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Understanding Mummification: Processes, Types, and Insights from Preserved Remains

Mummification is a fascinating process that involves intentional and natural preservation of human remains. This overview explains the physiological changes post-death—such as rigor mortis, temperature drop, and the breakdown of tissues. It differentiates between Egyptian mummification, which utilized salts and chemicals for preservation, and natural mummification, which occurs under specific environmental conditions like cold, dry, or boggy settings. Additionally, preserved mummies provide valuable clues about the health and conditions of past individuals.

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Understanding Mummification: Processes, Types, and Insights from Preserved Remains

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  1. Mummification Notes

  2. At Death • Heart & Lungs stop functioning • Nutrients & Waste not taken care of • Cells move into anaerobic respiration  Lactic Acid • Blood pools in lower surfaces  Pale on Top, Dark on Bottom • Calcium permanently leaks into muscle cells  Permanent Contraction

  3. Timing • Neurological Cells die w/in 3min. • Skin & Bone Cells die w/in 3-7days. • Body Temperature  Room Temp w/in 12hours • Body Temperature  Cold w/in 24hours • Rigor Mortis w/in 3hours  Relaxation after 36hours

  4. Piggy Decomp… • http://www.deathonline.net/decomposition/decomposition/index.htm

  5. Rigor Mortis • Permanent Muscle Contraction & Stiffness • Maximum stiffness at 12hours • As Muscle degrades  Stiffness dissipates

  6. Grave Wax • White waxy substance • Accumulates in fatty areas • Bacteria digest fatty acids: • Enzymes + Water + Hydrogen + Fatty Acids • Produces soap residue • Abundance can preserve corpse + prevent “decomp” • However in presence of insects, this will not occur!

  7. “Decomp” • The breaking down of tissues • Triggers: • Body’s natural enzymes • Body’s natural bacteria • Environmental bacteria, chemicals, climate and insects • Will Happen In Presence Of: • Bacteria + Insects • Heat + Moisture

  8. Egyptian Mummification • Purposeful • Outer Tissue: • Dried w/ Salts + Chemicals • Salts + Alcohol will kill bacteria / insects • Covered in cloth, preventing moisture contamination • Inner Tissue: • Organs completely removed • Inside rubbed with Salts + Alcohol

  9. Natural Mummification • (The mummies we saw!) • Mummification not planned for: • “Accidental” • Absence of Insects, Bacteria + Moisture • Individuals buried like “normal” • Conditions: • Frozen • Bog • Dry & Arid

  10. Frozen Mummies • Extreme Cold Temperature • Tissue Dries Out  Absence of Liquid Water or Water Vapor • Absence of Bacteria & Insects • Causes: • People of arctic regions • Unfortunate, Untimely death • Accidental

  11. Bog Mummies • Bog = Type of wetland environment dense with dead plant matter. • Conditions: • Water extremely acidic • Temperature Cold • Lack of Oxygen • Absence of Bacteria • Causes: • Common in Murder Cases

  12. Dry & Arrid Mummies • Heat causes fast evaporation of water • Low Humidity (Very Dry Air) • Absence of Bacteria & Insects • Causes: • Normal Burial  Accidental Mummification • Unfortunate, Untimely Death

  13. Clues from Mummies • Use preserved tissue + bones to deduce health of individual. • Look for: • Bone disfiguration • Arthritis + Bone Spurs

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