The Chinchorro mummies of Chile’s Atacama desert are the world’s earliest example of artificially mummified people, predating Ancient Egyptian mummies by thousands of years.

The 5,000-year-old mummies gained worldwide exposure in 2021 when UNESCO finally included them on the World Heritage List.

The inhabitants of Arica, Chile have long lived with their presence, literally only inches above their homes. And still today, scientists are looking for clues to try to understand their enigmatic remains and a deadly toxin they release.

Directed and edited by Juan Francisco Riumalló
Producer: Ana Catalá
Camera: Álex Miranda
Sound mix: Alberto Peña

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