The Tashtyk culture existed between the first century and the 600s CE of southern Siberia. They are known in archaeological circles for their elaborate burial customs. They would layer gypsum on the face of the deceased, to create colorful and lifelike death masks.
A particularly well-preserved Tashtyk man was discovered in the late 1960s in the Khakassia region. Removing the mask would damage the mummy. So previous generations of researchers wisely decided to leave the man as they had found him. Now, thanks to a CT scan, we have the ability to glimpse the man beneath the death mask. The Tashtyk man had a hole in his left temple made likely at or after death. It was probably how his brain was removed before the mask was painted on.
He also had a nasty cut across his left side which ran from his eye to his ear which was neatly sutured. The gash seems to have been fatal. But in keeping with the Tashtyk practices he was made to look nice before his final send-off.
