Aztec mummy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Aztec mummy refers to an intentionally prepared or naturally desiccated human body of Aztec origin.
Distinctions must be made between intentionally prepared Aztec mummies and mummies resulting from natural desiccation. Prepared Aztec mummy “bundles” consist of the remains of the deceased placed in a woven bag or wrap which was often adorned with a ceremonial mask.[1] Most of the more widely known examples of Aztec mummies, which formed the basis of popular traveling exhibitions[2] and museum exhibits[3] in the 19th century, were likely the product of natural desiccation rather than an intentional mummification process.
Unlike Egyptian mummies, which were typically placed in an extended supine position within a sarcophagus, Aztec mummies were typically placed in seated positions. To maintain the pose of the body, the remains were often secured within a cloth wrapping, sometimes with rope.
