Ancient Andean Faces Revealed After Centuries Under Masks
In a remarkable revelation, the faces of four ancient Andean individuals have been digitally reconstructed after centuries of being hidden beneath ornate masks. The unveiling occurred at the XI World Congress on Mummy Studies in Cusco, Peru.
Little is known about the specific individuals involved, as details remain unclear. However, their faces have been brought to life through a meticulous process involving CT scans to create 3D models of their skulls. Muscles, fat, and soft tissue were then layered over these models to approximate their original features.
The reconstructed faces include those of a child, an older woman, and two young men. The masks that once concealed their identities were crafted from organic materials and sometimes adorned with beads or gold, reflecting the culture's reverence for preserving identity even in death. While not precise portraits, the reconstructions offer an educated guess based on typical regional features.
This groundbreaking project, known as 'shedding disguise', has provided a rare glimpse into the faces of our ancient ancestors. The reconstructed faces serve as a poignant reminder of our shared humanity across time and cultures.
