#mortuary practices

[thepastisalreadywritten]

Chinchorro Mummies

Chinchorro mummies, including the example you mention from around 5020 BC, in the Atacama Desert, represent some of the oldest known intentionally preserved human remains in the world.

These mummies predate the more famous Egyptian mummies by thousands of years, showcasing the advanced mortuary practices of the Chinchorro people, a preceramic culture that lived along the coasts of present-day northern Chile and southern Peru.

The extreme dryness of the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, played a crucial role in the natural preservation of these remains.

The lack of moisture in the environment inhibited the growth of bacteria, which are typically responsible for decomposition, allowing soft tissues, hair, and even clothing to survive for millennia.

What sets Chinchorro mummies apart is that this culture practiced intentional mummification, beginning as early as 5000 BC.

They developed intricate techniques that included removing the skin and organs, reinforcing the body with sticks and clay, and sometimes painting the exterior, often with black manganese or red ochre.

This practice suggests that the Chinchorro people had a profound respect for their dead, possibly seeing mummification as a way to maintain a connection with their ancestors.

The mummy in the photo is a poignant example of how the Chinchorro culture intertwined with the unique environmental conditions of the Atacama Desert to create a lasting legacy.

These preserved individuals offer a rare and invaluable glimpse into life and death in the ancient world, as well as the technological ingenuity of a civilization that thrived long before written history.

[kobivardi]

These microliths were found in an excavation done by the Israel Antiquities Authority next to Mashabei Sade. The excavtion at the site (a mortuary complex) yielded finds from Yemen (2000km distant!!!!). This is the first time that such tool were found in Israel.

Read our Paper

Download link https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1k8X9Vu805qRU

[avayarising]

I think that one is be an autopsy thing. I’ve seen an autopsy and though I don’t remember a tongue sample specifically I do remember that various organs get removed and weighed and checked over and slices of brain get removed for analysis.

So I just had a small realization.

TW: Very rough description of autopsy procedures and handling of a corpse.

I haven't done much research so I could be getting somethings wrong, so if you are a medical examiner/mortician and you want to correct something, go ahead, I'd be up to learn more about autopsies just for curiosity sake.

So we all know when Jason came back to life he crawled out of his grave, which is already a horrible. But something I only just thought about is how, when he first came back in that coffin, he wouldn't be able to open his eyes or mouth.

Depending on the protocol for autopsies in Gotham, his eyes could be glued shut or held shut with contact like things that have tiny spikes that dig into the eyelid keeping it in place.

And as for his mouth, again this depends on what exactly the medical examiner that handled Jason's autopsy does because there are a few ways to keep a deceased person's mouth shut post-mortem. One is to sew the mouth closed, another is by using a special mouthguard that contains tiny spikes on the outer surface that keeps the mouth closed permanently....

So yeah, I realized all this and felt really sad because Jason has already gone through so much, and adding these small details build an even bigger picture of just how traumatizing it would be.

[artifacts-and-arthropods]

Life-Sized Mortuary Doll from Siberia, c.250 CE: a small pouch filled with cremated human remains was tucked into the body of this mannequin, which was then stuffed with grass, dressed in furs, and buried

The mannequin measures about 1.5 meters (nearly 5 feet) tall, and it was crafted out of leather, fur, woollen fabric, tendon thread, silk, and grass. This is one of several mortuary dolls that have been found at the burial complex known as Oglakhty cemetery, which is located in the Oglakhty mountains of southern Siberia.

The mannequin's face was created from a patch of red woollen fabric; a rolled-up piece of leather was tucked beneath that patch in order to create the shape of the nose, while leather flaps were used to form the ears. Several black lines were also drawn across the face using charcoal.

The mannequin was positioned with its head resting atop a leather cushion filled with grass and reindeer fur.

Oglakhty cemetery is associated with the Tashtyk culture of southern Siberia. This article describes their unique burial practices, which often included a mix of mummification and cremation rituals:

The communities belonging to this group left numerous burial sites with an expressive funeral rite famous for its tradition of funeral masks and ‘dummies’: leather-made models of human bodies up to 1.5m in length, stuffed with grass, and  containing charred human bones.

