The Siberian Ice Maiden was found in a kurgan. This is a mound of rocks, shaped as a semi sphere. Wooden logs are used to assist the tomb and wood is also used for the coffin. Inside the tomb lays items the person holds dear. Through the use of wood in the tomb dendrochronologists can determine a rough estimate of the time period that the Ice Maiden was from. This is done through counting the rings on the timber. With the Ice Maiden laid six horses, representing escorts to the after life. Organic matter was examined from the horses. This shows that the woman was buried somewhere in spring. The dating of all wood materials show the burial took place approximately 5th century BCE.
Radiocarbon dating was also used. It was used to measure the amount of carbon in her hair, bones and the wood surrounding her. This reveals how old the items are.
It is possible that over the time that the Ice Maiden was buried, her chamber was flooded by continuous rain. Water made its way into the chamber, filling it up. The water froze, keeping everything inside in excellent condition for another 2,500 years. This has provided anthropologists with well persevered sources, allowing them to assume what life once was in the isolation of Siberia. Other scientists are astounded by how effective the ice was in preserving the Ice maiden. The Ice Maiden still had her pale skin (tanning shows deterioration) and blonde hair. Also because the body was well preserved, scientists were allowed to analyses the Maidens last meal. Vegetables were her last meal and she was said to have had these 6-8 hours before her death.
Radiocarbon dating was also used. It was used to measure the amount of carbon in her hair, bones and the wood surrounding her. This reveals how old the items are.
It is possible that over the time that the Ice Maiden was buried, her chamber was flooded by continuous rain. Water made its way into the chamber, filling it up. The water froze, keeping everything inside in excellent condition for another 2,500 years. This has provided anthropologists with well persevered sources, allowing them to assume what life once was in the isolation of Siberia. Other scientists are astounded by how effective the ice was in preserving the Ice maiden. The Ice Maiden still had her pale skin (tanning shows deterioration) and blonde hair. Also because the body was well preserved, scientists were allowed to analyses the Maidens last meal. Vegetables were her last meal and she was said to have had these 6-8 hours before her death.