Long before the Ancient Egyptians, the Chinchorro people of South America practiced elaborate mummification rituals, preserving their dead with remarkable skill. Around 5000 BCE, they developed sophisticated techniques involving removing internal organs, treating bodies with arsenic, and binding them with plant fibers. These mummies predate the Egyptian ones by thousands of years, revealing a previously unknown and fascinating chapter in the history of mummification. The Chinchorro's mummification practices showcased their belief in an afterlife and their reverence for their ancestors, providing valuable insights into their complex cultural and spiritual beliefs.
