The real mummy’s curse: Health risks associated with the sale and trade of mummified remains

Abstract

The rise of the internet, especially social media, has amplified international trafficking and driven demand for unique cultural heritage, including mummified humans and animals. However, these preserved remains pose health and biosecurity risks due to the toxicity of embalming methods and/or suboptimal storage that can promote microbial growth. This article investigates these risks by analyzing 128 online posts from Meta platforms, e-commerce sites, webstores, and auction houses. We reveal that mummified remains sold online exhibit signs of biodeterioration, yet sellers provide no safety guidance, suggesting limited awareness or deliberate disregard of hazards. Posts also reveal noncompliance with postal regulations, underscoring the need for clearer and consistently enforced shipping policies. Until more effective measures are implemented, the public should remain vigilant and report sales of mummified remains to relevant authorities and professional bodies. Improved oversight and education are therefore essential to safeguard public health and preserve archaeological remains.