The Chinchorro mummification technique in present-day Chile and Peru

The Chinchorro people, who lived in what is now Chile and Peru, built no tombs, pyramids or even simple graves, which makes reconstructing their burial process extremely difficult. But the Chinchorro process of mummification is impressive. They removed the skin from the body, separated the muscles from the bones, and glued wood and leaves over the skeleton, precisely imitating the forms and contours of the living body. Then they glued the skin back on, added hair and inserted eyes. The mummies thus resemble statues made of biological material. To this day they are little studied and remain a genuine archaeological rarity. Since 1903, no more than 200 Chinchorro mummies have been found.

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September digest: archaeological finds, exhibitions, museums, theatre and the Church

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Frederic Leighton

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The Chinchorro mummification technique in present-day Chile and Peru

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September digest: archaeological finds, exhibitions, museums, theatre and the Church

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