Mummies Anthropology

This current event investigated by CNN involves the unearthing of 8 mummies in Luxor, Southern egypt by an Egyptian archaeological team. The team was able to reveal an entrance to both a main tomb and joint tombs. With this discovery a collection of sarcophagi and linen wrapped mummies were found. Along with the discovery of the mummies, figurines and clay pots were found as well. The anthropological theories evident in this current event is the attributes of culture and its connection the one of the four fields of anthropology. The hieroglyphs commonly found inside coffins is a form of history and the mummification process is a tradition learned throughout generations. The field of anthropology that this current event connects to is the field …show more content…
Families continued rituals beyond the individual's death in order to help guide them throughout their time in the afterlife (Meskell 2001, 32). Families followed many steps in order to keep those dead “alive” in the afterlife. Individuals were placed in coffins as a way to give them a space to regenerate (Meskell 2001, 32). Families also placed items such as food, clothing, and furniture in their coffins/tombs that were enjoyed during their life on earth in order to be enjoyed in the afterlife as well (Sluglett 1990, 118). To retain entrance to the afterlife the whole body of the individual must remain intact. Another necessity to gain entrance to the afterlife is to keep some form of the individual present in daily life such as scriptures, pictures, or accomplishments. It is important for family to keep any representations of their deceased family present in order to keep their spirit alive in the afterlife. Thutmosis III, a pharaoh from ancient egypt, wanted to reduce any chance of his step-mom Hatshepsut from entering the afterlife so, he tried to ruin all evidence of her existence (Mertz 2009, 158). Family ties on earth is what helped keep those who are dead still connected allowing them to …show more content…
During the American civil war the wrappings of mummies were used for papermaking. The wrappings and papyrus fillings were also used to make brown wrapping paper. Egyptians also used mummies to their benefit as fuel for their locomotives (Sluglett 1990, 117). Worship of the deceased has still been seen from the time of ancient egypt to modern day. In the Victorian era it was common for something such as “post-mortem photography” to occur. This is when those who have died are posed in a family portrait to get a photo of them in the last form of himself on earth. Mummification is a form of worshipping the deceased still seen to this

Show More

Pathology: Tooth Enamel and Multidisciplinary Approach Essay examples

Chicago Sights Essay

Mummies Anthropology

Related Documents: Mummies Anthropology

Pathology: Tooth Enamel and Multidisciplinary Approach Essay examples

Chicago Sights Essay