Abstract

In adherence to ethical guidelines prohibiting the exhibition of human remains, this paper presents the conservation plan implemented to mitigate deterioration, together with the bioarchaeological analysis of a mummified individual housed at the San Rafael Natural History Museum (Mendoza), recovered from the Gruta del Indio site in Rincón del Atuel. Non-invasive conservation procedures, guided by bioethical principles of dignity, sensitivity, and respect, significantly slowed the degradation process and enhanced preservation. Imaging techniques, initially employed to assess internal deterioration, also yielded data on the individual´s sex, age, and paleopathological indicators. The remains are most likely those of a female infant, approximately three months old, who exhibits multiple cranial injuries consistent with perimortem fractures, potentially related to the cause of death. The ongoing conservation program includes periodic environmental monitoring to ensure stable conditions essential for preserving the body’s integrity. The use of modern analytical methods provided reliable diagnostic assessments, the optimization of preservation strategies, and the creation of a protective environment. This approach contributes to a broader understanding of stress and trauma in past populations, offering valuable insight into the lived experiences of this individual.

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