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A Multidisciplinary Study of Egyptian Mummies from the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts (Methodical Aspects)

https://doi.org/10.17746/1563-0110.2019.47.3.136-144

Abstract

We present the results of a multidisciplinary study (the fi rst one in Russia) of nine Egyptian mummies owned by the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts (Moscow), carried out at the Kurchatov Institute. A detailed description of the methods is provided. X-ray computed tomography is shown to be a highly informative non-destructive technique for studying the 3D structures of mummies. On the basis of the results, plus the conclusions of forensic experts, a detailed anthropological analysis was conducted. Mummifi cation techniques, sex, and age of all individuals were assessed. In three cases, the sex differed from that indicated in the museum inventory. Morphologically, all crania represent varieties of the Mediterranean type. One individual, however, has typically sub-Saharan features. Pathological changes concern mostly the spine and are both age-related and traumatic. In two individuals, spinal pathologies might have caused death.

About the Authors

E. B. Yatsishina
National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”
Russian Federation


S. V. Vasilyev
Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology, Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation


S. B. Borutskaya
Lomonosov Moscow State University
Russian Federation


A. S. Nikitin
Evdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry
Russian Federation


S. A. Nikitin
Bureau of Forensic Medical Expertise, Moscow Health Department
Russian Federation


R. M. Galeev
Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology, Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation


S. I. Kartashov
National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”
Russian Federation


V. L. Ushakov
National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”
Russian Federation


O. A. Vasilieva
Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts
Russian Federation


O. P. Dyuzheva
Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts
Russian Federation


M. M. Novikov
Federal Scientifi c Research Centre “Crystallography and Photonics”, Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation


I. A. Chichaev
National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”
Russian Federation


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Review

For citations:


Yatsishina E.B., Vasilyev S.V., Borutskaya S.B., Nikitin A.S., Nikitin S.A., Galeev R.M., Kartashov S.I., Ushakov V.L., Vasilieva O.A., Dyuzheva O.P., Novikov M.M., Chichaev I.A. A Multidisciplinary Study of Egyptian Mummies from the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts (Methodical Aspects). Archaeology, Ethnology & Anthropology of Eurasia. 2019;47(3):136-144. https://doi.org/10.17746/1563-0110.2019.47.3.136-144

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