Qilakitsoq

Qilakitsoq, an archaeological treasure nestled on the Nuussuaq Peninsula in northwestern Greenland, lies along the shore of Uummannaq Fjord. This site gained fame in 1972 when eight remarkably well-preserved mummies, dating back to around AD 1475, were discovered. Thanks to the cold temperatures and their burial under rocks, these bodies underwent a natural freeze-drying process, keeping them in astonishing condition.

The discovery began when two brothers hunting in the area stumbled upon the burial pits. The first grave they uncovered contained six women stacked one on top of the other, with a boy and a baby on top. A nearby grave held three additional women. Recognizing the significance of their find, the brothers notified the authorities, leading Jens Rosing, then director of the Greenland National Museum, to oversee the excavation and study of the site.

Alongside the mummies, the graves contained 78 pieces of clothing made from seal, reindeer, and other animal skins. Some items even featured intricate designs, reflecting a sense of fashion among these ancient people. Intriguingly, the boy mummy exhibited features suggestive of Down syndrome, and five of the six adult women bore faint facial tattoos. DNA tests conducted in 2007 confirmed that all the mummies were closely related, highlighting a deep familial bond.

Today, four of these extraordinary mummies can be seen at the Greenland National Museum in Nuuk. This display offers a captivating glimpse into ancient Inuit culture and burial practices, preserving a piece of history for all to explore.