Of special interest is the fact that different rites were used to bury individuals in the same grave: the mummies and dummies both contained human bones. Remains of the mummies, i.e. dry bodies with trepanned skulls and faces covered with gypsum masks were lying side by side with the dummies.

And as this article notes:

These mannequins or so-called ‘dolls’ are the only surviving examples of burials of this type.

It's believed that the mannequins are dressed in clothing that was originally worn by the dead people they represent. Some of the mannequins also have plaits of human hair that were likely taken from the dead just prior to cremation; the hair was then used to form neatly-braided hairpieces that were typically placed upon the mannequins' heads.

Many of the graves at Oglakhty cemetery exhibit a peculiar mix of both inhumation and cremation. That blend of rituals is often attributed to the arrival of peoples/traditions from other regions, and the cultural diffusion that gradually occurred as a result:

Different ways of burying people in the same graves in the early Tashtyk cemeteries may reflect their different origins: descendants of local population and immigrants living and buried alongside each other.

Sources & More Info:

Antiquity: Pastoralists and Mobility in the Oglakhty Cemetery of Southern Siberia

Masters of the Steppe: Mummies and Mannequins from the Oglakhty Cemetery in Southern Siberia

Quarternary International: New Results of Radiocarbon Dating from the Oglakhty Cemetery

Research Square: First Ancient DNA Analysis of Mummies from the Post-Scythian Oglakhty Cemetery

Archeotravelers: The Face Hidden Behind the Mask

Great Sites of the Ancient World: Siberia's Oglakhty Mountains

[ravencromwell]

CW: death CW: mortuary practice

I think it was in the brilliant Muffinworry's Silver I first discovered the idea of Vortalis' bones beneath Astrid Dane's floor. And for a good year, this deeply haunting concept just percolated in the fannish soup. Until the advent of last semester's Art History survey courses. Because within those courses, I got to have an all-to-brief glimpse of the unique mortuary architecture of Çatalhöyük. This neolithic village incorporated the dead's remains into their houses. They were nestled in benches, or foundations. In at least one case, the people of a dwelling seemingly "slept on platforms beneath which their parents and grandparents were buried". With the obvious caveat it's presumptuous as fuck to think we definitely know what historical individuals about whom we have scanty record were thinking, it certainly suggests profound comfort in closeness with their dead.

Which led almost immediately to: this tradition could easily exist as form of reverence in Makt. After all, it is skin, blood, etc. which hold magic; particularly in a post-cataclysm world, it might be considered good luck indeed to hold whatever scraps of magic the dead retain—whatever did not disperse into the funeral dishes of earth and water—close at hand.

Which naturally got me thinking about an Astrid not sacrilegious in our modern! sense—literally walking on bones—but sacrilegious because when she took bones of all those citizens, she appropriated the blessings they should be bringing for their families for herself and Athos. And stripped away ability to know your dead were close at hand, _guarding you. They were instead in a palace you would have no reason to access, guarding the Pale Twins who you hated.

And for Holland in specific, who Vor would have wanted to take the throne if he could no longer hold it, whereupon he would have been guarding the prosperity of Holland's reign. To put them right between the thrones would be too perfect an irony. So Holland would be forced to kneel atop them and remember that in failing to attain. not even vengeance but _justice. He, who valued everything sacred, was absolutely furious at some cigar ash on some long _dead _trees that might. Or might not. Have been the last stand of magic. He had failed to kill the people perverting one of the most sacred rituals.

Kell? _HATES stepping on that piece of floor so! bad it always feels like it's pitching wildly and he's about to tip on his ass. And he will _never understand it's just Vor furiously going 'get your goddamn act together and do! something to HELP! (Kell should have known something was so fucking wrong when there was no vertigo on his way out the throne room the night, they were planning to give him Vitari. Even Vor was like well, you done waited too long and fucked up good and proper for your world too, kid. It would've been unkind to make him fall into the bargain.)

This also has me thinking about a Holland prior to Vor who, both because he moved so constantly and felt _responsible for Talya's and Alox's deaths left them to be utilized in blessing others because he had no right to their protection.

