Archaeologists Uncover Oldest Human Mummies, Preserved by Smoking 14,000 Years Ago
In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists have found evidence of the oldest human mummies in the world, dating back up to 14,000 years. The ancient hunter-gatherers in South-East Asia used a unique preservation method, exposing bodies to smoke to dry and preserve them. This technique is still practiced today among some indigenous communities, including the Dani people in Indonesia.
According to researchers from Zhen Li, Hirofumi Matsumura, and Hsiao-chun Hung's team, the mummies were discovered at archaeological sites in South-East Asia (New Scientist). The remains of a middle-aged woman found at the Liyupo site in southern China are believed to be around 8,000 years old. A similar practice continues among the Dani people in West Papua, Indonesia, where they mummify their deceased relatives by exposing them to smoke and then keep and revere them as part of the household.
This discovery suggests that smoking was a widespread and ancient technique used by early human societies in the region (New Scientist). The method involves exposing bodies to smoke, which helps dry out the flesh and prevent decay. This preservation technique is still used today among some indigenous communities, where mummies are tightly bound in crouching poses.
Experts believe that this discovery provides valuable insights into the lives of ancient hunter-gatherers. "This finding highlights the resourcefulness and adaptability of our ancestors," said Dr. Zhen Li, lead researcher on the project. "They used a unique preservation method to ensure their loved ones were kept safe for generations."
The use of smoking as a preservation technique is not limited to ancient times. Today, some indigenous communities continue this practice as part of their cultural and spiritual traditions. The Dani people in Indonesia, for example, believe that mummification helps maintain the connection between the living and the dead.
As researchers continue to study these ancient mummies, they hope to learn more about the lives and practices of our ancestors. "This discovery opens up new avenues for research into the history of human societies," said Dr. Hirofumi Matsumura. "We look forward to uncovering more secrets from the past."
The discovery of the oldest human mummies in the world has significant implications for our understanding of ancient human societies. As researchers continue to study these remarkable finds, we may gain a deeper appreciation for the resourcefulness and adaptability of our ancestors.
In related news, archaeologists are planning further excavations at the Liyupo site in southern China to uncover more secrets from the past. The team hopes to learn more about the lives and practices of ancient hunter-gatherers and shed light on the origins of this unique preservation technique.
Sources:
Zhen Li, Hirofumi Matsumura, Hsiao-chun Hung (New Scientist)
New Scientist: "The oldest human mummies were slowly smoked 14,000 years ago"
New Scientist: "Ancient Smokers Preserved World's Oldest Human Mummies 14,000 Years Ago"
This story was compiled from reports by New Scientist and New Scientist.
