Mummy Taphonomy and Arthropod Associates of Decay

Abstract

Arthropods have long been an important component of the study of mummified human remains due to their ability to resist natural taphonomic and decompositional processes. However, despite the large amount of research that has been produced regarding arthropod associates of human decomposition, one important taxon of arthropod has largely remained overlooked by the literature, that of the acari, or mites. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a brief overview of published cases in which mites have been found in association with mummified human remains in forensic and archaeological contexts. This chapter will begin with a discussion of contemporary forensic cases and historical archaeological cases that feature mites recovered from mummies, as well as a review of other arthropod associates of decay that have been located alongside the mites recovered from these contexts. The chapter will conclude with a section discussing current research being conducted in the field of archaeoacarology with