[thanatoseyes]

My paired down list of spirit work and death magic. (Obviously this is what works for me and I'm kind of a picky person when I aquire written work)

Physical Media:

Cunning Words: A Grimoire of Tales and Magic by Marshall WSL (This one I pre-ordered and haven't gotten through the whole text but it's a good read. It incorporates the art of story telling with distinct spells and magic. I think it's very unique but I wouldn't recommend it unless you want something with flavor)

Riding the Bones by the three little sisters (this one is an anthology of particular practices from different walks of life pertaining to death and transition. I've only read a few of the stories but for what it's worth I think its good insight)

Botanical Curses and Poisons by Fez Inkwright (I only list this because it's always good to know what's good and bad for you. Know what can kill you and you can probably avoid it)

The Bones Fall in A Spiral by Mortellus (again I've mentioned this before but I think this is a good work for someone getting into the field and needs someone that's direct and experienced in what they do. One of my favorites.

Consorting with Spirits by Jason Miller (I feel like this is a staple of the craft and while I personally don't connect with the material it works and it has some good points)

Metamorphosis by Ovid (I think it's always necessary to deal with primary texts. Go with the classics. Ovid has a beautiful way of writing and you get to really understand the stories and myths that spirits of the dead living etc are connected to and if you do any deity work I highly recommend it.)

Of Blood and Bone by Kate Freuler (I have mixed views on this one. some of the stuff is informative and it provides some good spells, but it lacks transparency and depth. I find Mortellus book far more student minded.)

The complete language of flowers by S. Theresa Dietz (if you work with the dead, deities, spirits or hey plant spirits. Chances are you've come across Victorian flower language. I use this book as a reference guide for symbolism/folklore/ and as a way to connecting with spirits)

Encyclopedia of Spirits by Judika Illes (hey no library is complete without an encyclopedia. I personally like this one because it's very indepth without being too overwhelming. Not sure where to go? Just pick up this book and you can do more indepth research later. It's what it's there for. Reference guides are one of my favorites.)

Okay that's it for my physical media.

I also have a list of digital copies I keep.

Morbid Magic by Tomàs Prower (I think if you buy any book from this collection buy this one. It gives you an over all guide of most death practices around the world)

Historical:

Death, Dissection and the Destitute by Ruth Richardson

The Work of the Dead by Thomas W. Laqueur.

(I list these because they are a good source guide to how we treated the dead and spirits in the past. It's always important we learn from those that came before us.)

Greek Customs: (if you're going to do any type of work with Greek chthonic deities I suggest these three articles/books. I'm not saying its mandatory but these are very helpful guides to understanding ancient thought and how to bring them into today.)

Burial Customs, The Afterlife and the Pollution of Death in ancient Greece by Francois Pieter Retief and Louise Cilliers (free on research gate)

Underworld Gods in Ancient Greek Religion Death and Reciprocity by Ellie Mackin Roberts

Inner Purity and Pollution in Greek Religion Volume 1 by Andrej Petrovic and Ivana Petrovic (this one's my personal favorite)

[courier6]

my babies from over the years :)

[vulcaner]

[k1d-stfu]

how did your first service go?!

Pretty good, it was more aesthetic thing (closing and cleaning the mouth, blocking conducts...), so is wasn't difficult, but i'm proud how it turned.

[prehistoricpatristics]

Why didn't someone tell me that researching a niche area of archaeology would be difficult... its almost as if there's barely any research on this... who could have known... :'D

[plainthroat]

Picture me and my metal head friend on the tiki bar patio talking about mortuary work suicide and taxidermy

[womb-complex]

my poor babyyy

[mhaccunoval]

'this is a juan, not a juanita' dios mio...

[neonicclover]

I think it's only right that I get the special vip little birthday boy subject treatment and opportunity to aid science and humanity. I also need a pretty doctor who makes sure I'm doing well not because they actually care but because it's important for the process to know but like that's better to me actually.

also to clarify, it's my right because I've probably been isolated in my family's home for about uhh most of my life. I don't want to sound dramatic otherwise I'd give a est. percentage. I have been out of the house of course, but it's very dispersed throughout the years.

