Archaeologists in France have unearthed the well-preserved corpse of a 17th-century noblewoman -- still dressed in her dress, bonnet and shoes. A unique set of circumstances preserved the corpse for more than 350 years. Anthropologist Rozenn Colleter described the woman as a "natural mummy."
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A team from the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research discovered the body in a hermetically sealed lead coffin during a rescue excavation on a construction site for a conference center in Rennes in northwestern France.
ROZENN COLLETER/INRAP
The coffin was first opened in March 2014. It was one of five -- among about 800 graves -- found at the site, which has housed the Convent of the Jacobins since the 12th century. Inscriptions allowed archaeologists to identify the nearly intact body.
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The corpse was identified as Louise de Quengo, Lady of Brefeillac, who died in 1656. "We didn't know how well-preserved she was until we scanned her," Colleter says.
Rozenn Colleter/AFP/Getty Images
Restored bonnets belonging to de Quengo are on display. The corpse will be reburied once scientists finish all their testing.
ROZENN COLLETER/INRAP
Leg warmers, or chausses, were also discovered in the coffin.
ROZENN COLLETER/INRAP
After restoration, leather shoes with cork soles have regained some of their original appearance.
ROZENN COLLETER/INRAP
A lead reliquary in the shape of a heart was found nearby. It contained the heart of de Quengo's husband, who died in 1649.
