8 mummies, including both adult and child Inuit individuals, are believed to be the most intact ever discovered in North America.
In 1972, two brothers, hunters Hans and Jokum Grønvold, were working in the Qilakitsoq region of Greenland (Denmark) when they accidentally discovered a series of mummies that would later make waves in the archaeological community. These were two collective graves containing 8 skeletons of an indigenous Inuit family.
Initially, upon discovering the mummies, the hunters believed these were the remains of individuals who had died only a few decades ago, or even just a few years prior. The reason for this assumption was the remarkably preserved state of the mummies, which had not fully decomposed. Their bodies were covered with numerous garments made from animal skins, such as reindeer and seal skin, found within the two graves.
Scientists believe that the mummification process occurred naturally due to the extreme cold climate of the region. They estimate that this group of Inuit individuals died around the year 1475.
Two of the 500-year-old mummies displayed in a museum in Greenland. (Photo: Sun).
Among the mummies were two children and six adult women. Some of them bore multiple tattoos on their foreheads and chins. The mummies were placed in two graves located about one meter apart. The remains were stacked on top of each other, with layers of animal skins in between.
This group of Inuit individuals was still wearing warm coats made of skin and fur at the time of burial. Experts found a total of 78 pieces of seal, reindeer, and other animal skins.
A 6-month-old baby boy who likely was buried alive with his mother.
What is most shocking is that a 6-month-old baby appeared to have been buried alive. According to ancient Inuit customs, if a mother died, her child would also be buried with her, whether the child was alive or deceased. This practice was intended to ensure that they would enter the afterlife together as a family. Furthermore, when a mother passed away, there would be no one left to care for the children. To prevent the tragic outcome of abandonment leading to starvation or exposure, the elders chose the “solution” of allowing them to depart with their mother. This haunting custom, combined with the bewildered expression on the baby’s face, as if not understanding what was about to happen before death, leaves a lasting impression.
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