A mummy is a dead human or animal which has had soft tissue preserved either by intentional or accidental exposure to chemicals, extreme cold, very low humidity, or anaerobic conditions, so that the body does not decay further if kept in an adequate repository.
Ancient Egyptians used natural salts to preserve their dead. They used natron, a naturally-occurring desiccant. A desiccant is a substance that is used as a drying agent. One of the earlier known mummies dates back to approximately 3300 BC. This mummy is housed at the British Museum in London and has been given the nickname of “Ginger” who was found buried beneath the hot, dry desert sands which dried and preserved the body.
Soft tissue preservation can also be achieved through the actions of a peat bog as with Yde Girl, through freeze dry conditions as with El Nino, and with applications of chemical compounds as with Sylvester. Combinations of these elements, or natural processes can occur accidentally, creating natural mummies such as Stuckie, Yuka, Eung Tae, and Van Gogh Man.
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