Rites of Paracas Culture, Preparations of the Dead

Dr David J Guzman National Museum of El Salvador, San Salvador

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Rites of Paracas Culture.

Began with the preparation of bodies for burial that included the removal of organs through the chest (heart, intestines, lungs, and stomach) and brain through the nostrils

After the process was about to bathe the body with a mixture of different balming substances that allow conservation body for a long time and finally was disposed to sun or fire to smoke for the reason the mummies of this culture have a smoky look). Then the mummy was reduced to its minimum size to be wrapped in blankets.

Mummy wrapped seen after removing the first layer of cloth.

Cross section of funerary bundle which shows the shape of the envelope funeral.

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Supplementary images:

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Rites of Paracas Culture, Preparations of the Dead

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Source:  San Salvador, El Salvador