The Chinchorro culture is an ancient civilization that thrived in the coastal regions of present-day Chile and Peru around 7000 to 1500 BCE. They are known for their unique mummification practices, which involved preserving the bodies of the deceased using various techniques, including the removal of internal organs and the use of natural materials. Chinchorro mummies are among the oldest in the world, predating the more famous Egyptian mummies. The Chinchorro people were primarily fishermen and gatherers, relying on the rich marine resources of the Pacific Ocean for sustenance. Their cultural practices and artifacts provide valuable insights into early human societies in South America.