Unearthed in 1972, Lady Cheng is the most well-preserved body ever uncovered. After 2100 years, her tissues were still elastic, and her joints partly movable. She was buried with ming-chi'i (spirit goods), miniatures of possessions, including an entourage of servants and exquisite lacquer ware. The complete preservation method is unknown. She had been buried within a set of three wooden coffins tightly fitted inside each other. The burial chamber was covered with charcoal and clay. The clay helped to make the tomb airtight, and the charcoal absorbed moisture. The yellow liquid inside her coffin contained mercury which may have helped preserve her tissues. The appropriate funeral rites for a noble woman would have helped slow down the growth of putrefactive bacteria. These included bathing the corpse with perfumed water and sacrificial wine, followed by tight wrapping in many layers of silk and linen cloths. Before placement in the coffin, iced water is placed under the bed to 'cool the corpse'. The coffin was sealed airtight prior to burial.
Copyright © Australian Museum, 2008
