Mummy Brains

TL;DR

A conservator at the Field Museum discusses the ancient Egyptian mummy of Pen Ptah and the changing practices and surprises found in the mummification process.

Transcript

We're here with JP Brown, who is the conservator of Pacific Anthropology in the Regenstein Lab here at the Field Museum. But today we're not talking about Pacific Anthropology...

• No, today we're talking about Egypt. - And, kind of, ancient Egypt. - Yeah, pretty ancient Egypt. What we're looking at here is the mummy of Pen Ptah, a male from th... Read More

Key Insights

• 💁 The mummy of Pen Ptah offers valuable information on the changing techniques and beliefs surrounding Egyptian mummification practices.
• 🤕 Unwrapping mummies in the past led to damage as the final layer was often adhered with resin, and attempts to remove it resulted in detached heads.
• 🔬 Studying mummies involves not only investigating the deceased individual but also considering the historical context of tomb robbers, tomb reuse, and archaeological excavation.
• 🚱 The touring exhibit "Mummies: Images of the Afterlife" focuses on showcasing how mummies were previously studied before the advent of non-invasive imaging techniques.
• 🙂 Unexpected discoveries, such as the presence of ancient brains and insect casings, shed light on unconventional circumstances surrounding mummification and decomposition.
• 😨 The state of preservation in a mummy can vary depending on factors like location, access to mummification facilities, and the level of care given after death.
• 👨‍🔬 Ongoing research on the mummy of Pen Ptah may reveal further secrets or contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of ancient Egyptian practices.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does studying burials help understand Egyptian culture?

Studying burials provides insights into the social practices and beliefs of ancient Egyptian society, such as the significance of mummification and burial rituals.

Q: How were organs preserved during mummification?

In the case of Pen Ptah, the organs are suspected to be wrapped up and placed back inside the mummy's body. Canopic jar usage declined during this period.

Q: Who had access to mummification?

Mummification was mainly available to the elite, constituting approximately the top 5% of society due to its cost and complexity.

Q: What caused the mummy to decompose before the mummification process?

The presence of blowfly casings and the absence of brain removal suggest that Pen Ptah might have decomposed before undergoing mummification, possibly due to the delay in discovering the body or limited access to mummification facilities.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The mummy of Pen Ptah, a male from the twenty-fifth dynasty, is studied to understand the changes in Egyptian mummification practices over time.

• Mummification was an elite activity involving the removal of organs, packing in natron, and wrapping the body, but certain practices like using canopic jars gradually faded out.

• The mummy is being prepared for a touring exhibit on mummies, highlighting historical invasive techniques and the use of modern imaging technologies.