Thousands of Inca Mummies Unearthed

kgarcia writes "National Geographic has an article about one of the most important archeological discoveries about the Incas in recent times. As much as 10,000 mummies were discovered in an ancient Incan graveyard, in cocoons containing as much as 7 mummies per bundle."

Comments

Oh, those scientific names...

[mfarah]

About 40 of the large mummy bundles are topped with false heads, known to archaeologists as falsas cabezas.

Well, no wonder... after all, that's exactly what "falsa cabeza" means.

Anyway, it's GREAT news that this site has been found in time... but I can already see the logistical trouble in keeping in good shape thousands of mummies, let alone all their artifacts.

Re:Oh man...

[Skoshi]

There are similar problems in most sites they find mummies or tombs at lately. In Alexandria, Egypt they had only a few weeks to excavate and save what they could from catacombs unearthed while building a bridge. As far as respect for the dead goes, mummification studies have come a long way since unwrapping parties in the early 1900's. Now scientists can study the remains via X-rays, CAT scans, endoscopy, and other non-destructive processes. After that, some of the more unusual mummies will probably be kept for further study, but a lot may be re-interred. Even if they didn't want to rebury at least some of the bodies, there is simply not enough funds, experts, or supplies available to keep them preserved.