Reconstruction of Ancient Colombian Faces
Recently, researchers unveiled the faces of ancient Colombians who lived centuries ago. Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) announced in August that experts from FaceLab successfully digitally extracted a face mask from a corpse discovered in the Oriental Mountains of eastern Colombia.
This exciting development was shared during the 11th World Congress on Mummy Research that took place in Cusco, Peru, also in August. The study involved an analysis of four mummies housed at the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH), which cover a timeline from the 13th to the 18th century.
The oldest of the mummies is estimated to have been around in 1216, with the most recent mummified remains dating to nearly 1797. Funeral masks were crafted directly on the skulls, enveloping both the jaws and faces of the deceased.
Using advanced techniques like volumetric CT imaging, X-ray diffraction, and DNA analysis, researchers carefully removed the funeral mask from the corpses and reconstructed the facial features of the individuals. The resulting images reveal what these men may have looked like during their lifetimes.
According to the researchers, ancient Colombians displayed remarkable skills in creating funerary masks that appeared very lifelike. In fact, the university mentioned that their craftsmanship made it seem as though the mummified individuals were still alive.
The masks were made from a variety of materials, including clay, wax, and resin, often embellished with gold and decorative elements, reflecting the cultural and technological sophistication of eastern Colombia between the 13th and 17th centuries.
Jessica Liu, a researcher involved in the study, noted that she was particularly struck by the variations in head shape among the mummies. “The sizes and shapes of the skulls were quite different from each other,” she remarked.
After the conference in Cusco, the team donated a 3D replica of their work to ICANH, which was well received. Felipe Cárdenas Arroyo, another researcher, praised the craftsmanship of the funeral masks, noting that they showcased “extraordinary skill.” He also pointed out that the masks represent the only known examples of their kind in Colombia.
