Mummified male body
Chimu people, Peru, c1200-1400CE
This naturally preserved mummy is from the north coast of Peru,
where the Chimu buried their dead in mummy bundles. The body would
have been seated in an upright position (with the knees at the
face). The body was then wrapped in layers of fabric and a false
head attached to the bundle. It was then buried with personal
possessions, ritual objects and food offerings, revealing a strong
belief in a continuing existence after death.