In the past, autoptic examinations were usually performed for research. This type of examination, for obvious reasons, did not appeal to paleopathologists as these procedures potentially damaged the finds destined to musealization. Since the discovery of X-ray, radiology has been used to study mummies as a noninvasive technique. The radiology of mummies allows us to discover pathologies, to elaborate on the type of ritual mummification for the artificial embalming, to comprehend the diagenetic process that guaranteed a natural mummification, or to conclude anthropological identification. We present a review on the latest studies on mummies that have shown that the radiological approach has been essential to conduct research.
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Article Synopsis
- The Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo have housed mummified remains of non-adults since the 17th century, but research on these individuals from 1787-1880 CE is limited.
- This study examined 43 mummified non-adults to assess their health, causes of death, and funerary practices, utilizing portable X-ray technology for insights into their conditions and mummification.
- Findings show that funerary rites were influenced by the deceased's family's wealth rather than health status, with individuals often dying from short-term illnesses and displaying various artifacts related to mummification and conservation.
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