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Mummy conservation and paleopathology
Abstract
The curation of human mummified remains is discussed from the point of view of the paleopathologist. The preservation of a body (and samples) after its study involves: (1) The type of mummification process used, and the deterioration since (taphonomy); (2) Method of study utilized (radiology and/or non-destructive autopsy: maximizes information, minimizes damage); (3) Individualized restoration; and (4) Storage (including samples and documents): environment and pest-barriers. Finally, the respect that each human body deserves is emphasized, as well as the laws and beliefs of each nation. Some examples are given from Perú and the United States.
... Pneumonia has been suggested to be a potential cause of rib IPR in past populations (Kelley et al., 1994), although many modern pneumonia victims die within 24-48 hours of hospital admission (Marrie, 1993), before IPR can form. Analysis of Peruvian mummified individuals have demonstrated that pneumonia was common and other respiratory conditions, such as tuberculosis and anthracosis (a respiratory condition caused by the inhalation of carbon particulates, usually from smoke), were present in these populations (Gerszten et al., 2012;Lombardi, 2001;Marrazzini et al., 2015;Panzer et al., 2017;Zimmerman et al., 1981). In neighboring Chile, eight mummified individuals from the site of Az-75, in the Atacama Desert on the northern coast, dating from around 350 BC to AD 500, were selected for dissection. ...
Objective
To investigate evidence for maxillary sinusitis and pulmonary inflammation in archaeological skeletons dating to the Late Intermediate Period (AD 1000-1476) at the site of Pachacamac, Peru.
Materials
Thirty-nine individuals (male, female, and unknown sex; 16+ years age-at-death) were analyzed for inflammatory periosteal reaction (IPR) on the visceral (inner) surfaces of the ribs, and 16 individuals were analyzed for evidence of maxillary sinusitis.
Methods
All individuals were macroscopically examined for bony changes in the maxillary sinuses and new bone formation on the ribs according to pre-established criteria.
Results
Some 33.3% (13/39) of individuals had IPR on the ribs and 93.8% (15/16) had bony changes in the maxillary sinuses.
Conclusions
Respiratory disease was likely prevalent in people buried at Pachacamac during the Late Intermediate Period. A number of factors may have increased the risk of developing respiratory disease, including exposure to poor air quality and increased crowding and social mixing, resulting from pilgrimage to this important ritual center.
Significance
This paper represents one of the first systematic analyses of evidence for respiratory disease in Peruvian and South American human skeletal remains, demonstrating the suitability of the region for further study.
Limitations
A limited sample was available for analysis. Additionally, the site’s skeletal preservation was excellent, meaning the sample available for assessment of maxillary sinusitis was smaller, being limited to individuals with post-mortem breakage.
Further Research
The results of this study should stimulate further much needed systematic investigation of evidence for respiratory disease in other Peruvian and South American populations.
... Surface details were recovered and original dimensions restored. Zimmerman (2012) and Lombardi (2001) likewise report that mummified tissues can be rehydrated successfully enough that standard histological techniques of examination may be carried out and 'palaeopathological diagnoses of diseases found within mummified remains can be made with a considerable degree of confidence and accuracy' (Zimmerman 2012, 153). ...
The conservation of a bog body is complex and a challenge for all those involved. A substantial list of requirements needs to be pulled together by the conservator in designing an effective and appropriate conservation strategy for these rare and important finds. Past treatments have often been reactive and constrained by lack of research and testing. Bog body materials are not yet sufficiently characterized and the level of access for which we are designing conservation treatments has not been comprehensively anticipated. This paper examines some of the questions conservators will need answered before they can design more successful long-term strategies for the conservation of bog bodies, and makes an attempt to answer them. In doing so, it places in context past treatments and hopes to stimulate future research that may aid in improving the preservation of bog bodies for the future.
A Late Period gazelle mummy housed in the Agricultural Museum in Cairo, Egypt was
selected for this study. The mummy showed different signs of deterioration, such as white
spots, missing tissue, gaps in the linen bandages, and accumulated dust. This study aims
to describe the signs of deterioration; to explain the mechanisms of deterioration, and to
apply appropriate conservation techniques to the mummy. To achieve these goals, the
mummy was first examined by means of visual assessment, AutoCAD, light microscope,
microbiological investigation, scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform
infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), amino acid analysis and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The
conservation techniques used were mechanical and chemical cleaning, consolidation of
wrappings and bandages, completion processes and reconnecting loss part of the gazelle’ s
leg. The results of investigation revealed that the mummy suffered from a loss of amides
in the bone which increased their crystallinity, as well as oxidation and hydrolysis
mechanisms. The wrappings were identified as Cyperus papyrus L. The mechanical and
chemical cleaning used removed the surface dust and dirt without damage to the
components of the mummy. The wrappings and bandages became strong ater using
Klucel G as a consolidant material. The paste used in the completion process gave
significant results in filling cracks and missing parts of the mummy’ s back. In general, all
the conservation processes of the mummy revealed its aesthetic value
Radiography has been used as a tool for mummy research practically since its discovery by Roentgen. Within the same year as Roentgens discovery, (1896) reported on an x-ray image taken of a mummy in Germany. The next year, Sir Flinders Petrie used x-rays to study a mummy at the British Museum but was constrained by the size and weight of the equipment and only imaged the feet. In 1897 in Vienna, a doctor named Block x-rayed a whole mummy for a medical study. Eminent Egyptologist, Georg Ebers studied these findings (El Mahdy, 1989: 75). Tuthmoses IV was x-rayed by Khayat in 1903 and the films were studied by G. Eliot Smith. Smith determined the remains were much younger than the age estimated from translated writings (Smith, 1914). The results of this report began a long debate concerning historical estimates of Pharaonic age versus the biological age of Thutmoses. Were the historical estimates wrong? Was Smith wrong in his assessment? Or could the mummy have been mis-identified?
A case of tuberculosis in a child from the Nazca culture of southern Peru, a culture dated at approximately 700 A.D., is described. There was evidence of Pott's disease with a psoas abscess, tuberculosis of the lung, pleura, liver, and right kidney with demonstrable acid fast organisms. Pericarditis was also present, but no bacilli could be demonstrated.
Evidence in Cultural Resistence: Paleopathologycal Study of a 18th Century Aleut (Unangan) Mummy
- G. Lombardi