The Palermo Capuchin Catacombs Project: a multidisciplinary approach to the study of a modern Mummy Collection (ca 1600-1900)

In this paper we present a multidisciplinary project for the study of the present conditions, history, bioanthropological features and conservation status of a large collection of modern human mummies, kept in the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo (Sicily, Italy). Due to the large amount of spontaneousl...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Luca Sineo, Barbara Manachini, Giuseppe Carotenuto, Dario Piombino Mascali, Albert Zink, Franco Palla
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: University of Bologna 2008-04-01
Series:Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage
Online Access:http://conservation-science.unibo.it/article/view/1404
Description
Summary:In this paper we present a multidisciplinary project for the study of the present conditions, history, bioanthropological features and conservation status of a large collection of modern human mummies, kept in the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo (Sicily, Italy). Due to the large amount of spontaneously and anthropogenically mummified human bodies, and to an abundant presence of associated artefacts, this collection provides a unique opportunity to carry out a large multidisciplinary survey useful for a thorough biocultural understanding of these remains, a conservation plan, and testing of new restoration protocols.
ISSN:1974-4951
1973-9494