The preservation of corpses

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Social differences among the ancient Canarians were reflected in the treatment their corpses received. In all likelihood most of the population received some sort of treatment after death before they were buried in mounds, caves, cysts or pits, but the complexity surrounding the handling of a corpse would vary depending on the position within the social structure that the person involved had occupied.

This room and the following one display some of what have traditionally been known as “mummies” or “embalmed” corpses found at funerary sites, which suggest that some segments of the population received a complex treatment after death in terms of the number and quality of the layers wrapping the corpse. The impressive shroud covering the corpse of the young man on display in this room is a good example.