The British Museum grant supports a transformative two-and-a-half-year project dedicated to the systematic study of animal mummies within its collection. Scheduled to commence in July 2024, this project combines conservation, advanced scientific research, and curatorial expertise to deepen the understanding of the ancient Egyptian practice of animal mummification. It also aims to ensure the preservation and presentation of these significant artefacts for future generations.
The Museum houses one of the largest collections of animal mummies outside Egypt, encompassing approximately 500 specimens that include wrapped remains of cats, crocodiles, ibises, bulls, snakes, and more, along with their wooden and bronze coffins. These mummies were integral to ancient Egyptian religious practices, believed to serve as offerings to the gods and as representations of divine connections. The project will investigate not only the techniques used in the mummification process but also the broader cultural, economic, and environmental implications of this practice, which involved breeding and capturing millions of animals over centuries.
Despite their importance, the animal mummies in the British Museum have been the subject of limited research, with many specimens still stored in 19th-century containers and in a fragile state. Drawing on lessons and methodologies from recent groundbreaking research on human mummies, the project will employ cutting-edge techniques, including CT scanning, radiocarbon dating, isotopic analysis, and molecular studies. These tools will provide new insights into the origins, life histories, and mummification processes of the animals, offering a comprehensive view of their role in ancient Egyptian society.
The project is structured into five stages: conservation to assess and stabilise the mummies, imaging to study the wrapped remains, radiocarbon and isotopic analysis to establish chronology and origins, embalming residue analysis to investigate preservation materials, and a final stage focused on research synthesis, dissemination, and public engagement. Key milestones include an international colloquium in late 2024, detailed radiocarbon studies, collaborative research with institutions in Egypt and France, and the launch of a major exhibition on animal mummies at the Museum in autumn 2026.
Outcomes will include an updated and enriched permanent display in the Museum, enhanced digital access to the collection, and a comprehensive outreach program targeting academic, educational, and general audiences. Findings will be disseminated through scholarly articles, public exhibitions, interactive teaching resources, and a children’s book. The project also aims to strengthen international collaboration with researchers and institutions abroad, ensuring the broadest possible impact of its findings.
The funding will enable the Museum to carry out this ambitious initiative, preserving a vital part of ancient Egyptian heritage while significantly advancing the understanding of animal mummification practices.
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