Overview

Mummies uncovered at archaeological sites worldwide have proven invaluable to the fi elds of history, archaeology, and anthropology. Their study offers rich opportunities to explore the sociocultural and medical dimensions of ancient peoples and societies, providing multi faceted insights into their lives within specific historical contexts. This is equally true for mummies excavated from Joseon Dynasty graves dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Over the decades, systematic research in Korea has yielded invaluable data on the people of this era. Studies of Joseon mummies have provided important insights into the health and disease patterns of premodern East Asia, employing rigorous scientific methodologies. Nevertheless, despite these advances, detailed accounts of the cultural context surrounding Korean mummies remain limited. Biomedical analyses have dominated the fi eld, but integrating historical and archaeological perspectives is essential for a more comprehensive understanding. This book seeks to fill that gap. The authors advance the academic discourse by focusing on the historical, archaeological, and anthropological dimensions of Joseon-period mummies. In addition to the scientific study of the mummies themselves, chapters also highlight the wealth of information on dress and clothing that can be gleaned from the well-preserved examples from Joseon tombs, as well as discussing ethical issues and the legal framework to mummy studies in Korea. The second part of the book presents a series of significant case studies, showcasing key discoveries and demonstrating the development of scientific techniques. Overall the book provides a comprehensive exploration of the cultural background of Joseon Dynasty mummies, making this rich and diverse fi eld of study accessible to scholars outside Korea.

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9781805832058

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Dong Hoon Shin graduated from the Seoul National University College of Medicine (MD) in South Korea, where he also earned his PhD in Anatomy. His research has primarily focused on gaining scientific insights into the health and disease status of premodern populations. Using a combination of anatomical, histological, and molecular techniques, he has uncovered the physical and pathological traits of ancient peoples across various historical periods. He has been recognized as a National Geographic Explorer and a speaker at the Kavli Frontiers of Science. He is currently a full professor in both the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and the Institute of Forensic and Anthropological Science at Seoul National University. Chang Seok Oh earned his PhD in Anatomy from Seoul National University. His research focuses on identifying the bioanthropological characteristics of ancient populations and the diseases that affected them. To achieve this, he conducts studies on ancient human remains, including genetic analyses. He is currently an assistant professor at Eulji University, where he teaches courses in biology, anatomy, and bioanthropology. Jong Ha Hong studied in Seoul National University (PhD) and currently works as a research professor in Kyung Hee University. His research interest has been mainly focused upon acquiring scientific information of pre-modern animals and people’s health, disease and migration patterns in history. He is involved in studies at archaeological sites across Eurasia, broadening the geographical range of his research.

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