The Yemeni Mummies
A Brief Report and Comprehensive Bibliography
Keywords:
Yemen, Mummies, Mummification, Graves robbery, rock-cut tombsAbstract
Ancient Yemen developed a technique for preserving and mummifying deceased bodies through the use of aromatic plant materials and resins found in the local environment. However, these mummies are currently in poor condition, with many of them on the verge of disappearing. Regrettably, the ongoing illegal excavation and continuous destruction of burial sites, especially the rock tombs containing several mummies, pose a significant threat to this unique scientific treasure. The preservation of the mummies has not been scientifically sound in some aspects. They have fallen into a precarious state due to the lack of ideal environmental conditions, appropriate treatment, and inadequate care.
This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the published literature on Yemeni mummies and their current conditions, an updated catalog, followed by a complete bibliography of the literature, which is mostly in Arabic and has thus escaped the attention of the international academic community.
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