Mummification in the Mesolithic: New Approaches to Old Photo Documentation Reveal Previously Unknown Mortuary Practices in the Sado Valley, Portugal

Recently rediscovered photographs of the remains thirteen individuals buried in Sado Valley Mesolithic shell middens Poças de S. Bento and Arapouco, excavated 1960 1962, show potential revisiting excavation archives with new methods. The analysis, which applies principles archaeothanatology is enriched by experimental taphonomic research, confirmed details concerning treatment dead body provided insights into use burial spaces. Some bodies may have been mummified prior to burial, a phenomenon possibly linked their curation transport, highlighting significance both place south-western Portugal.