The Kouga mummified human remains
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Date
Authors
Binneman, Johan
Loots, Marius
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
South African Archaeological Society
Abstract
This paper reports and discusses the morphological analysis of the mummified human remains found during 1999 in a rock shelter in the Kouga Mountains near Joubertina, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The upper part of the body was covered with Boophane distica leaves, a medicinal plant still widely used by indigenous peoples in southern Africa. The plant is known for its antiseptic qualities and probably contributed to the excellent preservation of the body. The remains are those of a male, about 30-40 years of age. He was about 135-145 cm tall. No clear abnormalities could be seen from gross morphological investigation, but X-rays revealed a healed amputation of the distal part of the fifth finger of the left hand, as well as a fracture of the pelvis. This fracture most probably occured as a result of the excavation and/or transport of the remains. Some unusual dental characteristics were observed. Radiocarbon dating indicated an age of about 2000 BP.
Description
Keywords
Mummy, Amputation, Late Stone Age, Khoe-San, Skeletal biology
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Steyn, M, Binneman, J & Loots, M 2007, 'The Kouga mummified human remains', South African Archaeological Bulletin, vol. 62, no. 185, pp. 3-8. [http://www.archaeology.org.za]