[karmaphone]

🤢.🤢

[blood-smiles]

𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐋𝐘 𝐇𝐎𝐓!

꒦﹋ٜ۪ꥇ໋۬ ꒷꒦﹋ٜ۪ꥇ໋۬ ꒷꒦﹋ٜ۪ꥇ໋۬꒷꒦﹋ٜ۪ꥇ໋۬ ꒷꒦﹋ٜ۪ꥇ໋۬ ꒷꒦﹋ٜ۪ꥇ໋۬ ꒷꒦﹋ٜ

↝ 𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐄! 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐍 ���� 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑 — TW : yandere character . SFW . Kissing . Slightly suggestive but nothing happens… yet ⁽⁽٩(๑˃̶͈̀ ᗨ ˂̶͈́)۶⁾⁾

꒦﹋ٜ۪ꥇ໋۬ ꒷꒦﹋ٜ۪ꥇ໋۬ ꒷꒦﹋ٜ۪ꥇ໋۬꒷꒦﹋ٜ۪ꥇ໋۬ ꒷꒦﹋ٜ۪ꥇ໋۬ ꒷꒦﹋ٜ۪ꥇ໋۬ ꒷꒦﹋ٜ

So.. You had a crush.

And not a little one, but like a BIG one, possibly the size of a house.

You loved your job because you got to see him everyday, your huge little crush. It may sound cruel, but you were happy that so many people died and needed to get fixed up— So that you could go see the beauty that your heart craves.

Dario Spade. A tall, ravenette with cheekbones that put live action Maleficent to shame, eyes bright as emeralds, chartreuse irises that you could get lost in any day of the week.

You sighed dreamily, wheeling in a dead body with a white sheet over it on a trolley. Your heart beat in your chest with the intensity of a war drum, delicate butterfly wings brushing against the walls of your stomach in a flurry.

You peeked your head into the room where the long haired male stood, writing something down in a black leather notebook.

You gently knocked on the door frame, your hands smoothing your hair before clearing your throat.

“Heeeeey.. What’s cooking, good looking?” You flirted hopelessly, your ancestors face palming from above at your courting attempts.

You leaned against the trolley, sending you stumbling forwards, thankfully Dario had moved swiftly and caught you in his arms.

“(Y—Y/N)!” He called your name with a soft tone of surprise, you batted your eyelashes, the gentle sound of his voice really did feel like the angels were singing a ballad just for you.

His lips moved to form words, and you just stared shamelessly, not even trying to hide your obvious infatuation.

His teeth were pearl white, straight and somehow attractive. You blinked slowly, nodding your head and smiling at whatever he was saying.

Dario.. The man that you are. You thought with no shame as you fidgeted with the buttons of your uniform.

Dario could just stare at you forever, but he didn’t want to scare you off so he just started clearing out the patient bed and carefully placing the new cadaver on the metallic chair.

“What are you doing?” You asked thoughtfully, leaning over to check out what the process of embalming was.

“Just.. Draining blood.” He murmured, looking at you from under his hair, a soft blush forming on his almost sickly pale skin.

“(Y/N).. A-Are you allowed to be here? I think.. That you might get in trouble if your supervisor notices..” 

You shook your head, ironing your shirt down with your palms, cooking up a reply to his sweet concern.

“Nuh-uh.. But you know I would kiss a rotting cadaver for you Even if that meant getting fired.” You watched how his body seized up with embarrassment, cheeks burning red again at your strange remarks.

Somehow it worked.

He swiped his split tongue over his bottom lip, a flustered whisper leaving his lips. You didn’t even know what he said, you were too focused on his tongue.

..His tongue must work wonders.

You forced your gaze up, looking into his eyes, only to find that they were already staring at you.

His hand fidgeted with a scalpel in his bony hand, mentally mapping out where he would make small incisions.

He could also practice.. cutting meat for you, so when you come home tired from work he can cut something up for you and feed you.

Just the thought of having a relationship as intimate and domestic like that made blood run south.

Now that he thought about it..

His house wasn’t very far from the mortuary, it was a quaint little flat with little light, just enough for one person or perhaps two.

