Archaeologists Uncover Unusual Rectal Preservation Techniques Used on Mummies

Recent archaeological findings indicate that well-preserved mummies were air-dried using long chips, twigs, cloth, and zinc chloride inserted into the rectum.

The 280-year-old remains belong to an Austrian priest and represent the first documented case of such an unusual but effective preservation method.

“The remarkably preserved mummy found in the Church District of St. Thomas am Brassenstein is that of Franz Zaber Sidler von Rosenage, a local pastor who passed away in 1746,” said Professor Andreas Nellich, a pathologist from Ludwig Maximilians University, Germany, involved in the Frontiers of Medicine study.

“Our investigation revealed that excellent preservation was achieved by packing the abdomen with wood chips, twigs, and dough, coupled with zinc chloride for internal desiccation.”

The upper body of the mummy remained largely intact, while significant collapse was observed in the head and lower body.

Nerlich, along with a global team of researchers, conducted thorough analyses, including computed tomography scans (using X-rays and computers to construct detailed body images), radiocarbon dating, and chemical assessments.

These studies confirmed Sidler’s identity, indicating he died between 1734 and 1780 at the age of 35-45.

In their efforts, scientists removed preservatives from Sidler’s body, uncovering that the abdominal and pelvic cavities were filled through the rectum with family and spruce chips, along with linen, hemp, and flax fabrics.

These materials were readily available in the small Austrian village where Sidler lived. Additionally, silk and embroidered linen were discovered within his remains, suggesting that the stuffing absorbed much of his abdominal fluids.

Toxicological examinations indicated that zinc chloride, a potent drying agent, was used to maintain the body’s condition.

Moreover, researchers found a small glass bead, likely lost within Sidler during the preservation process.

Nerlich stated that the extent of rectal preservative use among mummies remains unknown, and other well-preserved bodies may have previously gone unreported.

The reasons behind Sidler’s preservation method remain unclear, though Nellich suggested:

“It’s possible the pastor was intended for transportation to his home monastery, but for reasons unknown, that plan may have failed.”

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