Diatomaceous earth

A whitish powder covers all the mummies discovered by Mario.

Analysis of this powder has shown that it is diatomaceous earth, a siliceous sedimentary rock composed of fossilized remains of diatoms, microscopic algae.

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Hydrocarbon-based oil residues were also detected in the powder covering the mummies. “One of the compounds […] appears to be produced by a wide variety of plants (including many South American plants) and was commonly used as a component of the embalming resin used for Egyptian mummies. To me, it appears to be a natural compound of possibly ancient origin that was used in the preservation of these specimens.”

Microtrace LLC | PhD M.M. | Instituto Inkarri Cusco

The Egyptians immersed the deceased in a Natron bath, primarily extracted from the sediments of salt lakes, then covered the bodies with bandages. However, it has been observed that the Nazca mummies were coated with an oily substance. Traces of drips are visible on some mummies. But instead of bandages, the ancient embalmers used diatomaceous earth.

Clif Miles | PhD M.M. | Instituto Inkarri Cusco