Newswise —
A report published in Scientific Reports details the findings of a non-invasive imaging technique used to describe the contents of six ancient Egyptian animal coffins that were sealed.
The embalming of creatures was a commonly observed custom in ancient Egypt. Past studies propose that certain mummified animals were viewed as tangible embodiments of divine beings, whereas others may have functioned as offerings or been utilized in ceremonial presentations.
Using neutron tomography, Daniel O’Flynn and his team succeeded in imaging the contents of six animal coffins that were previously sealed and made of copper compounds. Previous attempts to study the coffins with x-rays had failed. The authors note that it is uncommon for such coffins to remain sealed. Of the six coffins, four are topped by lizard figures and the other two are topped by figures with part-eel, part-cobra bodies and human heads. Three of the coffins were discovered in the ancient city of Naukratis and have been dated to between 500 and 300 BCE, while the fourth coffin was discovered in the ancient city of Tell el-Yehudiyeh and has been dated to between 664 and 332 BCE. The remaining two coffins of unknown origin have been dated to between approximately 650 and 250 BCE.
The researchers discovered bones in three of the coffins, including a fully intact skull that had similar dimensions to a group of wall lizards native to North Africa. Two other coffins showed evidence of broken-down bones. Textile fragments, possibly made from linen, were also found in three of the coffins, which suggests that the animals may have been wrapped in linen before being placed in the coffins, a common practice in Ancient Egyptian mummification. The authors also found lead within three of the coffins that lacked loops, which may have been used to aid weight distribution or repair damage. The researchers speculate that lead may have been chosen due to its mystical properties, as previous studies have proposed that lead was used in love charms and curses. Interestingly, the three coffins with loops may have been used for suspension in religious processions, while the three heavier coffins without loops may have served different purposes.
The findings provide further insight into the manufacture and use of animal coffins in ancient Egypt.
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