Chemical Residue Reveals Ancient Egyptians’ Mummy-Making Mixtures
The ancient Egyptians were renowned for their ability to preserve their dead as mummies. Thanks to advancements in chemistry, scientists are now able to uncover the secrets behind this practice.
The Use of Natural Materials
Using techniques such as liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, experts are able to detect chemicals that are used in the mummification process. It appears that the ancient Egyptians relied on largely natural materials to create their mummies. Examples include:
- Resins: These are viscous, sticky substances that are extracted from trees and other plants. They form a protective shell around mummies, thus helping to prevent their decay.
- Beeswax: This is used to help seal a mummy’s body and to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. However, this is only useful once a mummy is already wrapped in bandages.
- Animal Fat: Fats from animals such as oxen and gazelles were used to coat a deceased individual’s body. Their purpose was to help preserve the body and to keep it from drying out.
- Plants: Plant extracts were also used in the mummification process. For example, extracts from the cedar tree were used to mask the smell of decomposition.
Residue Analysis
The most recent analysis of mummies reveals that resins were also used to protect them from infections, bacteria and fungi. Such resins were likely derived from plants, with pine dammar and pine tree sap being two of the most commonly used.
In addition, up to 40-50 different types of plant extract were commonly used in the mummification process. These included myrrh, juniper and cypress, which were believed to have antimicrobial properties.
Conclusion
Through chemical residue analysis, researchers have been able to uncover the surprising truth behind the ancient Egyptians’ mummy-making mixtures. It appears that they relied heavily on natural materials, such as resins, beeswax, animal fat and plants, to ensure the preservation of their dead. Moreover, it appears that these materials were also used to protect mummies from infections, bacteria and fungi. Chemical residue discovered on ancient Egyptian mummy masks has revealed the contents of mixtures used by the embalmers involved in mummification over 3,000 years ago.
A joint study conducted by researchers from France’s Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and Germany’s Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History has revealed the presence of proteins, fats, oils and beeswax on the mummy masks of three individuals who lived in Egypt during the New Kingdom period (1550 – 1070 BCE).
The study suggests that the embalmers used a mixture of plastics to create an optimal environment for mummification. The process of mummification, which involved draining the body of fluids and then drying and wrapping it, required substances to keep the mummy dry and prevent it from degrading over time.
The researchers identified that at least three components of the mixtures employed by the embalmers contained animal, plant and mineral resources, which were extracted and combined locally.
One of the components, beeswax, which has been used as a skin softener since ancient times, was found in every sample. This highlights the skill and dedication of the embalmers to ensure the highest level of mummification quality. The other ingredients in the mixtures likely helped to eliminate bacteria or dry out the body and fortify it against fungal infections.
The presence of fats, such as sheep fat and lard, shows that these resources were used thoughtfully and responsibly.
There were certain ingredients that were not present in all of the samples, indicating that the embalmers tweaked the recipes according to the environment of their place of origin.
“These findings enable us to study the evolution of mummy preservation in new directions,” explained Dr. Michaela Binder, a Max Planck researcher. “The chemical variability of our samples indicates that local and regional ingredients might have been used.”
The knowledge gleaned from this research gives us a deeper understanding of the ancient ritual of mummification and the superior funeral practices of the New Kingdom.