Material report: A partially mummified human remain excavated from the Shiroganecho nishi site, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Abstract

This report aims to record the human skeletal remain with partial preservation of human soft tissue excavated from an archeological site (the Shiroganecho nishi site) of the Edo era. This individual was estimated to be a middle-aged male in the Samurai class according to his morphological characteristics of his skeletal remain and his burial system and accessories. The remaining soft tissues were restricted to the skin and muscles of the face, right ribs, lower vertebra, and right lower leg, except for the right eyeball. When excavated, these soft tissues remained wet and flexible, with movement in the joints. Thus, the reason as to why these soft tissues have remained in such a condition must not be due to mummification but rather adipoceration. Computed tomography images revealed that his right eye ball was well preserved and artificial teeth made of stones within his mouth.