Embalming was used in Old Kingdom

Koller, Johann; Baumer, Ursula; Kaup, Yoka; Etspüler, Hedwig; Weser, Ulrich

doi:10.1038/34809

Cited by 51 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…Theophrastus described the composition of Egyptian unguents, which were made of several ingredients including cinnamon and myrrh, but agarwood or aloes does not seem to have been used in this period (Lucas 1930). Moreover, there is no record of the use of agarwood in the Egyptian art of embalming although 31 other plant species have been mentioned as used during the process (Baumann 1960;Koller et al 1998). However, McClintock and Strong (1867) state that the Greek historian Herodotus reported that aloeswood was used by the Egyptians for embalming.…”

Section: History Of Use and Trade Of Agarwood By Region Ancient Egyptmentioning

confidence: 99%

History of Use and Trade of Agarwood

López-Sampson

Page

2018

Econ Bot

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Aromatics originating from the resin-infused infected wood of the Aquilaria and Gyrinops genera have distinct and valued fragrances. Resin formation occurs as a response to internal injury and/or infections in the stems of the agarwood tree. The incenses and perfumes that are produced from agarwood have been valued for centuries and used by many cultures for spiritual, opulent, and aphrodisiac purposes. Agarwood is highly revered in the seminal texts of Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam. As early as 1400 B.C.E., agarwood was described as a fragrant product in Sanskrit texts, and in 65 B.C.E., Dioscorides detailed several medical applications for agarwood. Knowledge of human-induced agarwood formation was recorded in China as early as 300 C.E., where it was known that cutting into a tree would lead to a color change in its internal tissues within a year of the injury as a consequence of resin development. There is historical evidence of international trade in agarwood between the producing (tropical southeastern Asia) and consuming (Middle East, India, China, and Japan) regions of the world. Agarwood has been consumed primarily as incense with the burning of wood chips directly or as an important ingredient for powdered incense blends. The aromatic qualities of agarwood are influenced by the species and variety of the two genera, geographic location, its branch, trunk and root origin, length of time since infection, and methods of harvesting and processing. The subtle but numerous variations in agarwood properties led to the development of systems for product classification and description in several consumer countries. This paper reviews the uses and trade of agarwood and its social, political, and economic significance in human history.

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Section: History Of Use and Trade Of Agarwood By Region Ancient Egyptmentioning

confidence: 99%

History of Use and Trade of Agarwood

López-Sampson

Page

2018

Econ Bot

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“…The majority of this research has focussed on human mummification practices from their earliest manifestations (Jones et al, 2014), through the Pharaonic and Intermediate periods (e.g. Vieillescazes & Coen, 1993;Koller et al, 1998;Colombini et al, 2000;Hamm et al, 2004) to their continuance during Ptolemaic and Roman rule (e.g. Buckley & Evershed, 2001;Maurer et al, 2002;Corcoran & Svoboda, 2010).…”

Section: Archaeological Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

Organic residue analysis of Egyptian votive mummies and their research potential

Brettell

Martin

Atherton-Woolham

et al. 2016

Studies in Conservation

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Vast numbers of votive mummies were produced in Egypt during the Late Pharaonic, Ptolemaic, and Roman periods. Although millions remain in situ, many were removed and have ultimately entered museum collections around the world. There they have often languished as uncomfortable reminders of antiquarian practices with little information available to enhance their value as artefacts worthy of conservation or display. A multi-disciplinary research project, based at the University of Manchester, is currently redressing these issues. One recent aspect of this work has been the characterization of natural products employed in the mummification of votive bundles. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and the well-established biomarker approach, analysis of 24 samples from 17 mummy bundles has demonstrated the presence of oils/fats, natural waxes, petroleum products, resinous exudates, and essential oils. These results confirm the range of organic materials employed in embalming and augment our understanding of the treatment of votives. In this first systematic initiative of its kind, initial findings point to possible trends in body treatment practices in relation to chronology, geography, and changes in ideology which will be investigated as the study progresses. Detailed knowledge of the substances used on individual bundles has also served to enhance their value as display items and aid in their conservation.

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“…One of the first comprehensive embalming techniques was the mummification process (1500-1200 B.C. ), which was based on the religious beliefs of the ancient Egyptians (Koller et al, 1998). Mummies were also found in the Andes (Guillen, 2004) and the Buddhists used the mummification technique in Japan as well (Morimoto, 1993).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A technique to perfuse cadavers that extends the useful life of fresh tissues: The Duke experience

Messmer¹,

Kellogg²,

Zhang³

et al. 2010

Anatomical Sciences Ed

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The demand for laboratory-based teaching and training is increasing worldwide as medical training and education confront the pressures of shorter training time and rising costs. This article presents a cost-effective perfusion technique that extends the useful life of fresh tissue. Refrigerated cadavers are preserved in their natural state for up to 45 days with a daily working period of ten hours. Tissues maintain their color and natural consistency throughout this period. This new process for preservation of tissue opens the door to improved surgical training and to numerous research opportunities.

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Embalming was used in Old Kingdom

Cited by 51 publications

References 2 publications

History of Use and Trade of Agarwood

History of Use and Trade of Agarwood

Organic residue analysis of Egyptian votive mummies and their research potential

A technique to perfuse cadavers that extends the useful life of fresh tissues: The Duke experience

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