Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of ancient Egypt with JP Brown, the conservator of Pacific Anthropology at the Regenstein Lab in the Field Museum. Our focus today is on the mummy of Pen Ptah, a male from the 25th dynasty, dating back approximately 2,700 years. This exploration offers a unique glimpse into Egyptian culture, particularly through the lens of burial practices and mummification.
Mummification in ancient Egypt was a complex and evolving tradition. While many are familiar with the iconic canopic jars used to store organs, this practice underwent significant changes over time. During the period of Pen Ptah, organs were often wrapped and placed back inside the body rather than stored separately. Although we suspect this is the case with Pen Ptah, x-radiography has yet to confirm the presence of organ packets inside his body.
Mummification was a privilege reserved for the elite, a small fraction of the Egyptian population. The process involved the removal of the brain and most internal organs, typically through an incision in the abdomen. Contrary to popular belief, the brain was not extracted with hooks; instead, it was likely dissolved using specific substances to aid its removal.
After the removal of organs, the body was treated with natron, a natural salt, for about 40 days. This desiccation process was crucial for preservation. Once treated, the body was wrapped in linen and placed in a tomb, intended to remain undisturbed for eternity. However, tomb robbers and archaeologists often disrupted this eternal rest.
The Field Museum acquired Pen Ptah’s mummy from the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt, but the details of its journey before this acquisition remain unknown. The current examination of Pen Ptah’s sarcophagus and mummy is part of the preparation for a touring exhibit titled “Mummies: Images of the Afterlife.” This exhibit aims to highlight the invasive methods once used to study mummies before the advent of modern imaging technologies.
In the past, researchers often resorted to removing the outer wrappings of mummies to explore their contents, a practice that sometimes resulted in damage, such as the detachment of the head from the body. The first invasive studies of mummies began in the late 19th century when collectors sought specimens for museum displays.
During our recent examination, we discovered a painting of the goddess Nut on the bottom of the outer coffin. Nut was traditionally associated with guiding souls to the afterlife. Additionally, we found some beetles inside the coffin, which require further identification.
Unexpectedly, new developments in the conservation project revealed that Pen Ptah’s mummy still contained its brain, unlike most late Egyptian mummies. We also discovered blowfly casings mixed with the brain, suggesting that decomposition occurred before mummification. This finding raises intriguing questions about the treatment of the deceased and suggests that Pen Ptah may have died far from mummification facilities. The presence of flesh-eating beetles indicates a complex ecosystem of decomposition.
While we may never uncover the full story of Pen Ptah, ongoing research continues to reveal secrets of ancient Egyptian practices. Each discovery adds a piece to the puzzle, enhancing our understanding of this remarkable civilization and its intricate burial customs.
Engage in a virtual workshop where you simulate the mummification process. You’ll learn about the materials and techniques used by ancient Egyptians, including the use of natron and linen wrappings. This hands-on activity will deepen your understanding of the preservation methods and cultural significance of mummification.
Participate in a debate on the ethics of studying mummies. Discuss the balance between scientific discovery and respect for ancient remains. This activity will encourage you to consider the implications of invasive research methods and the importance of modern imaging technologies in preserving historical artifacts.
Prepare a presentation on the evolution of mummification practices over different Egyptian dynasties. Focus on changes in techniques, such as the transition from canopic jars to organ packets. This will help you explore the historical context and technological advancements in ancient Egyptian burial practices.
Analyze the case study of Pen Ptah’s mummy, focusing on recent discoveries such as the presence of the brain and blowfly casings. Discuss the implications of these findings on our understanding of ancient Egyptian mummification and burial practices. This activity will enhance your critical thinking and analytical skills.
Write a creative story imagining a day in the life of Pen Ptah before his death. Incorporate historical details about the 25th dynasty and Egyptian culture. This exercise will help you connect with the human aspect of historical figures and appreciate the cultural context of their time.
