Chicago City Wire

New research conducted at the Field Museum is providing scientists with fresh insights into ancient Egyptian mortuary practices and the lives of individuals who lived over 3,000 years ago. Utilizing CT scans, researchers are able to virtually explore beneath the wrappings of mummified remains, revealing details about the deceased individuals and their communities.

Over a four-day period, 26 mummified individuals were examined using a mobile CT scanner positioned outside the museum. This technology generates thousands of X-rays that are compiled into a 3D image, offering a unique perspective on these ancient remains.

Stacy Drake, Human Remains Collection Manager at the Field Museum, emphasized the significance of this approach: “From an archeological perspective, it is incredibly rare that you get to investigate or view history from the perspective of a single individual.” The study aims to uncover not just artifacts and stories but also insights into who these people were during their lifetimes.

The project has already begun to unravel some mysteries surrounding well-known remains at the museum. One such case involves Lady Chenet-aa from Egypt's Third Intermediate Period. The scans have determined her age at death to be in her late 30s or early 40s and have revealed significant dental wear due to sand in her diet. Notably, supplementary eyes were placed in her eye sockets for her journey to the afterlife.

JP Brown, Senior Conservator of Anthropology at the museum, explained this practice: “The Ancient Egyptian view of the afterlife is similar to our ideas about retirement savings... If you want eyes, then there needs to be physical eyes.” The CT scans also solved a longstanding puzzle regarding Chenet-aa’s cartonnage by revealing its construction process.

Another intriguing subject is Harwa, also from Egypt's Third Intermediate Period. As Doorkeeper of the granary for his kingdom, Harwa enjoyed a high social status reflected in his well-preserved teeth and lack of labor-related ailments despite his advanced age. Harwa's afterlife was equally adventurous; he became known as one of the first mummies flown on an airplane and had unexpected travels during his display at New York World’s Fair.

These anecdotes highlight changing attitudes toward preserving human dignity in collections today. The CT scans offer valuable glimpses into these ancient lives while underscoring humanity's enduring nature across millennia.

This study marks only the beginning; scientists anticipate continued discoveries as they delve deeper into these digital layers over time.