Two findings of gallstones in archaeological mummies from Colombia

Results involving the analysis of gallstones found in two pre-Hispanic Colombian mummies are presented. By applying SEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD), sectioning, and CT-scan Hounsfield Units, we were able to identify these choleliths as mainly formed by cholesterol. The number of reports on gallstones in archaeological human remains from South America is very small, making these two cases an important addition to what little is known about ancient gallstone disease on the continent.