Ancient Scythians: A Study of Leather from Human Origins
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Chapter 1: Understanding the Scythians
When we think about historical civilizations, our perspective is often skewed. This is understandable, as the "great civilizations" of history have left extensive artifacts for us to analyze, ranging from ruins to written texts that provide profound insights into their societies.
Unlike settled societies, the Scythians present a different narrative. This confederation of nomadic tribes from the Steppes, situated near the Classic Greeks, mirrored certain aspects of the Mongolian way of life. They were exceptional horse riders and archers, and their concept of empire diverged significantly from the typical notions we associate with settled cultures.
Jack Weatherford, in his work Genghis Khan and the Quest for God, explains that nomadic tribes focused less on conquering land—an infinite resource—and more on controlling water sources. This led them to identify themselves with the nearest body of water. The absence of permanent settlements didn't hinder their ability to sustain their economy and culture as they transported essential resources with them. Consequently, they left behind burial mounds rather than grand ruins or written records.
Herodotus, the esteemed Greek historian, provides a vivid account of the Scythians, portraying them as fearsome warriors who engaged in practices that seem almost cinematic. He described them as drinking blood, taking trophies from enemies, and using human skin for various purposes, such as napkins and cloaks.
Recent scientific investigations suggest that Herodotus' accounts may not have been mere exaggerations but rather reflections of a complex culture that challenges our preconceived notions of civilization.
Section 1.1: Who Were the Scythians?
The Scythians were nomads who occupied the steppes north of the Black Sea, as noted by Herodotus. Their influence spanned over three centuries (circa 700–300 BCE), serving as a dynamic link between sedentary societies in Europe and Asia, facilitating the exchange of technologies, languages, ideologies, and goods.
According to Encyclopedia Britannica, the Scythians were among the earliest horse riders, renowned for their military skills, especially archery. Originating from the region of modern-day Iran, they once held territories extending through Western Persia and parts of the Near East until they were eventually pushed northward by the Medes.
Archaeologist Luise Ørsted Brandt and her colleagues in PLOS One highlight that limited knowledge exists about the Scythians due to their lack of written records or monumental architecture. Much of what we understand comes from burial mounds and the writings of other civilizations.
Their research team examined leather artifacts found in burial mounds across Ukraine and discovered numerous leather fragments, although time had degraded many of these materials.
Section 1.2: Ancient Leather and Modern Techniques
The significance of leather in archaeological studies may not be immediately obvious, but it can reveal much about the lives of ancient peoples. Brandt and her team emphasize the importance of identifying animal species used in leather production, which can provide insights into cultural choices, functionality, and the beliefs tied to these objects.
Traditionally, identifying archaeological leather involved electron microscopy or DNA methods, which were often ineffective due to degradation over time. Now, advancements such as mass spectrometry (MS) and Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS) allow for more effective analysis of proteins and peptides.
These modern techniques have revealed that the leather artifacts were sourced from various animals, predominantly herd animals, indicating that the Scythians were skilled leather craftsmen. Different animals require distinct preparation methods, suggesting that their choices were influenced by availability and cultural significance.
Additionally, many graves contained quivers for arrows, underscoring the importance of archery in Scythian society. The analysis showed that these quivers were complex creations made from various types of leather, with some materials identified as human skin.
Herodotus had previously described the practice of using human skin, which adds a layer of credibility to his accounts. He noted that Scythians would take the skin from their fallen enemies to craft items like quiver covers, emphasizing the cultural significance of these trophies.
Chapter 2: The Legacy of Herodotus
In his Histories, Herodotus recounts that the Scythians would drink the blood of their first kill and present enemy heads to their king. The removal of skin for trophies was also a way to enhance their status. His claims about their rituals have been supported by archaeological evidence, which shows that royal funerals often involved self-mutilation by mourners, aligning with his descriptions.
Interestingly, the Scythians also displayed a fascination with Greek styles. Elite burial sites have revealed artifacts like sword scabbards and quivers adorned with Greek motifs, indicating either trade or cultural imitation.
Combining these findings offers a richer understanding of the Scythians, challenging traditional notions of what constitutes a great civilization.
A Different Perspective on Civilization
When we think of exemplary civilizations, names like Egypt, Persia, Greece, and China typically come to mind, characterized by their monumental architecture, settled societies, and written languages. However, the Scythians demonstrate that civilization can take on a different form.
Their empire was not defined by land but rather by their control over water sources, and their wealth stemmed from a mobile economy based on leather and pastoralism. Despite their fierce tribal identity, they were also skilled artisans, adept in both leather and gold craftsmanship.
Herodotus' accounts, once seen as mere tales, are now being validated through archaeological discoveries, revealing the Scythians as a "mobile bridge" between Eastern and Western societies. Though they left no written records, the remnants of their leather economy tell a compelling story that reshapes our understanding of historical civilizations.
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