Divine creatures: animal mummies in ancient Egypt

Animal mummies offer a unique window into the lives, beliefs and religious practices of the ancient Egyptians. The millions of animal mummies recovered in archaeological sites attest to a well-established tradition. However, many aspects of this practice remain under researched, in particular how the practice varied over time and by region, as well as its cultural and social significance. Therefore, the project will explore the chronological framework of the practice through radiocarbon dating. Mummies will be studied using a range of advanced scientific methods (CT scanning, isotopic analysis, molecular analysis) to better understand and contextualise the practice by looking at its religious, economic and social implications. This research will take place alongside new conservation work.

The project will answer the following questions:

• When were animals mummified in ancient Egypt and what changes occurred over time?
• How and in which conditions were these animals bred, captured and killed?
• What mummification techniques were employed by the embalmers, and how did they vary chronologically and across species? How did these techniques vary from human mummification?
• What were the ecological and economic impacts, and the social and cultural significance, of this tradition?

Through collaboration with colleagues, nationally and internationally, the project aims to:

• Change our understanding of the history of mummifying animals in Egypt and the lives of the animals that were mummified.
• Scan the mummies using non-invasive techniques and gain a unique insight into what lies behind the wrappings.
• Understand how the various animal species were bred, captured, killed, embalmed, wrapped and buried. This will in turn allow us to understand whether these practices differ from those used for human mummification in both choice of techniques and materials.
• Document the British Museum's animal mummy collection and create a chronological timeline for their production.

This project began with a colloquium held at the British Museum in Autumn 2024. In addition, the findings of the project's research will be published in journal articles and other publications and shared through external talks and seminars. It will also enable a new, and more accurate, narrative around animal mummies in upcoming temporary exhibitions and future permanent displays.

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