Trends In The Development Of Embalming Methods

Embalming has been of immense importance as a means of preserving the dead in many cultures globally. This has been done for thousands of years for religious and social reasons. The ancient Egypt developed embalming to the greatest extent through the process of mummification. This study involves extensive internet search and review of journal\internet articles. The objective is to access the trends in the development of embalming methods from ancient to the present; and its importance to the Nigerian situation. Embalming techniques evolved from accumulation of centuries of trial and error as well as research and invention. The ancient methods evolved by trial and error. In the renaissance period the embalming techniques became more refined as a result of scientific research and invention in medicine. Modern day embalming got established during the American civil wars following discoveries in medicine. In Nigeria, even though there is paucity of literature on embalming, evidence exists that traditional embalming is still in practice in the rural settings. The essential purpose of embalming is preservation of the body to permit planned burial and prevention of infection.