An evolution of creativity and ritual: The immortalizing craftmenship of the Chinchorro morticians

Research on the Chinchorro culture reveals that their morticians played a pivotal social and political role, with evidence suggesting gender shifts in this practice over time. The study challenges traditional views of prehistoric egalitarian societies by proposing that the Chinchorros were sedentary during the Black Period (ca. 5050-3000 B.C.) but more mobile in subsequent Red and Mud-coated periods. Analysis of mummified remains, radiocarbon dates, and ethnographic mortuary data from ten maritime cultures supports this hypothesis while also providing insights into the complexity and evolution of their mummification techniques. The findings suggest that female morticians were likely central figures during the Black Period, with males taking on this role in later periods.

Hapke, R. A. (1996). An evolution of creativity and ritual: The immortalizing craftmenship of the Chinchorro morticians. University of Nevada, Las Vegas. https://doi.org/10.25669/I1OJ-RGPL