Yemeni Mummies: Ahistory Between Preservation and Loss

Document Type : scientific articles

Authors

1 Master of Restoration and Maintenance.. Director of Information Systems at the College of Arts and Humanities... and instructor for the course Introduction to the Maintenance and Restoration of Antiquities, as well as the course for

2 أستاذ الأثار القديمة والأنثروبولوجيا الفيزيقية

Abstract

Yemen is considered to be one of the countries that has developed a technique for preserving and mummifying bodies using aromatic plant materials found in the Yemeni environment. The practice of mummification is not only a religious tradition associated with the belief in resurrection and afterlife but also a scientific and artistic skill performed by knowledgeable individuals, often priests, who possess expertise in natural sciences, climate, plant properties, and human body preservation. However, these mummies are currently facing systematic destruction, with many of them being lost.

Unfortunately, the continuous disruption and destruction of burial sites, particularly the rock-cut tombs containing numerous mummies, have resulted in the loss of a significant national treasure that holds great importance in Yemen's history and civilization.

Despite the unveiling of several mummies, their preservation has not been carried out with the necessary scientific rigor in some aspects. They have deteriorated significantly due to the lack of ideal environmental and treatment conditions needed for their preservation. Additionally, the lack of proper care has made them vulnerable to loss and decay.

Keywords

Journal of Heritage and Design

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 29 June 2024

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics