Mysterious Mummies

There was a transition period between black and red mummies. In Arica, black mummies with red and yellow painted bands on their chest and arms were dated to 2800+/-155 BCE (Arriaza 1995b). The following red mummy period lasted 480 years, from about 2570 to 2090 BCE (Arriaza 1995a).

 

The bodies of red mummies went through a similar early process to the black mummies. Instead of being dismembered, however, incisions were made to remove organs (Arriaza et al. 2005). They were given a human hair wig attached with manganese paste. Sticks and cords were used to reinforce the body and it was once again filled to resemble its original shape. White ash paste was then applied, followed by the skin and then red ocher paint. Faces were painted with black manganese paint (Arriaza 1995b).