Field Museum Uncovers 3,000-Year-Old Secrets of Lady Chenet-aa's Embalming
- Researchers at the Field Museum used CT scans to study Lady Chenet-aa, a mummy estimated to be 3,000 years old.
- The scans uncovered unique embalming techniques, including the creation of the coffin around the body using humidity.
- These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the lives and social status of individuals from ancient Egypt.
Scientists at the Field Museum in Chicago utilized advanced CT scanning technology to investigate the embalming techniques used on Lady Chenet-aa, a high-status mummy who lived approximately 3,000 years ago. Traditional excavation methods had previously proven ineffective due to the coffin's lack of visible openings, which left researchers puzzled for decades. The scans revealed that the coffin was crafted first and then adapted around the body using humidity to soften the material. This innovative approach included unique features such as stuffing in the trachea to maintain shape, a slit to access the wrapped body, and a wood panel to secure the remains during the molding process. In addition, the study identified that the embalmers had replaced her eyes with artificial ones to prevent deterioration over time. The researchers also analyzed a second mummy, Harwa, who lived concurrently with Chenet-aa and shared a similar high social status. Like Chenet-aa, his well-preserved bones and teeth suggested that he enjoyed a lifestyle free from physical labor and had access to quality food. The analysis aims to shed light on the social status, diet, and life of these individuals, moving away from traditional narratives to a more personal understanding of their historic lives.