|
2000-year-old Mummy deteriorating
(China Daily)
Updated: 2005-10-31 05:17
CHANGSHA: The bones of an ancient female mummy excavated from the Mawangdui
Tombs in Central China more than 30 years ago, are starting to disintegrate.
According to Luo Xuegang, head of the human anatomy research centre with
Xiangya Medical Sciences College, the bones of the female mummy of Western Han
Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24) have started to decalcify.
The discovery was made through a recent X-ray observation.
"The decalcification might be caused by the fluids used to preserve the body
being too acid. We can adjust the pH to ensure the preservative fluid is neutral
and does not erode the bones," said Luo, also head of a newly-established centre
for research and protection of the mummy and other relics from the Mawangdui
Tombs in Changsha, capital of Hunan Province.
Luo also said there have been changes in the sub-cellular structure of the
mummy, but its collagenous fibres and blood vessels are still well preserved.
The Mawangdui Tombs were excavated in 1972. In addition to the well-preserved
body of a woman, more than 3,000 burial objects were also found at the site.
(China Daily 10/31/2005 page2)
|
