Dia de los Muertos: Detroit Science Center exhibit offers rare look at sacred burial community

They are revered by their descendents and have been visited by millions. They were miners, fathers, soldiers, farmers and children. They are rare and completely accidental. Now, for the first time ever, they are coming to the United States in an all-new touring exhibition, Accidental Mummies of Guanajuato.

The 10,000 square-foot exhibition features 36 accidental mummies on loan from the Museo de las Momias de Guanajuato. It combines science, history and cultural anthropology to immerse the visitor in the world of a Mexican city over 100 years ago where deceased residents naturally mummified in their crypts. This is the first time these mummies have been seen outside of Mexico.

Only one in 100 bodies buried in Guanajuato experiences this rare and mysterious process of natural mummification. Unlike bodies that were artificially mummified through an embalming and wrapping process, accidental mummies form only in certain climates and conditions.

Local legend held that the bodies in Guanajuato became mummified because the area’s water is rich in minerals and sulfur. However researchers believe that the hot weather warmed the crypts and dried out the bodies. The Guanajuato collection is believed to be the largest group of mummies anywhere in the Western Hemisphere.

Visitors to the exhibition will meet some of these accidental mummies, learn about life in their thriving community, discover the modern-day forensic technology that helps scientists analyze them, and explore a culture that reveres and celebrates them. Each mummy will tell his or her own story, with facial reconstructions completed by a forensic artist to give insight into their lives.

The Accidental Mummies of Guanajuato is a highly educational exhibition, meeting multiple objectives found in the National Science Education Standards for grades 5-12. A complete educational guide including classroom activities, historical fun facts, a glossary and more will be available to school groups visiting the exhibition.

Now at the Detroit Science Center, 5020 John R, in Detroit's Midtown, until Jan. 31. For tickets go here.