At Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History, scientists have uncovered fascinating details about ancient Egyptian mummies using state-of-the-art CT scanning technology. Without disturbing a single linen wrapping, the research team has peered into the lives and afterlife preparations of mummies on display, offering a glimpse into 3,000-year-old traditions.

Peering Beneath the Wrappings

In September, 26 mummies were carefully transported on specially designed carts to a mobile CT scanner in the museum’s parking lot. The process created thousands of X-ray images, which were later stacked to form detailed 3D renderings of the skeletons and artifacts hidden within the coffins.

JP Brown, the museum’s senior conservator of anthropology, explained that while the scanning process took just four days, analyzing the data may take up to three years. These efforts promise to unlock secrets about ancient Egyptian mortuary practices and provide insights into their preparations for the afterlife.

A Personal Look at Ancient Lives

The scans reveal much more than scientific details—they tell the personal stories of individuals who lived thousands of years ago. “This allows us to view history through the lens of individuals rather than generalized assumptions,” said Stacy Drake, human remains collections manager. The scans not only aid in preservation but also help scientists respectfully understand the lives of the mummified Egyptians.

Rituals for the Afterlife

Ancient Egyptians believed the soul remained within the body after death, necessitating meticulous mummification to preserve it for the afterlife. The process involved removing internal organs, drying the body with salt, and wrapping it in linen, often with prayers or protective amulets written into the layers.

The mummified individual was then ceremonially buried to ensure their transition into the next world. For high-status individuals like Lady Chenet-aa, who lived during Egypt’s 22nd Dynasty, these rituals were lavish, symbolizing a well-prepared “retirement” in the afterlife.

Lady Chenet-aa: A Mystery Solved

Lady Chenet-aa, one of the museum’s most popular mummies, provides a fascinating case. She likely died in her late 30s or early 40s, with dental wear suggesting a diet rich in grainy, sand-laden foods. Embalmers placed prosthetic eyes in her sockets and stuffing in her trachea to maintain her appearance for eternity.

Her burial included an intricate cartonnage coffin, but researchers were puzzled by how her body was placed inside without visible seams or large openings. The CT scans revealed that embalmers stood her body upright, softened the cartonnage with humidity, and carefully molded it around her. A slit at the back of the coffin was laced shut and plastered over to create a seamless design.

Everyday Life of the Elite

Another scanned individual, Harwa, a granary doorkeeper, offers a glimpse into the life of Egypt’s upper-middle class. Despite his humble-sounding title, his well-preserved skeleton indicates he lived comfortably, with minimal physical labor. Both Harwa and Lady Chenet-aa demonstrate how high-status individuals enjoyed lives of relative ease.

Correcting Mistaken Identities

Not all mummies had coffins custom-made for them. One coffin, inscribed for a priest, actually contained the body of a 14-year-old boy. Scans like these reveal such discrepancies, showing that some individuals resorted to “secondhand” burial items due to financial constraints.

Changing Ethical Perspectives

The approach to studying mummies has evolved dramatically over the years. In the 19th century, archaeologists often unwrapped mummies without regard for preservation. Today, researchers prioritize respect, ensuring mummies are treated as people with unique stories rather than artifacts.

Harwa’s journey exemplifies how attitudes have changed. In 1939, he became the first mummy to fly on an airplane and even attended a Broadway show before returning to the Field Museum. While fascinating, this treatment is now seen as unethical.

Mummies as People, Not Objects

The Field Museum’s research emphasizes the humanity of the mummified individuals, shifting the narrative from spectacle to respect. “We’re trying to rehumanize these individuals and share their stories with dignity,” said Drake. By doing so, the museum invites visitors to appreciate the rich history and culture of ancient Egypt through the lens of the people who lived it.

This groundbreaking research not only solves mysteries like that of Lady Chenet-aa but also underscores the importance of preserving and respecting ancient remains for generations to come.