Tarim Basin Mummies

Record summary

Naturally preserved human remains from cemeteries such as Xiaohe and Qäwrighul attracted attention because of their preservation, textiles, wooden markers, and apparent biological diversity. Ancient-DNA and archaeological studies have investigated local ancestry, later population movements, pastoralism, and interaction across Inner Asia. The earlier public framing of the mummies as proof of a single intrusive European population has been challenged by newer evidence and more careful sampling. The lead is useful for comparing preservation, migration narratives, and the politics of archaeological interpretation. It is AI-recalled, not a citation.