Mummified male body, Peruvian, 800-1400

Mummified body, possibly that of a man, covered with a net, with grave goods including two string bundles, bracelet around left forearm, Peruvian, likely central coast region, 800-1400

This individual’s body was purchased on behalf of Henry Wellcome’s Historical Medical Museum from a London auction house in 1924, along with other Andean human remains. This was a time when human remains were often acquired for anthropological study, including to support the development of racist scientific theories.

Archaeological and anthropological observations, including bundles of cords around the limbs, suggest the body is likely to have originated from the central coast of Peru, although further research is needed to confirm this.

On burial, the body would likely have been seated in an upright position, with the knees tightly drawn up to the forearms. It was usually then wrapped in layers of fabric; although in this case has been covered with a net that may have been added later. There are deep impressions of textiles on the shoulders and thighs, and two beige string bundles are wrapped around the lower legs. A bracelet with white and black beads has been placed around the person's left forearm, and an earring is present in their right ear.