Recycled Blessings: An Investigative Case Study of a Rewrapped Egyptian Votive Mummy Using Novel and Established 3D Imaging Techniques

C.A. Raymond, J.J. Bevitt, Y. Tristant, R.K. Power, A.W. Lanati, J.S. Davey, J.S. Magnussen and S.M. Clark Archaeometry 61 1160-1174 (2019).

This case study was the ﬁrst of its kind, where neutron computed tomography (CT) was applied to a wrapped mummiﬁed animal. Conventional X-ray CT was also used to allow for meaningful comparison, and complementary data for a comprehensive investigation. Previous applications of both techniques are limited to metallic objects, such as bronze Buddhas. The mummy used in this study (IA.2402) is dated between the Third Intermediate Period (1069–664 BCE) to Late Period (664–332 BCE) according to the wrapping style, and was originally believed to contain a complete skeleton of a feline. However, precise date and provenance were unknown. Our results prove the presence of only partial juvenile feline remains, and provide a date range for artefact creation (900–804 BCE ± 30) and alteration (367–204 BCE ± 30). Therefore, this study implements an established imaging technique (neutron CT) in a novel way, while preserving and conserving the intrinsic value of the artefact through non-destructive investigation.

Fig 1. Mummiﬁed cat IA.2402: (a)–(d) photographs of the mummiﬁed cat (using 360° photogrammetry); (e)–(h) sketches showing markings on the mummiﬁed cat wrappings—bolder lines mark red pigment and thinner lines mark green pigment. Sketches by C. Raymond.

Fig 2 (a) The set-up for the DINGO imaging station at ANSTO, as conﬁgured for neutron tomography studies (adapted from Garbe et al. 2015). (b) The internal layout of the CCD used on the DINGO imaging station at ANSTO (adapted from Garbe et al. 2015).

Fig 3. The results of the CTscans (X-ray scans are on the left and neutron scans appear on the right of each pair): (a) an external comparison of the wrapping and painted markings; (b) a sagittal slice through the mummy; (c) a coronal slice through the cat mummy; (d) a transverse slice through the mummy near the paws, showing a highly attenuating object in the X-ray slice, but not in the neutron slice.

Fig 4. A comparison of the neutron and X-ray CT scans, showing the shape of bone, aiding in speciation of encased animal: (a) a cross-section of the neutron CT reconstruction—the red arrow indicates calcaneus; (b) a cross-section of the X-ray CT reconstruction, with the red arrow and box indicating the position of the calcaneus; (c) the shapes of the cal- caneus in adult cats (Van Neer et al. 2014); (d) the calcaneus extracted manually from X-ray CT data using VG Studio.

Fig 5. An illustration of the power of combined data: (a) a neutron CT cross-section; (b) an X-ray CT cross-section; (c) combined neutron and X-ray CT data. Yellow arrows indicate areas of epiphyses.