Human remains

Interdisciplinary project aimed at the comprehensive study of the entire collection of human remains of the Museo Egizio, from an Egyptological, anthropological, and paleopathological perspective

Human Remains - – Interdisciplinary project aimed at the comprehensive study of the entire collection of human remains of the Museo Egizio, from an Egyptological, anthropological, and paleopathological perspective

Coordinators: Federica Facchetti, Valentina Turina

Team: Paolo Del Vesco, Susanne Töpfer, Giulia Gregori, Marco Rossani, Giulia Pallottini, Sara Aicardi, Alice Paladin, Matilde Borla

Partner Institutions: EURAC Bolzano; Horus Group; Soprintendenza di Torino

The project aims to study and publish all the human remains preserved at the Museo Egizio, highlighting Egyptological information useful for the dating and contextualization of the artifacts. Anthropological and paleopathological analyses contribute to reconstructing the biography and biological profile of the individuals, also providing deeper insight into embalming techniques. This information will also make it possible to assess the state of conservation, defining targeted conservation interventions and appropriate preservation strategies. In particular, the mummy of the vizier Imhotep is of notable interest from the perspectives of Egyptology, restoration, and museum display. The first campaign of analyses yielded unexpected results that require further investigation through additional diagnostic analyses.

The project began with an initial comprehensive anthropological and paleopathological analysis of each individual. This was made possible through the systematic acquisition of computed tomography (CT) scans performed on most of the anthropological remains (excluding purely osteological materials). This first phase of analysis also revealed further information on embalming methods and the possible presence of grave goods.

In parallel, the following analyses were carried out: AW (activity water), a non-invasive analysis that made it possible to analytically assess the amount of water contained within the mummified anthropological remains and therefore evaluate potential biological risks; targeted sampling was also conducted for radiocarbon (C14) dating and genetic analyses. Given the invasive nature of these procedures, samples were selected with careful consideration of their impact on the preservation of the artifacts and the expected scientific reliability of the results.

In an initial phase, all collected data will be entered into the Museo Egizio database (SiME), adopting a standardized methodological protocol. This will ensure uniformity in data collection, recording, and dissemination, making the information accessible through the Museo Egizio website.

Furthermore, the outcomes of the scientific study, the research process, and the archaeological and Egyptological implications of the results will be published in the Studi del Museo Egizio series, providing a valuable research tool for systematic comparison and further study. Data on human remains will be updated and published in both the internal and public databases of the Museo Egizio, and a scientific article on the mummy of the vizier Imhotep will be produced.

A targeted conservation project will be defined and calibrated based on the results obtained, and methodologically significant conservation treatment will be published.

Visit

Events

Collection and research

Education e training

Private events

Support the Museum

Touring exhibitions

Who we are

Fondazione Trasparente

HR and tenders

Press