<P> In 1972, eight remarkably preserved mummies were discovered at an abandoned Inuit settlement called Qilakitsoq, in Greenland . The "Greenland Mummies" consisted of a six - month - old baby, a four - year - old boy, and six women of various ages, who died around 500 years ago . Their bodies were naturally mummified by the sub-zero temperatures and dry winds in the cave in which they were found . </P> <P> Intentional mummification in pre-Columbian Mexico was practiced by the Aztec culture . These bodies are collectively known as Aztec mummies . Genuine Aztec mummies were "bundled" in a woven wrap and often had their faces covered by a ceremonial mask . Public knowledge of Aztec mummies increased due to traveling exhibits and museums in the 19th and 20th centuries, though these bodies were typically naturally desiccated remains and not actually the mummies associated with Aztec culture . (See: Aztec mummy) </P> <P> Natural mummification has been known to occur in several places in Mexico, though the most famous are the mummies of Guanajuato . A collection of these mummies, most of which date to the late 19th century, have been on display at El Museo de las Momias in the city of Guanajuato since 1970 . The museum claims to have the smallest mummy in the world on display (a mummified fetus). It was thought that minerals in the soil had the preserving effect, however it may rather be due to the warm, arid climate . Mexican mummies are also on display in the small town of Encarnación de Díaz, Jalisco . </P> <P> Spirit Cave Man was discovered in 1940 during salvage work prior to guano mining activity that was scheduled to begin in the area . The mummy is a middle - aged male, found completely dressed and lying on a blanket made of animal skin . Radiocarbon tests in the 1990s dated the mummy to being nearly 9,000 years old . The remains are currently held at the Nevada State Museum . There has been some controversy within the local Native American community, who began petitioning to have the remains returned and reburied in 1995 . </P>

What was the name of the first mummy in ancient egypt