Secrets of Vietnam Mummies

The discovery of mummified monks in the northern provinces of Bac Ninh and Ha Tay has amazed scientists and researchers alike, prompting them to study the secret technique that has kept these bodies intact.

The mummy of Bonze Superior Nhu Tri, who died in 1721, was uncovered at Tieu Pagoda in northern Bac Ninh province. It was entombed in a brick tower of the pagoda for 200 years and was preserved during the period. However, the tower was afterwards sealed hermetically, causing the mummy to absorb moisture and decompose.

The two mummies of Bonze Superiors Vu Khac Minh and Vu Khac Truong, found at Dau Pagoda in the northern province of Ha Tay, have suffered the same fate. Initially, these mummies were kept in an air tight tomb with a stable temperature. Later, these mummies were moved into a glass-boxed cases and they started decomposing. According to scientists, if these mummies had not have moved, they would still be well preserved.

Using scanners and modern biological and chemical analysis, scientists found that Viet Nam's mummification procedures differ from the Egyptian embalming method, a process of many stages including the removal of brain and organs.

The scientists said that the mummy of Bonze Superior Vu Khac Minh was bandaged up with strips of linen and soaked with lacquer 14 times, while the mummy of Bonze Superior Nhu Tri, with his organs intact, was coated with a complexion-coloured substance which has not yet been identified.

In the past 40 years, scientists have uncovered several mummified bodies buried beneath the ground. These mummies are believed to date back 300-400 years. Among them was a mummy that was uncovered in Ho Chi Minh City and preserved at the municipal Medical University. Another mummy belonged to King Le Du Tong (in the 18th century). It was found in northern Thanh Hoa province and is preserved in the history museum in Ha Noi with its face intact but blackened.

Scientists were also amazed that the harsh weather had no adverse effects on these mummies and that no traces of lacquer or chemical substances were found on them.

What caused scientists and researchers to study the techniques used for mummification in Vietnam?
1. They wanted to compare them to the Egyptians.
2. The discovery of mummies in Vietnam.
3. The discovery of Chinese mummies.
4. The procedure was different than in other places.
Why did the mummy of Bonze Superior Nhu Tri decompose?
1. It was too old.
2. They didn't remove the organs and brain.
3. It was moved from a protective location to another protective location.
4. The climate was too humid.
Why were these mummies successfully preserved earlier?
1. They were hermetically sealed.
2. They had been kept at a stable temperature.
3. They were in a dry place.
4. They had been left alone.
How were the Vietnamese mummies preserved?
1. They had the organs and brains removed.
2. They were wrapped in sheets.
3. They were put in glass boxes.
4. They were wrapped in linen and soaked in lacquer many times.
What was surprising about the King Le Du Tong's mummy?
1. It turned black.
2. It was in good condition.
3. It had been moved many times.
4. It was in good condition without the use of lacquer.