The Ōshū Fujiwara—An interdisciplinary study on the history, culture and medical assessment of the oldest known mummified human remains in Japan (late Heian, 12th century AD)

A rare case of mummified human remains from Japan, dating to the late Heian period (12th century AD), has been re-evaluated using modern scientific methods. Traditionally identified as members of the Ōshū Fujiwara clan—who established a significant cultural and economic center in Hiraizumi—the mummies were previously studied only once in 1950. This interdisciplinary study provides the first comprehensive historical, cultural, and medical assessment of these remains, offering new insights into their significance within the context of Hiraizumi's history and the Fujiwara clan's influence. The research combines archival analysis with advanced medical examination to reinterpret past findings, contributing to our understanding of Japan's medieval period.

Schmid, S. R., Habicht, M., Eppenberger, P., Seiler, R., Steineck, R., & Rühli, F. (2021). The Ōshū Fujiwara—An interdisciplinary study on the history, culture and medical assessment of the oldest known mummified human remains in Japan (late Heian, 12th century AD). Plos One, 16(10), e0253693. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0253693