Embalmed in 1920, the body of Rosalia Lombardo, who is based in the catacombs of the Capuchins of Palermo (Sicily), has finally delivered his secret. The "sleeping beauty" intrigued visitors who provided see her open eyes. Recently, scientists have drilled the mystery. It would simply be an optical effect.
Although the visitors swear seeing her open eyelids, revealing her beautiful blue eyes, the "the sleeping body" don't move even an eyelash. "All this is only an optical illusion produced by the light that filters through the windows on the side of the coffin and changing during the day", explains the curator of the catacombs, Dario Piombino-Mascali, in a statement. In fact, the little girl's eyes "are not completely closed" and "never were", adds . Therefore, it is a play of light that has fooled many visitors.
A superbly preserved Mummy
The girl, then aged 2 years, had succumbed to pneumonia in 1920. Mad with grief, the parents of Rosalía had decided to mummify. As reported by Gentside, the secret of its wonderful conservation lies in the technique of mummification of the taxidermist and Embalmer Alfredo Salafia.
In 2009 Dario Piombino-Mascali has discovered the formula of the specialist on a note: "a dose of Glycerin, a dose of formalin saturated sulphate and zinc oxide and a dose of alcohol solution saturated with salicylic acid". This blend has helped with Rosalina keep her baby complexion and a serene face.
Now, the mummy was placed in a new glass cercueuil which should protect against the effects of light and ensure conservation for many years.
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