Unknown to many people, Caucasian mummies (dating from 2000 B.C.) have been found in western China, and this book takes a thoughtful look at some of them. These include Cherchen Man (the Man with Ten Hats, as Barber refers to him), Cherchen Woman, two other women, and a three-month-old infant as well as the Beauty of Loulan, among others.

Barber is a textile expert (and an expert writer) who was able to study the mummies and their fabrics for a brief period of time.   Through her vivid descriptions and explanations, the well-dressed (and quite colorful)  mummies come back to life. The abundant (and therefore a true treasure trove) ancient textiles themselves, well preserved in the dry salty region, seem to suggest a related history to the Celts: yes, some of these mummies found in Asia were buried with Scottish-type plaid fabric.

Especially touching are the stories Barber is able to piece together about the mummies as people.  For example, Cherchen Man and the three woman (Cherchen Woman is thought to be his wife, but this may be an unwarranted conclusion) were buried first--perhaps dying in an epidemic. Their burial place was sealed; shortly afterwards, the seal was broken and the baby buried there. Was this the infant of Cherchen Man and Woman?  A nursing bottle made from a sheep's udder was placed beside the infant's body. Did the surviving members of the tribe try to nurse Cherchen baby back to health after his parents had died?  Another story concerns an eight-year-old who was found near the same area as the Beauty of Loulan. The blanket wrapping him was clearly made by a young woman (his mother?) who seemed to be making one of her first major pieces of cloth (it was more like a sampler than a consistently-made piece of cloth).

Barber speculates that migrant tribes from the area that is present-day Iran moved east and west, taking with them their knowledge of sheepherding and weaving. They appear to have come to western China, Barber determined, in at least two different migrations, about 1000 years apart. From Ireland to Turkestan, what especially connects the tribes were their weaving techniques. 

Whether you are interested in mummies or ancient fabric or just a good scientific story, The Mummies of Ürümchi is a satisfying read. Twenty-nine excellent color photographs along many black-&-white photos and drawings of the mummies and the fabric truly enhance the book. Hardcover. Ages 14+.