CT Scan of Nesmin from Akhmim: New Data on the Belgrade Mummy

Abstract

An anthropoid wooden coffin with human mummy was purchased in Luxor in February 1888 by the Serbian mécène and world traveler Pavle Riđički (1805‒1893). Due to historical, political and cultural circumstances the first studies of the mummy did not start until May 1993. The ancient ‘patient’ ‒ Nesmin, stolist-priest of Akhmim, son of Djedhor (son of Wennefer, son of Djedhor) born to Chay-Hathor-Imw/Tjay-Hathor-imw ‒ who became known as the Belgrade mummy ‒ underwent a CT scan at the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology Center. The present paper provides the first complete analysis of the CT scan. At the time of death (350‒325 B.C.) Belgrade Nesmin was between 35 and 40 years old. A proper bioanthropological study is presented. The mummification features are discussed. The distribution of funerary amulets on the mummy has been established. The mummy’s cultural biography is specified. A museum superstition phenomenon is noted.

The Belgrade Nesmin: New Research on a Priest of Akhmim

“…Nonetheless, the mummy's undermined condition was 'a blessing in disguise', so to speak, since it provided a great opportunity for scientific research without additionally compromising the mummy's integrity as it is. A large amount of data obtained by X-ray examination (Anđelković 1997) and CT-scan analysis (Anđelković and Elias 2021) was to a great degree combined with macroscopic and microscopic studies (e.g. Anđelković, Anđus and Stanković 1997).…”

“…With the full reading and interpretation of the inscription on the coffin, the owner inside was accurately identified as stolist-priest Nesmin of Akhmim, who belonged to a priestly family (Anđelković and Teeter 2005). The ancient city of Akhmim was the capital of the ninth nome of Upper Egypt and an important cult center of the ithyphallic fertility god Min.…”

“…16 Considerable research has been devoted to restoring the identity of the previously anonymous mummified remains (e.g. Anđelković 1997;Anđelković and Teeter 2005;Anđelković and Elias 2021). So, now we know facts such as: name, rank, provenance, absolute dating (death occurred 350-325 B.C.…”