The Taphonomy of Natural Mummies

This chapter focuses on taphonomic processes that lead to, and affect, mummified human remains. It provides an overview of natural mummification processes and the taphonomy of such bodies, applicable to both the archaeological and forensic settings. The importance of knowing the environment from which the mummified remains were recovered, and the climatic conditions from the time period that the individual was alive, are key factors in understanding the study of such mummies. During the study of mummified remains, it is also essential to consider additional bioarchaeological information about culture, including funerary and mortuary practices that may impede the natural decomposition process. Various environments and conditions have the potential to disrupt the natural stages of decomposition, resulting in different states of preserved remains. Once mummification has occurred, the taphonomic impact is still apparent, regardless of the extent or degree of mummification.