Mummification is the process by which a dead human or animal may be preserved for a long duration by preventing its decomposition.It can occur naturally or it can be done intentionally.The mummification process is usually associated with ancient Egypt though there are numerous cultures around the world which have practiced it. The mummification process took seventy days. As a regional state university, the University of Tarapacá places a strong emphasis on the study, preservation, and promotion of Chile’s cultural heritage.
Beyond knowing the correct rituals and prayers to be performed at various stages, the priests also needed a detailed knowledge of human anatomy. 167), German archaeologist Max Uhle made a discovery that changed everything (Dhwty). Mummification is historically a process people strictly associate with the ancient Egyptian societies, depicted in television shows, movies, and other entertainment outlets. However, a group called the Chinchorro mummies in Chile, who used mummification processes as early as 5000 B.C. The third style of mummification used in Chinchorro society is the bandaged style. First, the deceased would be stripped of all their skin, organs, and brain and these cavities would be cleaned and the bones would be burned to remove all the liquid to prevent decay. See also: Mystery Of The Chinchorro Civilization And The World’s Oldest Mummies Mummification was an intimate process for the Chinchorro, said Veronica Silva, the head of the anthropology department at Chile's National Museum of … There were five types of mummification techniques that they used: natural mummification, black mummy technique, red mummy technique, mud coat technique and bandage technique. During the Mummification process, the heads were reconstructed using a black clay mask, and molded to match the person’s personality | Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons The oldest mummies belong to a people now referred to as the Chinchorro, who are believed to … His discovery was that of the Chinchorro Mummies. These mummification processes occurred chronologically as time went on. After the bodies had been skinned, it was reapplied in strips that resembled bandages. Special priests worked as embalmers, treating and wrapping the body. In Japan, the practice of mummification was an old custom beginning around 774 AD and enduring into the early 20th century. The Chinchorro mummification sequence has been described as 'reconstructed mummies'. The Egyptians constantly refined their mummification process, and by the New Kingdom period, they had perfected their techniques, so even today Roman Catholic Church follows them when preserving the bodies of deceased popes. Most of which consider Chinchorro mummification “a deeply religious act—a study in devotion.” Perhaps the Chinchorro believed that preserving the body would preserve the soul.