Preserving the Dead in Peru, China, and Other Cultures

While Egypt is famous for mummification, the practice existed in many parts of the world long before and long after Egyptian dynasties flourished.

Peru: The Chinchorro Tradition

In Peru, the Chinchorro people developed some of the world’s oldest mummies—created thousands of years before Egypt’s. They used techniques like skin removal, body reconstruction, and painting to honor the dead.

China: Natural and Artificial Preservation

In China, elite burials such as the Lady Dai mummy from the Han Dynasty show advanced preservation methods. Some regions also produced naturally preserved mummies in cold or desert environments.

Other Global Traditions

Cultures in the Canary Islands, Siberia, and even parts of Europe practiced some form of mummification, often influenced by climate, religion, or social customs.

A Universal Desire

Despite differences in technique, mummification reflects a shared human belief in remembrance, respect, and the hope for an afterlife.