Funerary practices in old Kingdom Egypt revealed through a cross-disciplinary study of a mummy with painted bandages from Gebelein (Upper Egypt)

Abstract

This study provides new data on funerary practices performed during the Old Kingdom at Gebelein (Upper Egypt) through a multidisciplinary analysis of a complete wrapped body with painted face bandages (S16731), which we radiocarbon dated to the 4th dynasty. The painting was revealed by the application of an innovative laser-based cleaning method, which was used to remove the compact layer of dust from the linen bandages. To our knowledge, this is the oldest securely-dated mummy that reproduces facial features through paintings on bandages. Old Kingdom mummies are rare in museum collections; therefore, our research offers a unique insight into the little-known evolution of embalming practices during the Early Dynasties of Egypt. The analyses carried out on the mummy, which is currently held at the Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography of the University of Turin (Italy) provided novel results. Of note, CT scans showed a peculiar displacement of the thoracic and pelvic bone suggesting that the individual was in a decomposed state at the time of wrapping while chemical analyses confirmed the use of resin, soil/earth and gypsum for the treatment of the body. This rare and remarkable example of an Old Kingdom embalmed body, with its unique equipment, clearly demonstrates how mummification practices during the early dynasties were already characterised by a very high level of care and skill.

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