MUMMIES ndean societies believed that the dead needed to remain physically intact to enter the afterlife and that part of a personÆs presence remained with the body. Mummification was developed more than 6000 years ago in the Andes where dry desert environments encouraged preservation. Ancestral mummies were symbols of community and state identity. They were paraded on important occasions and seated at important council meetings. It was believed that ancestors continued to play vital roles in the well-being of the community.				2 of 3   Religious
	Procession with mummy from Guaman Poma, El primero nueva cor≤nica y buen gobierno, Rolena Adorno and John Murra edition, Siglo Veintiuno Editores, Mexico City. Used by permission