Mummies

Abstract

Mummies are human remains with preservation of nonbony tissue. Mummification by natural influences results in so-called natural mummies, whereas mummification induced by active (human) intervention results in so-called artificial mummies, although many cultures practiced burial rites, which to some degree involved both natural and artificial mummification. Since they are so uniquely well-preserved, mummies may give many insights into mortuary practices and burial rites. Specifically, the presence of soft tissues may expand the scope of paleopathological studies. Many recent mummy studies focus on the development and application of nondestructive methods for examining mummies, including radiography, CT-scanning with advanced three-dimensional visualizations, and endoscopic techniques, as well as minimally-destructive chemical, physical, and biological methods for, e.g., stable isotopes, trace metals, and DNA. This article discusses mummification and gives a presentation of various key mummy finds and a brief history of mummy studies. A description of the extant key technologies of natural and medical science that are applied in mummy studies is given; along with a discussion of some of the major results in terms of paleopathology. It is also shown how mummy studies have contributed much to the knowledge of the cultural habits and everyday life of past populations. Finally the impact of mummy studies on analyses of mortuary practices and cultural history is discussed. Yrbk Phys Anthropol 50: 162-190, 2007. V

Checklist and Scoring System for the Assessment of Soft Tissue Preservation in CT Examinations of Human Mummies: Application to the Tyrolean Iceman

“…It is known that mummification can differ within one individual due to variations within the composition of individual soft tissues and can also vary with regard to the time required for the mummification of different body parts [31]. From a review of paleopathological cases and the literature, it appears that the soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system are better preserved than organs [6,9]. One explanation by Lynnerup [6] is that "the larger the ratio of skin surface is to the underlying body volume, the more water can be evaporated from the body segments in question.…”

“…From a review of paleopathological cases and the literature, it appears that the soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system are better preserved than organs [6,9]. One explanation by Lynnerup [6] is that "the larger the ratio of skin surface is to the underlying body volume, the more water can be evaporated from the body segments in question. This means that fingers and toes, and the extremities to a lesser degree, will often show more pronounced mummification than the trunk".…”

Ancient Egyptians in Lithuania: A scientific study of the Egyptian mummies at the National Museum of Lithuania and the MK Čiurlionis National Museum of Art

“…Th is technique represents a signifi cant development in radiologic investigation, as it eliminates superimposition and the juxtaposition of elements posed by two-dimensional imaging modalities (11).…”

“…Th ereaft er, slices can be combined to obtain three-dimensional reconstructions of the artefacts. Furthermore, a quantitative scale called Hounsfi eld Unit (HU) scale is used for describing radio-density, discriminating structures and assessing the presence of foreign objects through a scale of gray shades (11).…”

Pharaohs and Mummies: Diseases of Ancient Egypt and Modern Approaches

“…Paleopathological investigations often coincide with bio-anthropological inquires, which provide information pertaining to anthropometric characteristics, population of descent, age, and sex. The diagnostic methods that can be deployed to examine mummified remains include what can be categorised as non-destructive, less-destructive methods and destructive methods [6]. Non-destructive methods include radiography, computerised tomography scanning (with advanced three-dimensional visualizations), and endoscopic techniques [7].…”