The Egyptian Mummy “Hori”: a conservation assessment of Brazil’s Museu Nacional’s Egyptian Mummy “Hori” for Exhibition

Abstract

Mummies are often excavated from dry tombs in xeric countries and transported to humid exhibits in mesic countries. When this happens, specific changes are likely to occur that threaten the long–term stability on mummies. We review our experiences in the University of Nebraska State Museum in the USA and the Museu Nacional in Brazil with regard to Andean mummies. We have observed several types of change that damages mummies. In some cases moisture is absorbed by the mummy and weakens brittle tissues. In other cases, moisture exudes from the mummies. In a few cases, decomposition occurs and necessitates intervention. The threats of humid museums are summarized and recommendations made for preserving mummies.