Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
The chemical reactivity of materials increases as the temperature
increases and diminishes as it is lowered. Freezing conditions, at which the
reactivity of most biological matter is very low, provide an appropriate envi-
ronment for the preservation of biological matter and, therefore, for the
natural mummification of corpses. Frozen remains of dead animals, for
example, are generally preserved for extremely long periods of time, some
occasionally being uncovered after many thousands (or even millions) of
years, still in a good state of preservation. Although quite rare, such frozen
remains often include the practically unaltered skin, hair, soft inner tissues,
and occasionally even the last meal before death of the animal. Striking
examples of well-preserved frozen mummies are those of Inca children dis-
covered in a relatively good state of preservation in the heights of the Andes
FIGURE 81
Naturally mummified corpse
. The naturally mummified corpse of a child,
northern Chile. Natural mummification occurs under favorable soils and climate condi-
tions, particularly in cold or arid regions and in peat bogs. Their tattoos, clothing, and
accompanying tools provide clues as to their everyday lives. With the modern advances
in archaeological sciences, the study of mummified remains has grown increasingly
sophisticated: the analysis of blood and DNA from mummies provide genetic and
medical information; the contents of the stomach reveals data on local ecology and
subsistence, and trace analysis of specific tissues can disclose exposure to particular,
sometimes toxic, elements.
