AEABB56
Description
A stylised, conical bundle with herringbone wrapping style and appliqué image of Thoth on throne wearing an Atef crown on the upper aspect.
Radiographs show the the semi-articulated, yet fragmented remains of an ibis species, likely Threskiornis aethiopicus (Sacred Ibis). The radiographs are quite radiodense over the bird remains, indicating the use of a resinous substance. CT shows that the bird remains appear to have been articulated at the time of mummification, although this is not the case now, particularly in the thoracic and abdominal region and the wings. The ribs and most of the vertebrae are 'floating' within the bundle core where an air void has been created towards the upper aspect of the bundle, due to the collapse of the thoracic and abdominal cavities. Some of the skull remains and was attached to some cervical vertebrae, which has remained in situ. A beak is not clearly visible. The leg bones form the distal end of the bundle suggesting that the intended skeletal position for this ibis was in a seated position with the neck folded towards the legs. It is thought this individual was mummified in toto, although it is not possible to tell due to the lack of articulation and clear air voids created by the feather shafts. The resinous substance is visible on the surface of the bird remains as a once molten, now solidified material, which fractures in characteristic angular patterns.
Museum Acquisition Number: 11501
Radiographs show the the semi-articulated, yet fragmented remains of an ibis species, likely Threskiornis aethiopicus (Sacred Ibis). The radiographs are quite radiodense over the bird remains, indicating the use of a resinous substance. CT shows that the bird remains appear to have been articulated at the time of mummification, although this is not the case now, particularly in the thoracic and abdominal region and the wings. The ribs and most of the vertebrae are 'floating' within the bundle core where an air void has been created towards the upper aspect of the bundle, due to the collapse of the thoracic and abdominal cavities. Some of the skull remains and was attached to some cervical vertebrae, which has remained in situ. A beak is not clearly visible. The leg bones form the distal end of the bundle suggesting that the intended skeletal position for this ibis was in a seated position with the neck folded towards the legs. It is thought this individual was mummified in toto, although it is not possible to tell due to the lack of articulation and clear air voids created by the feather shafts. The resinous substance is visible on the surface of the bird remains as a once molten, now solidified material, which fractures in characteristic angular patterns.
Museum Acquisition Number: 11501
Date
Late-P to lemaic Period
Source
Saqqara. Donated by the EES and acquisition via the British Museum, 1969. This mummy was collected by the then Curator of Archaeology, Prof John Prag, amongst other items from excavations at the Sacred Animal Necropolis.
Rights
Manchester Museum
Central Manchester University Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Central Manchester University Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Format
JPG
Language
English
Original Format
JPG
Tags
In collection
Cite as
“AEABB56 ,” Ancient Egyptian Animal Bio Bank, accessed May 4, 2024, https://www.mummies.manchester.ac.uk/items/show/102.
Item Relations
This item has no relations.