The remains of a woman who died between 997 and 1162 and who was buried in a German graveyard were examined by scientists. They found brilliant blue flecks in the tartar of her teeth and analysis showed that these flecks were lapis lazuli, a vivid blue semi-precious stone that was ground up and used as a pigment, ultramarine, by those involved in making illuminated manuscripts. The pigment was expensive, being worth more than gold.
Illumination was once thought to be a male domain but these remains are evidence that women were also involved in the craft.
How did it get in her teeth?
Well, it is thought that she licked the tip of her paintbrush to form it into a point for more detailed work.
Alison Beach, a professor of medieval history at Ohio State University, quoted in an AP News article noted that "If she was using lapis lazuli, she was probably very, very good. She must have been artistically skilled and experienced."
It really is a wonderful find!
You can read more in the AP News article that Sara shared with me - click here.