The Guanajuato mummies could be replaced by 3D models in the future, but their implementation requires studies approved by the INAH (National Institute of Anthropology and History), according to Olga Adriana Hernández Flores, head of the Institute.
Certified anthropologists from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), who visited Guanajuato City and the Mummy Museum to evaluate and study their current state of conservation, carried out work for approximately six weeks. Now, the task is to more precisely identify each mummy, using historical information that could reveal new insights.
In an interview, Olga Adriana Hernández Flores, head of the INAH Guanajuato Delegation, explained that the last visit was on February 21. During this visit, valuable information was obtained about the arid bodies. In addition, a new six-month phase began to determine the state of conservation, identity, life history, cause of death, and to compile photographic records for analysis.
“Between 8 and 10 X-rays of the bodies were taken, in addition to numerous photographs so the team can analyze them and prepare a report with accurate information. In the next seven months, we expect to have exact data on each mummy, including its state of preservation, identity, and cause of death,” stated the director of the INAH Center.
The delegate also revealed that a proposal is being evaluated in conjunction with another municipality to begin 3D modeling of the bodies. Guanajuato City could be part of this innovative initiative to conserve the arid bodies and protect the cultural heritage they represent.
“It’s a good proposal. In another municipality, skeletons with offerings of pre-Hispanic origin were found many years ago. They are looking to apply 3D technology to display them while the bodies remain in the safekeeping of the institute,” said Hernández Flores.
Currently, the INAH’s main objective is for the anthropologists to complete their research at the Mummy Museum and for the municipality to receive all the necessary information to develop a museographic plan with diverse perspectives, always endorsed by the Institute.
“The important thing is to provide the municipality with reliable information so that the museum’s museographic plan is based on real data and not speculation,” the director noted.
The research will also allow for changes to be proposed to the museographic plan and offer new experiences for both tourists and local visitors.
“We hope the delivery will take place between October and November. It won’t be immediate, as it involves a large amount of information related to more than 117 bodies,” she added.
The research will also allow for changes to be proposed to the museographic plan and offer new experiences for both tourists and local visitors. Photo: Eduardo Chowell
Finally, Hernández Flores emphasized that the research had a budget of 200,000 pesos, from municipal resources allocated by the previous administration. The anthropologists worked days of more than 10 hours due to the conservation conditions of the mummies.
Source: periodicocorreo
