A recent study has revealed evidence of ancient human mummification techniques, dating back up to 14,000 years in Southeast Asia, highlighting methods used by hunter-gatherers to prepare their dead for burial. Researchers analyzed 54 crouching burials in southern China, northern Vietnam, and Sumatra, finding signs of prolonged low-heat exposure, likely from smoke, which preserved the bodies.
These practices are similar to modern techniques observed in Papua New Guinea and suggest a sophisticated belief system regarding death and the afterlife. The study indicates that such mummification rituals may reflect humanity’s deep-seated desire for togetherness even after death.
Previously, mummification evidence was thought to originate primarily from cultures like the Chinchalo in Chile and ancient Egypt. This new finding not only pushes back timelines but also suggests that these Southeast Asian practices may have historical ties to broader migratory patterns from Africa.
The research involved advanced imaging techniques to uncover alterations in bone microstructure, affirming the hypothesis of smoke exposure. It underscores the importance of burial traditions as indicators of cultural connections and emotional bonds within human societies. The enduring nature of these practices emphasizes their significance across thousands of years.
Source link
