‘Re-rolling’ a Mummy: an Experimental Spectacle at Manchester Museum

Abstract

Ancient Egyptian animal mummies and votive statuettes were often wrapped in linen, concealing the contents and conferring sanctity to the remains. Mummy autopsies were commonplace in 19th century Europe, when ancient mummified bodies were unwrapped to reveal what lay beneath the linen bandages. Similarly, votive statuettes were often unwrapped upon discovery, either by archaeologists or grave-robbers. Modern radiographic techniques allow researchers to better understand the nature of their contents and construction in a completely non-invasive manner. Researchers at the University of Manchester have successfully mummified animal cadavers using techniques witnessed through the radiographic study of ancient mummies, yet how these artefacts were wrapped, often elaborately, remains unknown. In February 2016, combining the expertise of conservators, textile specialists and artists, a modern mummy was ‘re-rolled’ at Manchester Museum in the UK marking the 40th anniversary of the unwrapping of Mummy 1770.

Keywords

• mummification
• post depositional process
• funerary
• neolithic
• chalcolithic
• newer era
• newest era
• egypt
• united kingdom