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Many fairgrounds used to feature giant mummies or grotesque 'freaks'. Egyptian mummies were very popular, and if the show didn't have them, they could be made or bought. The fakes were pretty convincing. We have seen a lot in our research.
Ancient fakes have been discovered as well. In Peru, Inca leaders sometimes had one or more false mummies made to protect the genuine body from grave robbers. In ancient Egypt, mummy wraps that were supposed to contain falcons were filled with nothing but wrappings and rags. In medieval Europe, saints, said to be preserved by miracles, were artificially prepared.
Not only were fake mummies used in fairground shows, even the real mummies that travelled the carnival circuit in north America and Europe often had elaborately fabricated stories designed to bring in audiences and make money.
Yet, fake or not, people are always intrigued by mummies. We want to see death, look it in the eye. We hope mummies can tell us secrets from beyond the grave. Of course, they cannot, but we can learn about the lives and times of these ancient people. Mummies are time capsules and teach us about ourselves as humans.
Some people are coolly scientific when they approach mummies, but others sing to them and try to comfort them as their loved ones did so many years ago.
Mummy Road Show – introduction
Graphic version
Includes layout and images.