Archaeologists have digitally removed death masks from four Colombian mummies and reconstructed their faces, offering new insights into pre-Columbian burial practices. The masks, made of waxes and resins often containing gold, were fused to the mummified remains to make the dead appear alive.
The study, published by researchers from the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History and Liverpool John Moores University, examined mummies from the Colombian Andes dating between 1216AD and 1797AD. The individuals included a child, a woman in her 60s, and two young adult males.
Using CT X-ray scans, the team created virtual 3D images of the skulls beneath the masks, effectively 'unmasking' them digitally. They then applied facial reconstruction software, adding muscles and soft tissue based on anatomical standards and tissue depth data from modern Colombian adults.
Felipe Cárdenas-Arroyo of the Academia Colombiana de Historia noted the masks are 'of extraordinary workmanship and so far the only ones known to exist in Colombia.' Jessica Liu of Liverpool John Moores University said the project highlights 'the fascinating cultural practices of the indigenous peoples of South America' and hopes it will draw more interest in these civilisations.
