The Scientific Study of Mummies [Paperback]

Originally published in 2003, this is a lavishly illustrated reference volume on mummies and what can be learned from them worldwide.Many cultures have attempted to stop the decay of human and other bodies after death, but spontaneously mummified bodies are also found. By careful scientific study, much can be learned of the lives, deaths and health of the individuals to whom these remains belong. Covering how and why people preserve bodies, natural mummification, mummies worldwide, study methods and conservation, this lavishly illustrated work written by one of the leading researchers in the field will quickly become the major reference in paleopathology, archaeology and anthropology.Many cultures have attempted to stop the decay of human and other bodies after death, but spontaneously mummified bodies are also found. By careful scientific study, much can be learned of the lives, deaths and health of the individuals to whom these remains belong. Covering how and why people preserve bodies, natural mummification, mummies worldwide, study methods and conservation, this lavishly illustrated work written by one of the leading researchers in the field will quickly become the major reference in paleopathology, archaeology and anthropology.Mummies are studied to answer questions about the health, social standing, and beliefs of past human populations, and to reveal the lessons that they present to modern populations. This authoritative reference work explores the reasons why people mummify bodies and the mechanisms by which they are preserved. Arthur Aufderheide details study methods and surveys the myriad examples that can be found worldwide. In addition, he evaluates the use and abuse of mummified bodies throughout the ages, and discusses how mummified remains can be conserved for the future.Preface; Acknowledgements; 1. History of mummy studies; 2. Purpose of anthropogenic mummification; 3. Mechanisms of mummification; 4. The geography of mummies; 5. Soft tissue taphols3