The international ancient Egyptian mummy tissue bank

Abstract

This paper will present an outline of the history and purpose of the setting up of the International Ancient Egyptian Mummy Tissue Bank at the University of Manchester. Initiated in the context of the worldwide Schistosomiasis Research Project, the Tissue Bank aims to locate ancient Egyptian human remains worldwide outside of Egypt. Where it is possible, and when permission can be granted, the Tissue Bank collects deposits of small samples of mummy tissue, in order that they may be available for use in appropriate scientific research projects. Non-destructive sampling techniques, including endoscopy, are applied in order to preserve the conservation of mummies and to handle and store human remains ethically. Research facilitated by the large numbers of samples deposited in the Tissue Bank includes the palaeoepidemiology of schistosomiasis and other diseases, as well as the study of lifestyle and cultural factors, including insights into medical practices and embalming techniques.