Preserving the world’s earliest mummies in Chile

The World

The first mummies in the world were created by the Chinchorro people along the coast of what is today northern Chile. In 2021, UNESCO listed the mummies and the Chinchorro settlement as a World Heritage site. Many of these remains are still out there, and are increasingly becoming uncovered by development and the elements. Michael Fox reports from the Chilean province of Arica.

Will you support The World?

The story you just read is not locked behind a paywall because listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Now more than ever, we need your help to support our global reporting work and power the future of The World. Can we count on you?