Lost Mummies of New Guinea
Description
Embark on an expedition to Papua New Guinea to understand human mummification. Our goal is to find a well-preserved mummy to gain clues into this incredible form of mummification in the tropics. Preserving bodies so their spirits can act as protection for the living, the practice all but died out as missionaries spread Christianity to remote communities in the 1950s. Now, we'll travel to Koke, a native village with an ancient mummy tradition, to learn about their process of mummification and assist with the restoration of an aging mummy. Led by photographer Ulla Lohmann, this film takes an in-depth look at the macabre art of mummification. Plus, discover how bodies can be preserved for decades in the hot and humid climate of the island, and witness the restoration of existing mummies. We'll trek through caves, villages and mountains to uncover the secrets of the ancient tradition.
Runtime
50 min
Subjects
- Social structure (572)
- Social evolution (72)
- Rites and ceremonies (224)
- Assimilation (Sociology) (93)
- Mummies (15)
- Tribes (122)
Geography
Genre
Date of Publication
[2013], c2010
Database
Films on Demand
Direct Link
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