Understanding Mummification through X-Ray Technology

CT-scans and new X-rays helped us look inside the mummy without unwrapping her. The X-rays revealed the arms were crossed over the chest, scarab amulets were placed along the upper arms and legs. She had arthritis in the joints as well as dental problems, and she was female based on the shape of her pelvis. The X-rays also showed a large nasal cavity, leading to the conclusion that the brain was extracted through the nasal passage during mummification. Cross-sections of the body, which were produced with CT-scans, revealed natron embalming fluid in the cranium and small visceral packs, or mummified organs, in the mummy’s lower abdomen.

Many of the mummification techniques revealed through these tests were common during the Ptolemaic period and helped us further confirm her age that had been estimated from the Carbon-14 dating test.

Probably the most serious medical problem she suffered in life was bad teeth. The X-rays revealed that many of her teeth had been sheared off or completely eroded, and she suffered from severe abscesses. Her remaining teeth are loose and ground down, exposing the nerves. Because of the bad condition of her teeth, eating may have been difficult and painful for her. A lack of nutrition certainly could have contributed to her death. But why were her teeth so bad? An Egyptologist working with the Museum speculated that it had to do with the Egyptians’ environment. Living in a desert meant it would have been difficult to keep sand and tiny stones out of the grains they processed into flour. Consequently, sand was in their food, and this probably caused her teeth to be badly worn.