We’re here with JP Brown, the conservator of Pacific Anthropology in the Regenstein Lab at the Field Museum. Today, we’re discussing ancient Egypt, specifically the mummy of Pen Ptah, a male from the twenty-fifth dynasty, around 2700 years ago.
What we’re trying to do is understand more about Egyptian culture, particularly through the study of burials. It’s fascinating to see how the tradition of mummification evolved over time. For instance, while many are familiar with canopic jars used to store organs, during this period, the practice began to change, and organs were often wrapped and placed back inside the mummy instead.
We suspect that the organs of this individual are wrapped inside the body, but we haven’t conducted x-radiography yet to confirm this. Typically, we would expect to find packets of organs inside.
Mummification was an elite practice, reserved for a small percentage of the population. The process involved removing the brain and most internal organs, often through an incision in the abdomen. Contrary to popular belief, the brain was not removed with hooks; it was likely dissolved using substances to facilitate its removal.
After the body was treated with natron for about 40 days, it would be wrapped and placed in a tomb, intended to remain there indefinitely. However, tomb robbers and archaeologists eventually disrupted this plan.
We acquired this mummy from the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt, but unfortunately, we lack the history of its journey before that. The purpose of examining this sarcophagus and mummy today is to prepare for a touring exhibit titled “Mummies: Images of the Afterlife.” We aim to discuss the invasive methods used to study mummies before modern imaging technologies were available.
In the past, researchers often removed the outer wrappings to investigate the inner contents, which sometimes resulted in damage, such as the head detaching from the body. The first invasive attempts to study mummies occurred in the late 19th century when collectors sought museum-ready exhibits.
During our examination today, we discovered a painting on the bottom of the outer coffin depicting the goddess Nut, who was traditionally associated with guiding souls to the afterlife. We also found some beetles inside the coffin, which we will need to identify.
Unexpectedly, we returned to JP’s lab due to new developments in the mummy conservation project. We found that, unlike most late Egyptian mummies, this one still contained its brain. We also discovered blowfly casings mixed with the brain, indicating that decomposition occurred before mummification.
This raises questions about the treatment of the deceased and suggests that the individual may have died far from mummification facilities. The presence of flesh-eating beetles indicates a complex ecosystem of decomposition.
While we may never know the full story of this individual, ongoing research may reveal more secrets over time.
Mummification – The process of preserving a body after death by embalming and wrapping it in cloth, commonly practiced in ancient Egypt. – The mummification of pharaohs was a crucial aspect of ensuring their safe passage to the afterlife.
Egypt – A country in northeastern Africa, known for its ancient civilization and monumental architecture such as the pyramids and the Sphinx. – Egypt’s rich archaeological sites continue to provide invaluable insights into early human history and culture.
Burial – The act or ceremony of placing a dead body in a grave or tomb, often accompanied by rituals and offerings. – The burial practices of ancient societies can reveal much about their beliefs and social structures.
Practices – Customary actions or procedures followed by a group, often reflecting cultural or religious traditions. – Archaeologists study the practices of ancient civilizations to understand their daily lives and societal norms.
Mummy – A body that has been preserved after death, typically through mummification, to prevent decay. – The discovery of a well-preserved mummy can provide significant information about the health, diet, and lifestyle of ancient peoples.
Conservation – The protection and preservation of cultural heritage, including artifacts, structures, and sites, from deterioration or destruction. – Conservation efforts are essential to maintain the integrity of archaeological sites for future research and education.
Ancient – Belonging to the very distant past, often referring to the period before the fall of the Western Roman Empire. – Ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia and Egypt laid the foundations for modern society through their innovations and cultural achievements.
Elite – A group of people considered to be the most powerful, influential, or superior within a society, often due to wealth or status. – The elite of ancient societies often commissioned elaborate tombs and monuments to demonstrate their power and legacy.
Culture – The social behavior, norms, and practices that define a group of people, often passed down through generations. – The study of material culture in archaeology helps us understand the values and beliefs of ancient societies.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs, often based on written records and archaeological findings. – History provides context for understanding the development of civilizations and their impact on the present.
