Unwrapping an ancient Egyptian mummy using x-rays

Abstract

This article describes a project of unwrapping an ancient Egyptian mummy usingx-ray computed tomography (CT). About 600 x-ray CT images were obtainedthrough the mummified body of a female named Tjetmutjengebtiu (or Jeni forshort), who was a singer in the great temple of Karnak in Egypt during the 22nddynasty (c 945–715 BC). The x-ray CT images reveal details of the remains of bodyorgans, wrappings and jewellery. 3D reconstructions of Jeni’s teeth suggest that shewas probably only around 20 years old when she died, although the cause ofdeath cannot be ascertained from the CT scans. The CT images were used tobuild a 3D model of Jeni’s head which enabled an artist to paint a picture ofwhat Jeni may have looked like during life. A PowerPoint presentation and movieclips are provided as supplementary material that may be useful for teaching.