In a significant archaeological revelation, a collaborative team of anthropologists spanning multiple institutions has unearthed a peculiar aspect of ancient Scythian practices. Two fragments of leather, recovered from excavation sites in Ukraine, have been determined to be crafted from human skin. The findings, presented on the open-access platform PLOS ONE, shed light on the veracity of accounts by the renowned Greek historian Herodotus regarding the distinctive behaviors of the enigmatic Scythian warriors.
The Scythians, a nomadic group inhabiting the Pontic-Caspian steppe from around 700 BCE to 300 BCE, remain somewhat elusive in historical records due to their migratory lifestyle. Recognized for their prowess as formidable warriors and skilled equestrians, their existence is primarily delineated by snippets of information from ancient texts.
One such source is the accounts of Herodotus, who chronicled peculiar aspects of Scythian practices. According to him, the Scythians were reputed to consume the blood of their defeated adversaries and employ their scalps to wipe blood from their hands. Intriguingly, he also alluded to the use of human skin, specifically from the right hand of an enemy, in crafting leather for their quivers. The recent study aimed to scrutinize the validity of this particular claim.
Employing various paleoproteomics techniques, the research team meticulously analyzed 45 leather samples retrieved from 14 Scythian excavation sites. Remarkably, the origin of nearly all samples could be traced to animals such as horses, cattle, goats, or sheep. However, two leather fragments were unequivocally identified as human-derived, aligning with Herodotus’s historical narrative.
Further examination of these human skin leather specimens revealed a distinct pattern—specifically, they were fashioned onto the upper sections of quivers, while the remaining portions of these arrow-holding containers were crafted from conventional animal leather. This nuanced insight not only validates the intriguing stories surrounding the Scythian warriors but also suggests a resourceful approach in the crafting of their equipment, utilizing materials readily available in their immediate surroundings.
The revelation underscores the interdisciplinary nature of archaeological research, blending historical accounts with cutting-edge scientific methodologies to unravel mysteries from the depths of time. As these anthropological endeavors continue, the ancient Scythians’ practices and way of life gradually emerge from the shadows, offering a richer tapestry of understanding about this enigmatic nomadic culture.