NON ISATIS SED VITRUM OR, THE COLOUR OF LINDOW MAN

Abstract

Summary. As part of the examination of the fragments of a further human body recovered from Lindow Bog, Cheshire, samples of skin were examined using electron probe X‐ray micro‐analysis. The ionic composition showed an excess of aluminium, silica and copper, with traces of titanium and zinc. These are interpreted as the residues of clay‐based copper and other pigments applied to the body. The literary evidence of the use of body paint amongst the Britons is reviewed in the light of these analyses and the interpretation of Classical references in terms of woad‐painted Britons is questioned.