“A-After I’m done with him would you..” he paused, eyes closing tight as the words climbed up his throat “—Would you like to have some tea with me back at my place?”

He did it, phew. He could swear that blood was about to start dripping down his nose, pressure built up in his chest as he awaited your answer.

“Hell yes.” You didn’t even blink while answering him, a dopey grin breaking out on your lips as you heard the words that you had been hoping for so long.

The drive to his house was smooth, instead of looking out the window at the scenery you found yourself staring at his pretty side profile.

What hair products did he use? No matter what day or hour it was, you always found that the raven hair atop his head was always styled and pristine, glossy even under the dim and cheap lighting of the mortuary.

You had noticed that he had put in some jewelry into his skin, something you were completely unaware about but somehow even more enamored by.

Your dear admirer almost bit a hole through one of his cheeks, his teeth nervously chewing on the soft skin of his inner cheek. It was so hard for Dario to drive and look at you at the same time, it was driving him nuts— It was like a dream having you in his passenger seat.

He had been so nervous since this morning, during his shower he had made up his mind about telling you what he really felt about you— How he followed you home everyday, how he knew things about you that even your own mother didn’t know!

That he sleeps in the same bed with you when you have nightmares, that he watches you bathe and fingers himself on your bed. Today, he made up his mind. He was going to make out with you until you saw stars— Today. He was going to make you allll his.

Dario stood behind you, his palm brushing the small of your back. Your inquisitive eyes roamed his apartment, the first item to greet you being a taxidermy mount of a deer on the wall, you blinked slowly, nodding your head as if approving of the internal decoration.

You were guided to a comfy couch, you know, like the ones that are so incredibly comfortable that you never want to get up from there ever again.

Dario came back to you with impeccable timing, two porcelain teacups in hand, a pleasant odor coming from the both of them, (favorite flavor) tea and.. Damiana tea?

You hummed, thanking him and taking the cup from his hand, sipping contently your warm beverage.

Dario sat beside you, you faced him and he did the same, his knee bounced anxiously.

He looked nervous, his fist tightened around his knee, trying to look into your eyes for longer than two seconds.

His mind completely blank, shit. What was he supposed to say? How was he supposed to ease you into his confession?

“Remember when we met?” You asked with an understanding smile, helping him out on the conversation topic. His face lit up and a fond smile spread over his face at the precious memories.

The old guy who used to work in your position died, Dario was apprehensive about anyone else other than him really coming into contact. 

He never had an easy time making friends or communicating with others, he felt as if every time he would open his mouth to speak he would get overshadowed by a more extroverted person, or get strange looks for simply commenting on something.

So naturally he was suspicious of you. Were you one of those people who only wanted to befriend him to look better in others eyes? 

He was originally pretty cold and rude to you, he couldn’t allow anyone else into his heart. Not when so many had taken it for granted and trampled all over it like it was nothing.

Dario watched you try and try again to befriend him, he genuinely thought that soon you would grow tired and begin giving the treatment that he gave you. Once, a time he truly regrets, he lashed out on you, going as far as pushing you into a desk corner, accidentally hurting you.

Yet you still stood there, despite getting humiliated and in this occasion, injured, you still mustered a smile, apologizing to him about coming on too hard. 

His heart cracked a little, he looked deep into your eyes, searching for a sign of malice— That you wanted to hurt him too, but he found nothing other than empathy and.. comprehension.

That day his heart melted, Dario let his walls down a little, enough for you to peek at his true self through cracks in the ice fortress he had built, though never enough to let you inside.

He noticed, you were dorky and a hopeless romantic, he couldn’t help but become slowly endeared by you, he wondered if you had practice dark magic on him, charmed him with your otherworldly powers.

He misjudged your character, you were sweet, caring, honest, a horrible flirt but most importantly, a good person.

He had found you. He had placed the scraps of his ruined heart in your hands, with affection and patience you took what was left and carefully stitched it back together.

It wasn’t perfect, there were still deep scars of trauma, open wounds that still needed time to be mended—But he had you now.

And you had him, you could trust him, that he would never hurt you like he had before. Never again.

