DNA tests to seek modern relatives of 800 year old mummified boy

The images show scientists as they carefully peel away the cocoon - including birch bark and copper - which led to the  mummification of  a boy aged six or seven who lived close near to the modern town of Salekhard. The lower part of his face, including his teeth, become suddenly visible for the first time in around eight centuries.

DNA samples of the boy are being taken taken and will be compared with local indigenous Siberian groups to see if he has modern-day day relatives still in the region.

The child’s well preserved remains were found at the Zeleny Yar necropolis, previously seen as belonging to a mystery medieval civilization with links to Persia despite its position on the edge of the Arctic.

Work is also underway to recreate the boy’s face with the help of scientists in South Korea, and a discovery has been made that raw fish was integral to his diet. Read more.