For he who has most scalps for hand towels is judged the best man

December 20, 2023 6:36 AM

Recent analysis of Scythian grave goods found various kind of leather, including leather made out of people.

The linked article is both open access and peer reviewed. The Scythians have previously appeared on the blue.

posted by cupcakeninja (8 comments total)

My favorite niche genre of academic study is "Herodotus: not as full of it as you thought!"
posted by cupcakeninja at 6:38 AM on December 20, 2023 [26 favorites]

Scythians- Maker of cannabis bonfires and human leather! Hail!
posted by Liquidwolf at 7:34 AM on December 20, 2023 [2 favorites]

"Scythians possessed sophisticated leather production technologies that ensured stable supply of this essential material." I note that the Abstract fails to make a pronouncement on the culture's supply of enemy warriors. Interesting post, cupcakeninja. Thanks!
posted by Bella Donna at 7:37 AM on December 20, 2023 [2 favorites]

Now, more than ever, I realize I was born at the right time. I would not have made a good Scythian.
posted by tommasz at 8:13 AM on December 20, 2023 [3 favorites]

I would not have made a good Scythian

But possibly a great pair of shoes.
posted by mittens at 8:21 AM on December 20, 2023 [24 favorites]

Now do the Corinthians. I hear they made some fine leather.
posted by The Bellman at 8:43 AM on December 20, 2023 [4 favorites]

Now do the Corinthians. I hear they made some fine leather.

*shakes fist*

KHAAAN!
posted by kinnakeet at 9:59 AM on December 20, 2023 [2 favorites]

Joseph-Nicolas Pancrace Royer - La marche des Scythes (Marco Mencoboni, harpsichord)
posted by polytope subirb enby-of-piano-dice at 3:37 AM on December 21, 2023 [1 favorite]