined the origin of almost all the specimens, except for two, which were probably were probably made of horse, cattle, goat or sheep skin.
Two more of the analyzed samples belonged to humans. However, the Scythians used them only in the upper parts of the quivers, that this find may contain valuable information about the cultural practices of this tribe. According to one theory, the use of human skin could have been be associated with religious beliefs or rituals, including honoring the memory of the dead.
Scientists also suggest that the creation of products from the skin of the defeated for the Scythians could be a way to to demonstrate their power and intimidate opponents, as they often clashed with neighboring tribes.
