Preservation of Egyptian Animal Mummies

PRESERVING THE PAST
The Ancient Egyptians preserved for us a fantastic legacy, now it is our turn to ensure that these unique cultural treasures survive for another few millennia. Mummies are fragile. Removed from their desert environment they deteriorate, fall prey to insects, disintegrate and turn to dust.

Conservation:
After each mummy has been examined, it will be wrapped in acid-free paper, placed in a secure box made of a non-destructive substance, fumigated, and returned to storage. A regular schedule of fumigation or addition of paradicholorobenzene to the boxes will also be instituted.

These sacred rams, in their magnificent coverings of gold, also require attention.

This mummified monkey requires urgent conservation before it disintigrates further. Even so, it is in a remarkable state of preservation. There is even fur remaining on its visible paw.

Climate Controlled Display and Storage
Ideally, we would like to see provision made for the long-term conservation of the mummies. This would require a climate-controlled room with purpose built cases to house the mummies, in addition to climate- and pest-controlled storage areas.

The mummy room in the Cairo Museum has changed little since the museum was built. The cases, which were of high standard at the time, are now no longer state of the art. Cairo is both more polluted and more humid today than it was years ago. Visitors to the museum are more numerous. Modern cases would ensure that the mummies on display were well protected from environmental changes that could destroy them.

The wooden cat-shaped coffer (which contains a wrapped mummy) has been treated but its plastic wrap, while more protective than its case alone, prevents it from being clearly viewed.

The Animal Mummy Project needs help to save these precious artefacts for future generations to study and admire. YOU CAN HELP by making a tax deductible contribution.

HOW TO HELP A MUMMY...

Help save baby crocodile mummy today!