An unusual mermaid mummy

The bottom of the stuffed animal is made of fishtail. Radiocarbon analysis showed that the mummy was created in the late 19th century.

Known locally as ningyo, mermaids have been a part of Japanese folklore since the 10th century. Descriptions of these creatures often include a human head and a fish tail. Their flesh and bones were believed to have healing properties. Not surprisingly, shortly after these stories began circulating in Japan, artisans appeared who made fake stuffed mermaids and sold them for a lot of money.

How are stuffed mermaids made?

To create these artifacts, the head and front of a young monkey were sewn to the tail of a large fish, and then the entire figure was dried to create a mummy. Mermaid figurines and construction techniques became very popular during the Edo period and were even considered works of art.

The discovery of researchers from the University of Kurasiki differs in the rather unusual use of paper, fabric and cotton in the upper part of the stuffed animal. At the same time, the scarecrow itself looks quite realistic, as intended by the creators of the fake.

Japanese mermaid’s mummy

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