Mummification
Curated by Evelyn
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Background information on why this invention or innovation was needed by this civilization
Background information on why this invention or innovation was needed by this civilization
Early South American tribes were starting to mummify bodies as early as circa 5000 B.C. Mummification was later adopted in the Inca empire for multiple reasons. According to How Inca Mummies Ruled Over the Living (Pruitt), mummification was used as a way of "honoring their ancestors and preserving the connection between present and past."
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Impact of Mummification
Impact of Mummification
Mummification was used as a way to preserve culture, worship ancestors, and even expand the empire. Due to royal mummies that were surrounded by wealth and other valuables, there were often robbers. However royals weren't the only ones that were mummified, the Inca mummified all the dead.
How was mummifcation made?
How was mummifcation made?
The Inca empire didn't invent mummification but they had adopted it from those that were already practicing it. Compared to Egyptian mummification, Incan mummification is quite different. Mummies were often placed in the fetal position, wrapped, or placed in baskets or under large ceramic jars.
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Inca mummy
Inca mummy
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Egyptian mummy
Egyptian mummy
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Why is mummifcation historically important?
Why is mummifcation historically important?
When the Spanish arrived in South America, they were unsettled yet fascinated by the Inca's ritual practices. However the Spanish had still looted their tombs and even vandalizing some of the preserved mummies. Eventually in 1559, the Spanish decided to take all of the mummies in the Inca Empire. As archaeologists unearth more mummies we further learn more about the Inca empire. Such as their cultural beliefs, religious practices, and how they treated different social status.
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