Forensic Reconstruction of Ancient Mummies

Mummification

Mummification occurs in hot dry environments where the body can dehydrate quickly and bacterial action is minimised.  The process can take place in days or weeks and the skin would appear dark, leathery and dry while the internal organs would desiccate and reduce in size.  In arid environments this can occur at any time and embalming of a body can ensure this takes place as has often been found with bodies that have been preserved for millennia in Egyptian tombs. In temperate climates mummification is most likely to occur in summer months (Dix and Graham, 2000; Mann et al 1990).