The secrets of the oldest mummies: Southeast Asia reveals its rituals!

The secrets of the oldest mummies: Southeast Asia reveals its rituals!

Latest research from Southeast Asia has fundamentally changed the image of early history mummification. In countries such as southern China, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia and Indonesia, it was discovered that communities there used systematic procedures to mummify people 12,000 years ago. These techniques included the use of smoke and controlled heat to preserve the body of the deceased. The results of this study were published in the specialist magazine "Proceedings" of the US National Academy of Sciences, "PNAS". The research team, led by HSIO-Chun Hung from Australian National University, found that these mummies come from hunters and collectors, some of which were buried in crouching or stored attitude and have burns.

The oldest found evidence of targeted mummification goes back up to 12,000 years. This is remarkable because similar procedures in dry climate zones, such as in ancient Egypt or at Chinchorro culture in Chile, are known, but have so far hardly been examined in the damp monsoon regions of Southeast Asia. The traditional funeral rituals, which exist in both the cultures and in today's indigenous companies in New Guinea and Australia, show fascinating cultural continuities.

Cultural practices and funeral rituals

The study analyzed data from 95 archaeological sites and provided evidence that mummification in Southeast Asia was practiced long before the well -known cultures in Egypt and South America. Funeral rituals varied between cultures, but also had similarities. In fact, some mummies could have the age of over 10,000 years old, which indicates that these communities had developed complex funeral traditions early on.

The bone analyzes showed significant features: the dead were buried in a compact posture, often without soft tissues and with the possibility that they were specifically dried before burial. The use of smoke to preserve the corpse represents a form of mummification that influenced not only local but also regional ritual practices.

Archaeological finds and their influence

In addition, the understanding of early history of Southeast Asia changes through new archaeological finds in the Philippines. Excavations on the islands of Mindoro and Palawan show that the early residents had advanced technological skills. The discovery of high -sea boats, dated around 40,000 years ago, questions the previous level of knowledge about maritime innovations in the region. Such progress could be connected to the mummification practices and cultural similarities in the region.

The new findings published in the magazine "Journal of Archaeological Science" could in future throw more light on the complex social structures and the exchange of knowledge between the different cultures of Southeast Asia. Similarities in funeral rites and technologies indicate that these communities have been connected to each other for thousands of years.

Overall, the research not only shows the diversity and complexity of the burial practices in the region, but also the continuing cultural relevance of these traditions, which exist up to the present. The results of the studies challenge us to look at the history of humanity in a new light and to better understand the connections between different cultures.

For further information on the latest discoveries and their extensive implications, see the detailed reports Vienna.at,, Science.de and Ice Tech.