The exceptional grave of Louise de Quengo, a 17th century Lady

After scanning the entire corpse, the autopsy revealed the health condition of Louise de Quengo. This was a rare opportunity in archaeology to collect human tissues with no environmental contamination. Complementary microbiologic and genetic analyses enable the scientists to determine if the cause of death was infectious. The DNA of pathogens, including that of tuberculosis, enable the observation of the micro-organisms of the 17th century to the present, a rapidly developing research topic.

These studies also contribute precious information on the funerary practices of the time, as well as the history of sciences and medicine. The removal of the heart of the deceased thus revealed a great mastery of surgical practices. It was probably inhumed in an as yet unknown location, probably with her husband to accompany him to heaven. The inhumation of body parts in different locations began in the Middle Ages, as is seen in the funerals of Bertrand Du Guesclin and Anne of Brittany. However, the nature and evolution of these practices during the Modern period were until now poorly known. 

Louise de Quengo was dressed in a religious vestment: cape, chasuble, a brown frieze frock in a crude serge wool, a plain fabric shirt, leg warmers or chausses in serge wool and leather mules (shoes) with cork soles. A devotional scapular was wrapped around her right arm and her hands were joined and holding a crucifix.
Her face was covered with a shroud and two bonnets and a hood, held by a bandeau, covered her head. It was common for secular elites who were authorized to do so to wear a religious vestment for important ceremonies. But it is also possible that Louise adopted a monastic lifestyle after she became a widow.
The exceptional preservation of this outfit led the Museum of Brittany to ensure the restoration of the clothing (Materia Viva laboratory in Toulouse) and the shoes (2CRC laboratory in Grenoble) in preparation for their presentation to the public.

Following the scientific studies, measures will be taken to rebury the deceased and to preserve the textiles. 

A presentation during the National Days of Archaeology 

During the Village of Archaeology event at Champs Libres in Rennes, on June 20 and 21, the Inrap archaeo-anthropologist Rozenn Coleter will give a presentation of the discovery of the Louise de Quengo grave. journees-archeologie.fr.