The multimodal chemical study of pre-Columbian Peruvian mummies

Abstract

<p>In the pre-Hispanic Central Andes, the mummified bodies of ancestors stood as the basis for the social and cosmic order. This work discusses chemical compositions of the bodies determined by using molecular and elemental analytical methods.</p>

Radiocarbon Dating of Pre-Columbian Peruvian Funerary Bundles of the Chancay Culture

“…Unfortunately, only around 500 bundles remained intact, as the site had been looted heavily in the past. Nevertheless, analysis of these bundles allowed the reconstruction of the funerary ritual step by step, including such processes as face painting, embalming, finger knotting and wrapping (van Dalen and Majchrzak in press; van Dalen et al in press). What caught our attention was the great diversity among the bundles, especially concerning the quantity and quality of textiles personal ornaments.…”