Nestled within the rugged terrain of Mount Timbac in the Philippines, a fascinating mystery unfolds—the realm of the ‘fire mummies’ of the Ibaloi people. These ancient corpses, preserved like statues through a meticulous smoking process, find their final resting place in dark caverns, 4,000 feet above sea level.

The Ibaloi, an ancient Filipino race, practiced a unique burial ritual involving smoking their deceased for months to achieve a state of mummification, earning them the moniker ‘fire mummies.’

These preserved remains, some dating back over a millennium, are concealed in the heart of Mount Timbac near Kabayan in the province of Benguet, a remote location 200 miles north of Manila.

The Ibaloi’s burial tradition persisted until the arrival of Spanish colonizers four centuries ago, and the mummy-filled caves remained untouched until the 19th century. While only a few of these mountainside tombs are open to the public, many have fallen victim to vandalism and looting in recent times.

The specific locations of the 80 sacred caves are believed to be known only to a select group of Ibaloi elders, who continue to perform ancient rituals at these tombs.

Despite the challenges, photographer Mr. Zeta-Yep embarked on an eerie yet enlightening journey into this unique burial ground. Using a DSLR camera on a portable tripod with a long exposure, he captured the intricate details inside the dark caves.

After uttering prayers, an Ibaloi guide unveiled the wooden coffins housing the mummies. The preserved corpses, positioned in a fetal pose, some with hands shielding their faces, revealed linear tattoos on their arms and legs—a testament to the remarkable state of preservation achieved through the Ibaloi’s smoking process.

The ‘fire mummies’ stand as silent witnesses to a rich cultural heritage and burial tradition that has endured the test of time. Despite the challenges posed by modernity and external threats, these enigmatic remains continue to evoke both spookiness and admiration, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of Filipino history.