Petrified Body of Woman

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 270, 2 November 1940, Page 8

Petrified Body of Woman

UNUSUAL ATTRACTION AT SHOW Manawatu patrons will have the opportunity of seeing the petrified body of a young aboriginal woman which was found in the limestone caves near Narracoorte, South Australia, and Is in a perfect state of preservation. So well is it preserved that the wounds which originally caused death are still plainly visible. On the right side of the head is a depressed fracture which looks as though it. had been caused by a blunt instrument. The left leg is swollen as though it had been broken below the knee. Medical ruen are of the opinion that the girl’s leg was broken and that, in accordance with prehistoric custom, the tribe killed tho girl to avoid carrying her with them in their wanderings. The petrification of the bodies of animals and human beings is not uncommon, but it is most unusual to secure such a perfect specimen. Exhibited" with the petrified woman are the petrified bodies of a Nautilus and a Scallop, showing that the process is not confined to the animal kingdom. No expenso has been spared to secure this outstanding attraction, which has been brought to New Zealand for a limited season only. The petrified woman will be located in the side-show area at the Manawatu Show.