Illustration Pazyryk Carpet (IMAGE) Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg Caption Fermenting sheep's wool before it is dyed increases the brilliance and longevity of the colour. Fermented wool can be identified by the raised position of the layers of the cuticle along the fibres or by the characteristic distribution of pigments across the cross-section of the fibres. The latter is shown in the x-ray fluorescence images (left). The cuticle layer has fallen off the samples of fibre from the Pazyryk carpet (right). The influence of the fermentation process is still visible by comparing the fluorescence images (bottom) with those of recently dyed samples. Credit FAU/Dr. Andreas Späth Usage Restrictions Please name always the source of the Image. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.