The Kouga mummified human remains

Abstract

This paper reports and discusses the morphological analysis of the mummified human remains found during 1999 in a rock shelter in the Kouga Mountains near Joubertina, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The upper part of the body was covered with Boophane distica leaves, a medicinal plant still widely used by indigenous peoples in southern Africa. The plant is known for its antiseptic qualities and probably contributed to the excellent preservation of the body. The remains are those of a male, about 30-40 years of age. He was about 135-145 cm tall. No clear abnormalities could be seen from gross morphological investigation, but X-rays revealed a healed amputation of the distal part of the fifth finger of the left hand, as well as a fracture of the pelvis. This fracture most probably occured as a result of the excavation and/or transport of the remains. Some unusual dental characteristics were observed. Radiocarbon dating indicated an age of about 2000 BP.