Dario’s hands trembled around his empty cup, he took deep breaths, his heart beating in his throat. His brain told him to stop, that there was no way that you would ever take interest in a weird hermit like him.

But his heart lead him, it reassured him that you were different, that you would still be by his side even if you didn’t accept his feelings. The thought hurt more than he could handle, but he preferred having you around him even as just a friend rather than leaving you.

“(Y/N). I want to..to tell you something.” He spoke firmly, almost robotically. His hands began to break out in a cold sweat, an uncertain feeling of doom curling around him like dark smoke.

“I-I know we had a bad beginning, but. I really appreciate you, I don’t know what I would be like if you hadn’t come into my life.” His breath shuddered, getting closer and closer to revealing it all.

“Thank you. Thank you for being patient with me. Thank you for everything.” 

“But.. I wanted to tell you something different. I don’t know how you will react, but I can’t keep it to myself anymore— It hurts so bad not knowing..” 

“(Y/N), I.. I think—No, I know that I’m in love with you.” It’s out, Dario thought, his eyes widening at his own words, he didn’t even think he would be able to get it out.

He eyed the bottom of your expression, not being able of meeting your eyes directly. What if you didn’t feel the same way? What if you hated him now?

He rushed to apologize after a beat of silence, oh dear, he had really done it now, hadn’t he?

“I mean! It’s okay if you don’t feel the same way! I-I understand—Ah! Uhm! I’m sorry! I shouldn’t have said that!“ 

His eyes began brimming with tears, you hadn’t said anything yet. He had lost his first and only friend, all because he couldn’t keep his mouth shut.

He looked up at your expression finally, expecting to see a disgusted glare, perhaps even a hateful look but he was surprised.

You were shell shocked, your eyes were wide for a moment but the that melted away and a happy smile began to appear on your face.

“I love you too.” You replied, no sappy words or a cringy pickup line this time. Dario was going to cry again, not in dread, but in joy.

He jumped on top of you, his knees beside your hips, he trapped you inside his arms, his hands hovering over your cheeks, waiting for a sign to keep going.

“Sorry! Did I make you uncomfortable—“ he began shifting his body to get off, only to be stopped when your hands gently landed on his waist, keeping him in place where he was.

His cold hands finally touched the warm skin of your face, you watched how his pupils dilated at the soft feeling of your flesh. 

His green eyes really did sparkle like the rarest of emeralds, his pale cheeks gained color, a beautiful blush spread over his cheekbones, he looked like he almost couldn’t believe that this was reality.

He leaned in, looking into your eyes for approval, you nodded. Dario pressed his lips against yours with the softness of a feather, you thought he was going to pull away but were taken by surprise when he changed the position of his hand to grab the back of your head, fingers clutching your hair.

He angled his head, losing himself in the passionate kiss, he wanted to taste all of you, he tasted the flavor of (favorite tea) all in your mouth, it made him wonder if you would allow him to feed you like a baby bird.

He mewled into your mouth, not knowing what to do with this new level of intimacy. Your hands gently landed gently tapped his sides trying to tell him to let you breathe for a moment.

Dario pulled away for a second, he allowed you to take in as much as air as you needed, but just because you stopped doesn’t mean he did too, he pressed loving kisses along your face, beginning at the corner of your mouth then slowly trailing up, over your left cheek, and stopping at your temple for just a second then moving to gently nibble on your earlobe.

You couldn’t help but blush, not knowing that Dario could get this bold. He didn’t stop there, he gently kissed the underside of your jaw, nipping the sturdy bone structure ever so slightly.

He saw the way you averted his eyes, too embarrassed to make eye contact with him. How the roles had reversed, where did that sweet talker he knew go?

He didn’t need to say “I love you” out loud for it to be know, he spelled it out with his tongue already, he’s sure that you understood too.

Dario was breathless and flushed when he pulled away, he wanted to laugh at your face, you looked so surprised that he just wanted to kiss that expression off you.

“Stay over.. please?” He asked so nicely that you couldn’t find it in you to say no, he adjusted his position to sit next to you, with a hand he pushed you down to lay on his lap. His fingers gently patting your head in an attempt to relax you.

Dario would never let you go now. Or ever.