Preserved Human Bodies
Publication Name
Handbook of Archaeological Sciences, Volume 1, Second Edition
Abstract
Fascination with the exceptional survival of human remains has been of fundamental significance cross-culturally for millennia. This chapter discusses reflections on two contrasting assemblages that offer valuable insight into curation practice – The ‘National Museum of Ireland Bog Bodies Research Project’ and the ‘Wellcome Collection Mummy Project’, in combination with experimental observations of mummification and desiccation at the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research. They each highlights the importance and wide-reaching benefits of a carefully planned multi-disciplinary approach to the examination of well-preserved remains and highlights the importance of public interest in preserved bodies. Radiographic imaging has long been used in clinical practice, pathology, and the study of preserved human bodies. The biomolecular integrity of preserved bodies is now considered as important as the physical evidence, with the information potential of bioarchaeological evidence an important stimulus for research.
Open Access Status
This publication is not available as open access
First Page
453
Last Page
475