Natural mummification (NM) is a conservative transformative phenomenon in which soft tissues are preserved from the putrefactive process through intense dehydration. Since the presence of water in both tissues and the environment favors bacterial proliferation and the establishment of entomofauna, dry environments (hot or cold) favor natural mummification. Such conditions can be found throughout the national territory, as they are related not only to climate but also to the specific conditions of the location where the body is found. The skin is generally the best-preserved structure in natural mummification and is of great forensic interest because it can provide elements for clarifying the circumstances and cause of death, as well as contribute to identification. Fingerprint identification is the most cost-effective identification method; however, the intense loss of water in mummified tissues hardens and wrinkles the skin, impairing comparison. Several necropapilloscopic techniques are used on mummified fingers, but because individual cases present particularities, the greater the available technical arsenal, the higher the chances of obtaining an adequate record. Nevertheless, after careful cleaning of the fingertip ridges, simple photographic recording may be sufficient for identification, as demonstrated in this study, without the need for skin rehydration procedures. The technique described stands out for its simplicity, speed, and low cost, allowing its application in locations with limited infrastructure. The authors hope that the dissemination of this technique will contribute to its use in forensic practice and encourage further studies on the subject.
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