What Did She Look Like?

Using the CT-scans of the mummy’s head, a forensic artist recreated the facial features and sculpted a likeness of the woman who lived 2,300 years ago. Three models from the forensic reconstruction process are on display in the exhibit, and the process is detailed in a video presentation.

Model 1 – Thin styrofoam layers are cut using the CT-scans of the head as guides. After they are stacked and glued together, blue plugs are attached to indicate depth of the facial muscles and skin layers. The plugs are used as guides in modeling the head with clay.
Model 2 – After the clay is applied to the Styrofoam model, it is fitted with ears and finished off with a neck and partial shoulders. The clay model is then fired and fitted with glass eyes.
Model 3 – In the final stage, the model is washed with color to give a realistic appearance. A wig is added, along with some modern beads for a necklace, and the sculpture is complete.