MEXICO CITY — Experts from Mexican authorities have raised concerns regarding a touring exhibition of mummies from the 1800s, suggesting it may pose significant health risks to the public. These historical artifacts have garnered attention not only for their eerie preservation but also for the potential hazards they may carry. Authorities are urging proper measures to ensure public safety amid these exhibitions.

The preserved remains have undergone natural mummification, a process that occurred unintentionally when they were interred in crypts located in the dry, mineral-rich soils of Guanajuato. Remarkably, some of these mummies still display hair, leathery skin, and remnants of their original clothing, which adds a haunting yet fascinating aspect to their exhibition. This exceptional preservation invites both curiosity and caution among viewers.

However, the National Institute of Anthropology and History issued a statement indicating that one of the mummies was observed to exhibit signs of fungal growths. This discovery raises alarms about the potential biohazards associated with displaying such artifacts. The possibility of mold or fungus spreading could pose health threats not only to visitors but also to those who handle these fragile remains.

The federal institute has distanced itself from the decision made by state authorities to showcase several mummies within glass cases at a tourism fair in Mexico City. It remains uncertain whether the glass cases are adequately sealed to prevent any potential release of harmful spores or contaminants. The National Institute of Anthropology and History stated that they had not been consulted prior to the arrangement of this exhibition, emphasizing the importance of safety protocols.

“It is extremely concerning that these mummies are still being displayed without proper safety measures in place to protect the public from biohazards,” the institute articulated. This statement underscores the critical need for thorough assessments and preventive actions to ensure that visitors remain safe while engaging with these culturally significant yet potentially hazardous exhibits.

“From various published images, at least one of the corpses on display, which the institute inspected back in November 2021, shows signs of a proliferation of possible fungal colonies,” the institute reported. This alarming finding necessitates that further investigation is conducted to ascertain the level of danger posed to both the cultural heritage represented by these mummies and the health of those who come into contact with them.

“This situation requires meticulous research to determine whether these findings indicate a risk to our cultural legacy, as well as for those who handle and visit these precious historical exhibits,” the institute emphasized. Addressing these concerns is essential to safeguard both the integrity of the mummies and the health of the public who are eager to witness these unique cultural treasures.

Typically, these mummies are displayed in the capital of Guanajuato. Yet, they have traveled before, with some even showcased in the United States back in 2009. Their journeys have sparked significant interest, highlighting the delicate balance between cultural appreciation and public safety.

These mummies were naturally preserved, a phenomenon attributed to factors such as the region’s climate, the mineral-rich environment, and the sealing of crypts, although the exact cause remains uncertain. Excavations began in the 1860s when families struggled to pay burial fees, leading to these remains being unearthed and put on display. This history of financial hardship adds another layer of complexity to the narrative surrounding these remarkable yet unsettling artifacts.